Business groups recommend fiscal restraints

Wednesday, March 16, 2005 | 11:04 a.m.

The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and the Nevada Taxpayers Association today announced an initiative to address long-term fiscal policy at the local government level.

The six-page "Recommendations for Sound Fiscal Responsibility" includes 28 proposed reforms the two organizations hope counties, municipalities and school districts statewide will adopt.

The document is heavy on recommendations that would limit government employee salaries, benefits and retirement packages.

"Our feeling is that benefit plans based on salary history and years of service should not take funding priority of public services," said Kara Kelley, president and chief executive of the 7,000-member Chamber of Commerce.

"We're challenging local government to be accountable to taxpayers and operate more like businesses," she said.

Carole Vilardo, president of the 800-menber Nevada Taxpayers Association, said the initiatives were being presented now, during good economic times, when tax revenue is high.

Bad economic times, she said, occur in cycles every 10-13 years. And she wants governments to consider forming rainy-day funds during good times to prevent counties and municipalities from establishing higher taxes and fees when times are bad.

Kelley has agreed to be an advocate for the program in Southern Nevada while Vilardo plans to introduce it to governments in the rest of the state.

The 28 reform proposals include suggestions on budgets and expenditures as well as policies on fund transfers, entitlement programs, and on equipment and vehicles.

Among the proposals are: