Bill allows Metro to seek own bond sale

Wednesday, April 16, 2003 | 10:13 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The Assembly Taxation Committee on Tuesday moved forward with a bill that would make it easier for Metro Police to seek a bond measure.

Senate Bill 334, sponsored by Warren Hardy, R-Henderson, allows Metro Police to seek a bond measure without first getting legislative approval. Metro Lt. Stan Olsen said Metro will still have to go to Metro's Fiscal Affairs Committee, the Las Vegas City Council, the Clark County Commission and the Debt Management Committee before any measure is placed before voters.

Olsen testified that Metro currently has 1.7 officers per 1,000 residents -- about 900 officers short of the 2.6 officers per 1,000 residents that is the national average. He also said his department's budget request of 389 new police officers was rejected this year.

Clark County lobbyist Dan Musgrove said the county is not in the fiscal position to fund the additional officers.

"We feel it is very appropriate that they go to the public to meet their needs," Musgrove said.

The committee also unanimously approved Senate Bill 353, sponsored by Ray Rawson, R-Las Vegas.

SB353 clarifies the requirements for determining whether a charitable organization qualifies for a tax exemption by including hospitals or health care services.

Rawson, the assistant majority leader of the Senate, is a dentist.

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