Moapa Valley gives up plans to become a city

By Cy Ryan

Monday, Aug. 8, 2011 | 8:58 a.m.

CARSON CITY – Moapa Valley has abandoned its plans to become a city after learning it would mean significant increases in taxes and fees.

Clark County provides services such as police and fire protection for the small town.

Ben Robinson was a member of the incorporation committee. He told the state Taxation Department that the committee has reviewed its options, “but we have been unable to come up with a viable way to cover anticipated expenses for an incorporated city.”

The Committee on Local Government Finance told incorporation proponents this month that “it is not advisable or feasible” for Moapa Valley to continue its proposal to become a city.

Marvin Leavitt, chairman of the finance committee, said its study showed the new city could not generate enough revenue to match one year’s expenditure. And any tax increases “still would not allow for any meaningful fund balance or any reserves for capital improvements.”

Moapa Valley has given up the idea, but Laughlin is moving ahead with its plans to become a city. The Taxation Department has started a study to determine the financial feasibility of its incorporation.

The study must be presented to the Clark County Commission and the Legislative Commission by the end of the year. If one agrees, the Laughlin incorporation can go to voters on next year’s primary election ballot.

Casinos in Laughlin don’t want anything to do with incorporation. If Laughlin were to become a city, the casinos would not be in city limits.