Hearing set on sales tax increase

Adrienne Packer

Wednesday, Nov. 18, 1998 | 11:18 a.m.

The Clark County Commission introduced an ordinance Tuesday that paves the way for a quarter-cent hike in sales tax.

The tax increase, which was approved by 72 percent of Clark County voters during the Nov. 3 election, will go toward improving water and wastewater facilities throughout the valley.

Before final approval of the sales tax, the commission will hold a public hearing at 10 a.m. on Dec. 15 in the commission chambers.

The tax has been long debated in the county. Proponents argue that increasing the sales tax to 7.25 percent is the fairest way to pay for improvements. Opponents, however, have said new growth should pay for the improvements through higher residential and commercial hookup fees.

The sales tax hike is expected to raise $3 billion and will be eliminated when that amount is collected or in 2025. The money will be used to pay for increased system capacity, including pipes and pumps.

A year ago, the Clark County Commission failed to approve a quarter-cent hike. After listening to both sides of the argument, it voted 4-3 to impose the added fee, but state law requires that the commission have a five-vote supermajority.

The commission then opted to place it on the November ballot as an advisory issue.