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By Kyle B. Hansen (contact) 
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 | 4:33 p.m.
Steve Sisolak
Sun Coverage
Clark County commissioners directed staff Tuesday to apply for a refund of money taken by the state, paving the way for a legal showdown between the governments.
Commissioner Steve Sisolak asked for the refund request, inspired by the recent Nevada Supreme Court ruling that declared the state’s seizure of Clean Water Coalition money unconstitutional.
The court ruled that the state’s $62 million grab was unconstitutional because it singled out the Clean Water Coalition and took money collected only from Clark County.
Using that logic, Sisolak said the state should not be able to take other money from the county.
In 2009, the Legislature approved numerous bills to take portions of the county’s property tax and other revenue totaling $197 million over two years. Lawmakers later approved an “excess government services tax” that reduced the losses to about $180 million.
Sisolak said state law sets a statute of limitations for requesting refunds from the state, so the county needs to apply by July 1 to preserve its ability to sue the state later, if necessary, to get the money.
Sisolak recognized the difficulty of the state’s budget situation. “I believe the Legislature was in a difficult position, but I also believe we have a fiduciary responsibility to our citizens,” he said.
And he said some people are upset about the refund request. “Some individual legislators are angry about this, are angry at me, but that’s their problem,” he said.
But Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani supported Sisolak. “We shouldn’t lose the opportunity to get some money back for our constituents,” she said.
And the county employees’ union also said it supports the action and may consider suing the state over the same money.
The Service Employees International Union has agreed to wage and other concessions to save the county money, only to have the state come and take money from the county, President Al Martinez said.
Sisolak argued that every individual taxpayer should have the right to sue the state over the money, since it was their taxes the state took.
The commissioners did not vote on the action, but directed staff to pursue the refund and look into legal options, which they will consider later.
“We need to preserve our rights by at least applying for the refund,” Sisolak said.
Good for the county commission to get right on this.
As far as the union suing, why since the county is on it. Just taking up more court time for the same case.
The union needs to take care of their members and stay out of the governments job.
Welcome to government in action -- the highest state court ruled, and now they're talking about whether or not to "apply for a refund"? Make the demand if a phone call doesn't work, and be sure someone knows the interest should be part of the refund.
And anyone can correct me on this, but wasn't that big bucket o' bucks taken from water ratepayers themselves, not government, for a system that was never built? That's who it belongs to! The last place anyone should want to be is court, unless it's to be sure attorneys get their snouts in the trough, too.
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!" -- Benjamin Franklin
bravo!!!
once again...
steve sisolak is...
THE FRICKIN MAN!!!
For once I agree with Sisolak. Thank you commissioner.
I reside in Spring Valley and so do one of my sisters. We want that money back for our community and for our children!!! Clark County Commissioners do whatever it takes to get those funds back!!!!!
And rightfully so! Everyone in Clark County should be angry that we have to pick up the costs of Carson City and the rest of the state. Then when it's time for Eureka County to chip in with their surplus, all we hear is crickets chirping.
Hey Steve,stop it right now,any more out of you and I might have to vote you for President,whether you like it or not,so there.
Another million dollar court battle.
Commissioner Chris Guinwhatshername was too busy politicing elsewhere to catch THIS one too.... SHE needs to refund her over-inflated salary.