Budget, adjusted for tax cap, trims $2.6 million

Wednesday, May 18, 2005 | 9:37 a.m.

The state's new tax cap forced North Las Vegas to revamp its tentative budget to account for $2.6 million in property tax revenue the city won't be getting.

When the city unveiled its budget in March, the Nevada Legislature had yet to adopt a property tax relief plan. North Las Vegas had tentatively budgeted $162.5 million in its general fund, the budget that covers most city services. That has been reduced to $161.3 million in the budget adopted Tuesday by the City Council.

General fund spending, however, is still up 10.7 percent from $145.7 million. Overall spending in the city will increase 7 percent from $389 to $417 million.

North Las Vegas plans to add 141 positions, including 50 in public safety. About 30 percent of the city's overall spending is for public safety, and more than 55 percent of the general fund budget goes for public safety.

The city will hire 15 police officers, 11 corrections officers, two dispatchers, a crime prevention specialist and a crime analyst.

The budget calls for developing and restoring parks, funding for new facilities, including a senior center, and improved street maintenance.

The city has budgeted $9.2 million for Ann Road, $17.3 million for Lamb Boulevard, $7.3 million for Craig Road, $8.4 million for North 5th Street, $2 million for Simmons Street and $1.7 million for Clayton Street.

North Las Vegas will reduce its tax rate by 1.5 cents.