Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Commissioners table talks on ‘More Cops’ sales tax measure

Metro

Metro Police officers patrol Fremont Street near Las Vegas Boulevard on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012, in downtown Las Vegas.

Updated Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014 | 10:52 a.m.

Clark County commissioners today tabled discussions about the controversial “More Cops” sales tax initiative to fund more Metro Police officers.

The .15 percent tax hike had been introduced by Commissioner Tom Collins, who didn’t show up to today’s meeting because he was at a conference in Ely.

Collins, a vocal supporter of the proposal, has said he wants to revive the failed proposal because he hopes Assistant Sheriff Joe Lombardo, elected this month to replace outgoing Sheriff Doug Gillespie, will have better luck than his predecessor at passing the initiative. Lombardo did not attend the meeting.

The agenda item, however, led to discussion of the Clark County Detention Center’s ballooning deficit, which is expected to reach $28 million in 2015.

“It’s a mess,” said Commissioner Lawrence Weekly, whose district includes the downtown jail. “We need to prioritize.”

Metro Deputy Chief Todd Fasulo, who oversees the detention center, announced plans before the commission last month to address the deficit with the help of a committee chaired by County Manager Don Burnette.

Fasulo said the panel — made up of judges, prosecutors, public defenders and Metro officials — should be formed within four months.

More on "More Cops"

April 2013: At Legislature, police pitch need for Clark County sales tax hike

July 2013: Commissioners question Metro’s plans for ‘More Cops’ tax money

September 2013: Sheriff says he would take reduced tax hike for cops but wants more

December 2013: Sheriff proposes compromise tax increase for more cops

January 2014: Sheriff’s plan for More Cops dealt another defeat

Join the Discussion:

Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.

Full comments policy