Plan would give health district funds previously sent to schools

Adrienne Packer

Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2000 | 11:02 a.m.

A controversial legislative bill draft approved by Clark County commissioners Tuesday would strip the school district of penalty funds collected from emissions violators and return them to the Clark County Health District.

Under the existing laws, fines for violations of air quality regulations are funneled to schools.

Commissioner Erin Kenny, who recommended the change at a state level, said between $500,000 and $1 million is collected each year as a result of pollution violations. The money is badly needed to improve air quality.

"It's reasonable and it's about time the school district participates in one form or fashion," Kenny said.

The bill draft proposal, which will be submitted to the state legislature, says without adequate funding to control air quality, the federal government could place sanctions -- including reducing transportation funds -- on the county.

Commissioner Yvonne Atkinson Gates said the county has tried to push through a similar measure in the past and it failed. She suggested that rather than take money away from schools, the district could be required to use the funds on its own air quality improvement projects.

"If the Legislature lets the school keep the funds, then at least use them where there is a nexus between air quality and the school system," Atkinson Gates said. "For example, vehicles that create less smog."

In addition to the emissions bill draft, the commission approved a proposed measure that would allow county staff to clean up graffiti on private property after giving reasonable notice to the property owner.

Currently the county cannot remove graffiti from private property without written permission.

Jim Spinello, the county's franchise manager who lobbies at the state level, said the deadline for bill drafts is in September. Other bill drafts that will be submitted to the Legislature include: