Legislative platform approved by council

Dan Kulin

Thursday, Jan. 16, 2003 | 9:19 a.m.

North Las Vegas elected officials say the top priority in the coming state legislative session is working to protect money the city receives through the state.

That goal is one of more than 60 in the city's proposed legislative platform for the 2003 session, which was unanimously approved Wednesday by the City Council.

The platform addresses the city's official stance on development and zoning, among other key issues.

Mayor Michael Montandon said the legislative platform will serve as a guide for the city's lobbyist and other staff members who will be in Carson City for the session, which begins next month.

Councilman William Robinson said the council worked on what items should be included in the platform during a council retreat last year.

Montandon said the city did not take a position on a proposed 1 percent tax on the gross receipts of businesses over $350,000. The tax was recommended by the state Task Force on Tax Policy as a potential source of new revenue to help make up a projected $704 million deficit during the next two years.

Gov. Kenny Guinn has not said whether the gross receipts tax will be part of his budget.

But in the expected search for funds to offset the projected deficit, Montandon and council members Robert Eliason and Shari Buck said they need to work to keep the city from losing funds.

Under the platform, the city's other positions on finance and tax matters would include opposing sales tax exemptions and supporting increased local authority to offer tax exemptions and incentives.

In general the platform supports increasing local control over residents and businesses.

Other parts of the platform include: