Wednesday, July 7, 1999 | 11:05 a.m.
Board to hear public on taxes
The Clark County Commission scheduled a public hearing for July 20 to discuss a proposed increase in residential construction taxes.
Board member Myrna Williams recommended bumping construction taxes from 32 cents per square foot to 36 cents per square foot to raise more money for parks within the districts where the fees are collected.
With the current 32 cents per square foot -- the same rate the city of Las Vegas charges -- the county collects between $5 million and $6 million a year from new homes. The increase would bring in an extra $800,000 per year.
Parks to increase by 2,850 acres
A parks and recreation master plan introduced to Clark County commissioners Tuesday shows an increase of 2,850 acres of parkland during the next 20 years.
The county plans to pour $662 million into new parks and recreation centers as well as the renovation of existing green spaces. Part of the ambitious project also includes a 300-mile trail that would link the Red Rock recreation area to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Parks and recreation officials told commissioners that about $165 million is available for the project now, but they have yet to determine where the remainder of the money will come from.
Jail due for redesign after bids rejected
The jail section of the Clark County's new Regional Justice Center will likely have to be redesigned after bids for the project came in almost $10 million more than the estimated $60 million cost.
County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to reject all bids for the jail and consider ways to reduce the cost, such as reducing the number of beds at the 1,276-bed facility. The center, including the jail section, is scheduled to be open in April 2001.
The Las Vegas group HCA Dworsky Nevada Inc. estimated the cost to build the jail structure at $60 million; the lowest bid was $69.4 million.
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