NLV council hears protest of proposed annexation

Thursday, May 7, 1998 | 9:54 a.m.

About 10 residents protested a proposed annexation at a North Las Vegas City Council public hearing Wednesday night.

"We have more signatures than are needed," said Lin Wright, a North Las Vegas resident heading the protest. "We're fed up."

The proposed annexation area is bounded on the south by Lone Mountain Road, on the west by North Commerce Street, on the north by Washburn Road, and on the east by Donna Street.

The city said it wants to annex the area to be developed for municipal purposes and to avoid piecemeal annexation. The city is not proposing any water or sewer, extension of any streets, or other municipal streets.

Wright said before the city can initiate an annexation, it must set aside services such as fire and police or have to float a bond issue.

"They cannot float a bond issue because they are already maxed out (financially) and cannot service our area -- not putting money aside (for these services) makes it illegal," she said

"They have not complied with Nevada state laws on annexation."

Six residents and Assemblyman Tom Collins, D-North Las Vegas, spoke to the council about the annexation. Four were against the annexation, but two residents that said they were for the annexation stated they need utilities.

"I'm for the annexation because the county is never going to give property owners a chance for utilities," North Las Vegas resident Faith Quick said, adding the cost of her new well pump came to $4,000, including the new pipe and labor.

Collins said that the city should encourage annexation on a voluntary basis and they should show the benefits of annexation to residents first.

The council said that the 51 percent of land owners signatures are needed to prevent the annexation.

The council will vote on the issue at its May 20 meeting.