County briefs for June 5, 2002

Wednesday, June 5, 2002 | 9:44 a.m.

People to vote on smoking laws

Southern Nevada voters will have a say over whether they believe local governments should have control over tobacco regulations.

Clark County commissioners agreed Tuesday to place two advisory questions on November's general election ballot. The first asks whether the Clark County Health District should have the authority to adopt tobacco laws; the second asks whether the state should adopt more stringent laws.

The results will be taken to the 2003 Legislative session where lawmakers will have the final decision.

Commissioner Myrna Williams was the only opposing vote. Williams said the government is overstepping its bounds by wanting to take control of smoking laws.

Recorder will upgrade computers

The Clark County recorder's office is taking steps to install a new computer system expected to reduce backlog and allow the division to open satellite offices in the future.

Commissioners agreed to begin negotiations to enter contracts with hardware and software companies and directed administrators to assemble a committee to ensure the computer will interface with systems in the assessors and treasurers office.

The last time the recorder's office received a new computer system was in 1984 when the population was about 539,000 and employees recorded about 250,000 documents annually. The office today records 3,600 documents a day; 400 an hour, according to statistics provided by the recorder.

Tax would help homeless problems

Homeless shelters will be closer to securing a steady stream of money if voters in November approve an advisory ballot question asking for a one-cent property tax increase to help fund homeless services and affordable housing.