INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The Incline Village General Improvement District is gearing up for an environmentally conscious fireworks display this July 4. Chris Plastrias of Incline Fireworks gave an overview of the permitting process, in accordance with local agencies, including the Washoe County Fire Department, and outlined new initiatives to make a safer and lower-impact display.
“We are fully compliant and approved through all of the various agencies and that was a heavy lift,” said Plastrias. He added that they are placing additional emphasis this year on minimizing environmental impact and enhancing clean-up efforts by employing Echo Solutions and Clean Up the Lake to assist with an eco-friendly display.
“We are sending all these samples to independent agencies that will come up with reports,” he said. Those reports will be made available to the public when they are complete. The safety and environmental monitoring process, he said, would cost over $40,000 this year. Organizers will also be monitoring water clarity before and after the holiday. The fire department has additionally updated its safety guidelines, which Incline Fireworks is adhering to. Plastrias requested additional funding for the new monitoring efforts.
GM gives financial update
In the district’s June 11 meeting, General Manager Robert Harrison additionally delivered a status report, beginning with the status of IVGID’s financial reporting. Harrison noted that significant progress had been made in the district’s ongoing efforts to comply with Nevada Department of Taxation financial reporting requirements, and that their priority was still to remove the current fiscal watch status implemented this year.
“With the audit nearly completed, bank reconciliations are nearly up to date, and with the budget now adopted, we have made significant progress in addressing the financial challenges identified in our system,” said Harrison. He added that the support from Baker Tilly, an outside firm the district contracted with to complete a significant backlog in financial reporting, was “crucial in bringing the audit to completion.”
“Our next steps involve meeting the necessary requirements to lift the fiscal watch designation, including providing regular monthly financial reports to the board,” he said.
He also offered a beverage services update, outlining changes to services provided at Burnt Cedar and Incline Beach. “Due to last-minute changes from the Board of Health, Incline Spirits is now only permitted to operate under a single fourteen-day special event permit.”
The organization is now only able to provide services at Incline Beach, and has reduced its concessionaire payment to $28,000. The district is additionally working on modifying the interior facility of Burnt Cedar in order to be able to make mixed drinks and have cocktail servers and a bartender. In the meantime, the beach will offer canned drinks.
Draft audit statements released
Following Harrison’s, Director of Finance Jessica O’Connell gave an overview of the draft audited financial statements, along with the auditing process and the audited financial statements. Trustee Mick Homan touted the work that was done to produce the drafts.
“I want to make sure people understand the work that the folks on the team did,” he said. “What they inherited was a very difficult situation to say the least.” He added that the financial team was able to close the books for both 2023 and 2024 fiscal years.
Trustees additionally interviewed candidates for the district’s legal services and made a motion to prepare a contract for legal counsel services with Taggart & Taggart, effective July 1, 2025. The motion was approved 4/1 with Trustee Ray Tulloch abstaining.
Trustees additionally voted to reinstate employee beach access, which was previously revoked. The motion was passed 4/1 with Tulloch voting no.
The final week of June marks a busy week for IVGID, with meetings of both the audit committee and a regular meeting scheduled for June 26. The district is discussing its final financial statements, adjustments to the budget, a new auditing firm and updated fire precautions.
