County approves lean budget

Adrienne Packer

Tuesday, May 21, 2002 | 9:06 a.m.

The task of juggling a sluggish economy with increasing growth resulted in the leanest budget adopted by Clark County commissioners in more than a decade.

The $800 million general fund budget passed with little fanfare; no residents spoke at a public hearing Monday and only four commissioners attended the 20-minute presentation.

"We've maintained the principles of the taxpayers' rights," Commission Chairman Dario Herrera said. "We made sure we're as fiscally responsible as possible and keeping up with the needs of the growing community."

Herrera joined Commissioners Mary Kincaid-Chauncey, Bruce Woodbury and Myrna Williams in approving the budget.

Clark County Finance Director George Stevens said the slowdown in tourism after the terrorist attacks resulted in lagging sales tax revenues.

In the upcoming fiscal year, the county is expecting to spend $819 million on public safety, government operations, public works, courts, health and welfare and parks and recreation. The allotted amount is about 6.5 percent more than was spent last year, Stevens said, but still short of what should be spent to keep up with growth.

"Our budgeting expenditure of 6.5 percent doesn't allow us to keep up with growth and the population," Stevens said. "When you combine those, it should be about 9 percent."

The county's general fund revenues for the upcoming fiscal year are projected to be $803 million -- a 7.5 percent increase from last year. Most of the revenues will come from property taxes. A 12 percent increase in assessed valuation resulted in a 15 percent increase in property tax revenues.

Stevens said 138 positions will be funded for a total of $5.2 million. Thirty-six new jobs will be created to staff two fire stations expected to be completed during the year.

With the Regional Justice Center on the verge of opening, 34 positions have been designated in the Real Property Management division to help maintain the facility.

The county also had to fulfill unfunded mandates for positions in the Justice Center, Family Court and District Court.