Las Vegas council briefs for Oct. 14, 2003

Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2003 | 9:24 a.m.

Sewer increase to be introduced

The ordinance to raise sewer and connection fees and to institute an annual fee on sewer service is to be introduced to Las Vegas City Council Wednesday. That clears the way to schedule a public hearing in November; the council could then vote on the proposal at its Nov. 19 meeting.

The additional revenue from the increase is needed to offset the cost of construction over the last 10 years, and to prepare for improvements to the system planned for the future, city officials have said. The idea first was proposed during budget hearings this spring.

The connection fees in Las Vegas would go up from the current $1,200 per home to $1,680 over two years, according to information provided by the city. The sewer fees would go up from an average of $138.80 a year to $204.04 a year over two years. The proposal calls for a surcharge of 5 percent a year on municipal ratepayers.

Carole Vilardo, president of the Nevada Taxpayers Association, said she opposes the surcharge, as well as the structure of the fee increase.

"It's entirely too much at one time," she said.

According to information provided by the city, its sewer and connection fees are among the lowest in the valley, and would remain so even after the increase.

Council to hear fountain ordinance

A revised drought ordinance, which will address the issue of whether fountains can continue running, is to be read at the Las Vegas City Council meeting Wednesday, setting the stage for adoption as early as Nov. 5.

Until then, fountains can continue running as the ordinance is considered. In the city, 25 fountain operators have filed for exemptions in office parks, at other businesses and at the Fremont Street Experience.

The new ordinance is a response to stated confusion by the City Council over how rules regulating fountains applied; other local entities also are expected to take up a version of the ordinance.

The Southern Nevada Water Authority, which is made up of water providers and local jurisdictions in the Las Vegas Valley, created the drought policy, which took effect in different parts of the region starting late summer. While the authority sets overall policy, it is up to the individual jurisdictions to implement it.

The portion of the policy dealing with fountains allowed the continued operation of water features "vital to a core economic function." That was meant to exempt Strip resorts, but the ordinance did not limit the interpretation of "core economic function."

Organizational study considered

The Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday will consider a $63,700 contract for an organizational study of city departments dealing with building and safety, planning, some public works and fire inspection.

The company, Kirchoff and Associates, performed a similar study that was presented in March, said city officials. The departments covered in that study were Neighborhood Services, Leisure Services, the city marshals and a portion of field operations.

"From time to time it's helpful to have somebody from outside see how we operate," said Las Vegas City Manager Doug Selby. "It removes our own bias."