Lyon voters reject sales tax, OK bond issue

Lyon County voters approved a 10-year rollover bond issue sought by the school board, but rejected increasing sales taxes to pay for libraries and other services.

Voters said no to Question 15, which would have funded libraries, parks, recreational programs and facilities and senior centers and programs, as well as for programs to protect agriculture. The vote was 8,177 or 55.72 percent voting no and 6,498, or 44.28 percent in favor.

Commissioner Leroy Goodman had supported a sales-tax increase, saying 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.

"I guess if we're going to build or expand some libraries in Fernley, Dayton or Silver Springs, we'll have to find the money for it," he said. "We'll have to figure out something. We'll just be talking about it when we meet in December."

Goodman added that he didn't think the question was presented well, and it received no support from library boards.

"I was surprised it got as many votes as it did," he said.

Question 14, which authorizes the school district to finance new schools through a 10-year rollover bond issue, passed with 8,631, or 59.17 percent, in favor and 5,955, or 40.83 percent, opposed.

School Superintendent Nat Lommori has said the bond issue would not mean an increase in the tax rate, only that the district gets a 10-year timeline, rather than seeking action every two years.

Lyon joined residents of Clark, Storey, Washoe and Nye counties, which have all approved rollover bonds.

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

Lyon County

Ballot questions

Question 14 - School bond rollover

Yes 8,631; 59.17 percent

No 5,955; 40.83 percent

Question 15 - Sales tax increase to fund libraries, etc.

No 8,177; 55.72 percent

Yes 6,498; 44.28 percent