Lyon County voters to have their say on sales tax

Lyon County voters will be able to add their two cents worth to the debate over a possible sales tax increase.

The commissioners have approved placing on the Nov. 2 ballot an initiative that would raise the county's sales tax 1Ú4 percent. The tax currently is 61Ú2 percent.

The ballot measure is being called an "advisory ballot question," which, according to District Attorney Leon Aberasturi means the commissioners are not bound by law to follow the voters' decision.

If the majority of voters reject the additional sales tax, there can be no increase. If the majority of voters approve the increase, then it's up to the commissioners.

"It's a really legal way of putting it," he said. "They (commissioners) can't raise the tax without the required vote. There's no way the sales tax can go through if the people vote no."

County Manager Donna Kristaponis said while that is correct, the commissioners are not going to dismiss the will of the voters.

Commissioner Leroy Goodman thinks a sales tax increase is needed.

"It's for a specific purpose, primarily libraries, senior center, public safety," he said. "And it's a pretty painless way to go because it's a user fee."

Goodman said many of his constituents complain about inadequate library services and the state-imposed 3 percent cap on property taxes made it difficult to raise money for libraries and similar programs.

"We're definitely behind the eight ball with libraries," he said. "We have five libraries in the county that definitely need expanding."

The proposed sales tax increase would pay for libraries, parks, recreational programs and facilities and senior centers and programs, as well as to protect agriculture.

According to language on the ballot initiative, about $1.3 million would be generated by the increased sales tax, and the average Lyon County resident would pay $26.61 more in sales taxes.

• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111 ext. 351.