State voters to decide on school, water programs

Thursday, Oct. 22, 1998 | 12:22 p.m.

CARSON CITY -- From populous Clark County to tiny Storey County, voters are being asked this election to shell out more money on programs, ranging from school construction to expansion of water facilities to libraries and firefighters.

In Lincoln County, rival questions are on the ballot favoring and opposing nuclear waste. In some rural counties, there are proposals to change the structures of the local governing boards.

There are 10 questions on the statewide ballot to amend the Nevada Constitution ranging from permitting the use of marijuana for medical purposes to allowing a tax break for projects that save water such as efficient landscaping.

In nine of the 17 counties, there are local issues before the voters.

In addition to questions of funding for water projects and school construction, Clark County voters will decide on these questions:

--Should the state Constitution be amended to resolve conflicts between Constitutional amendments or new state laws that are approved by the voters in the same election.

A "yes" vote would amend the Constitution so that when conflicting proposals are approved by voters, only the one that receives the most votes goes into effect. A "no" would allow the conflict to be resolved by the courts, not by changing the Constitution.

--Should the Commission on Judicial Discipline be reformed. The commission regulates justices and judges to ensure public confidence. The body is currently governed by the Supreme Court. A "yes" vote would authorize the Legislature to establish judicial standards. A "no" would keep things the way they are.

--Should the Legislature designate locations in counties other than county seats for holding district courts. A "yes" vote would allow the Legislature to designate the locations, and a "no" vote would continue the prohibition against hold court outside the county seat.

--Should the Legislature designate the last Friday of October as a state holiday for observing Nevada Day. Since 1939, the holiday has been celebrated on Oct. 31.

--Should the Legislature be limited to sessions of not more than 120 days and the governor required to submit the budget 14 days before the session.

--Should there be a reduction in taxes on property used in a manner to conserve water. For example, water efficient landscaping may qualify for reduction or elimination of property taxes. If approved the Legislature would establish guidelines for qualification.

---Should the sales tax exemption be eliminated on items resold to the public by state and local governments and agencies. Passage would require shops and restaurants in parks, museums and places for public recreation to collect sales tax.

--Should the Lieutenant Governor be replaced as Senate President with a senator elected by the Senate, who also would serve as the next person in succession to the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor. The measure also would abolish the expense allowance paid to the Senate President and the Assembly Speaker.

--Should marijuana be allowed for the treatment or alleviation of certain illnesses. The advice of a physician would be required and minors would need parental concent.

--Should the Legislature be instructed to provide term limits for members of the Nevada delegation to the U.S. Congress. The amendment would limit members of the House to three terms or six years and Senators to two terms or 12 years.

In Southern Nevada, newcomers have been pouring into Clark County at the rate of 4,000 per month, putting a strain on water facilities and schools.

The 1997 Legislature, at the urging of gaming, water and construction interests, allowed Clark County to impose a quarter-cent increase in the sales tax to pay for water-delivery improvements. The Clark County Commission ducked the issue and put an advisory question on the ballot.

If the sales-tax increase fails, higher water rates would be necessary. Question 1 says monthly water bills would go from 5 cents to 16 cents per 1,000 gallons by the year 2010. And water connection fees for a home would jump from $3,400 to up to $28,000 by 2027.

Supporters of the sales tax say tourists will help foot some of the bill and it will avoid hefty increases in water bills. Opponents say growth should pay for itself and some even question the need for the extra money.

Voters in Clark County also are being asked to support a school construction "roll over" bond issue, keeping the tax rate at the present 55 cents per $100 of assessed valuation to build classes. Instead of the tax rate going down as the present debt is paid off, the levy would remain the same to raise $3 billion over the next 10 years for building new schools and refurbishing existing ones.

On the ballot in Indian Springs in Clark County is a proposal to raise property tax by a half-cent per $100 of assessed valuation for starting a 911 emergency telephone system. The ballot in Boulder City is asking residents to decide if voter approval is necessary in the future for any residential, commercial or industrial development of the Eldorado Valley area controlled by the city.