Las Vegas Sun

March 18, 2024

Washoe County schools legislation is approved

The bill to allow Washoe County to raise its property and sales tax to make repairs on its aging schools cleared the Senate 16-4 Monday on the last day of the Legislature.

Upon approval by two-thirds of the Washoe County Commission, the sales tax would be increased by 0.25 percent and the property tax would be raised by 5 cents on each assessed value of $100.

Opponents argued the bill should be up to the voters.

But Sen. Mark Hutchinson, R-Las Vegas, said this was a local decision and government closest to the people governs best.

The tax would cost the average family about $8 per month.

Sen. Debbie Smith, D-Sparks, said the schools are aging and there is no money available to make repairs and to update technology.

AB46 returns to the Assembly for expected agreement on amendments. And then it is on to the governor.

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