Former City Manager Doug Thornley, who resigned from the City of Reno after working there from October 2020 to July 2024, was the subject of an ethics complaint filed on January 15, 2025.
The Nevada Commission on Ethics received the complaint from a member of the public and initiated an investigation into alleged violations of NRS 281A.410 and NRS 281A.550.
Under state law, once a public officer leaves their post there is a statute of limitations consisting of two years when the state can investigate possible complaints - giving the commission jurisdiction over the matter.
On May 20, 2025, a review panel consisting of three Commissioners reviewed the complaint, the order on jurisdiction and investigation, Thornley’s response, and findings collected by the Commission's staff.
The review panel concluded there was no credible evidence that Thornley violated either statute.
Regarding the state law in question, the panel found that the contract referenced in the complaint between the City of Reno and Holland & Hart was signed more than a year before Thornley’s left the City, and that a related application was filed only after his departure, making the statute inapplicable, as they didn't fall within the scope of Thornley's time in office.
The panel determined that 'just and sufficient cause' did not exist to refer the matter to the full commission for an opinion and dismissed the case without further action.
The dismissal was signed by Commissioners on May 20, 2025.
