Lyon County proposes tax on infrastructure

By Karen Woodmansee

Appeal Staff Writer

Lyon County officials are turning to a sales tax increase to help pay for a much-needed jail and other public safety infrastructure.

At the commission meeting Thursday, Commissioner Bob Milz proposed an ordinance providing for a quarter-cent tax on infrastructure added to the county's sales tax.

If approved, the hike would put the tax at 6.75 percent.

NRS 377B.160 allows counties to add a tax on infrastructure that would include the acquisition, establishment, construction, expansion, improvement or equipping of facilities relating to public safety.

It also allows the funds to be used for the cultural, recreation or judicial functions, but Milz said the funds would be used for jail or juvenile facilities and only after a vote by the commission.

Comptroller Josh Foli said the increase could raise between $800,000 and $1 million per year for the jail and a youth detention center.

He said the county was looking at a number of resources, including grant funds, state or federal money, "but we aren't aware of any that are available."

Lyon County is not alone in proposing a tax on infrastructure.

Storey County also has a quarter-cent tax that can be used not only for public safety but also for cultural needs, public works, flood control and other projects. Churchill County passed a similar tax in 2005.