Public hearing set on Lyon infrastructure

By Karen Woodmansee

Appeal Staff Writer

Lyon County residents who want to add their two cents on a proposed ordinance allowing for a tax on infrastructure will get their chance this week.

The Lyon County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the issue at their regular meeting Thursday.

A tax on infrastructure, or a quarter-cent raise in the county sales tax, would increase the amount of sales tax paid at point of purchase to 6.75 percent.

The tax was needed to pay for jail expansion and possibly a youth detention center in the growing county.

County Comptroller Josh Foli said the increase could raise between $800,000 and $1 million per year.

He said the county was also looking for grant funding to augment the amount raised by the tax, but added, "we aren't aware of any that are available."

Commissioner Bob Milz proposed the ordinance at the Feb. 7 meeting, saying funds would only be used for jail or juvenile detention facilities and only after a vote by the commission, though the state law allowing for such a tax permits it to be used for cultural, recreation or judicial functions.

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.

Storey County has a quarter-cent tax on infrastructure 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.

• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 881-7351.