Sheriff to request 6 new deputies in 2026-27 budget

By Robert Perea

Lyon County Sheriff Brad Pope has asked for six new deputy positions in the county’s 2026-27 fiscal year budget to get ahead of expected population growth.

In his social media message of the week on Feb. 27, Pope cited U.S. Census Bureau estimates showing Lyon County’s population increased from about 59,235 in 2020 to roughly 63,718 by mid-2024, representing about a 7.6% total increase over that period. Pope said some estimates put Lyon County's current population at more than 68,000.  

“The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office has been very tactical in allocating resources to ensure law enforcement can manage current population growth,” Pope said. “Statistically, we’ve never operated better.”

Pope said strategic planning, expanding partnerships in the region and intelligence-led policing have ensured that the Sheriff’s Office is well-positioned to protect the quality of life in Lyon County.

Pope said the new positions he is requesting will fill critical needs and gaps in the placement of Sheriff’s Office personnel. 

“The addition of six deputies would have positive effects in every city or town within Lyon County,” he said.

Pope said population figures show growth in each part of the county, particularly in Fernley and Dayton, which he said are both growing at about 3% per year.

As of 2026, he said, Fernley’s estimated population is 25,508, up about 10.78% since the 2020 Census, with an approximate 2.95% annual growth rate. Fernley accounts for nearly 40% of Lyon County’s total population. He said that growth in Fernley is tied to industrial and logistics development, including the Victory Logistics District, which is adding significant commercial space and jobs.

Pope said the estimated population in Dayton is about 17,467, with an annual growth rate of 3.14%.

“While Dayton is smaller than Fernley, its growth rate is comparable and shows ongoing residential expansion — influenced by its positioning along Highway 50 and commuter access to nearby employment markets,” Pope said.

Pope also cited figures showing Silver Springs has a population of 5,575 with an annual growth rate of 0.31%, while Yerington’s population is about 3,247, growing at roughly 0.7 percent per year. The city of Yerington’s population is only about a third of the total population in Mason Valley.

“Whether fast or slow, the County is growing, and the Sheriff’s Office is finding, and will continue to find ways to adapt to whatever challenges await us in the future,” Pope said.