Clark County tables More Cops tax hike

Clark County commissioners tabled a More Cops sales tax proposal on Tuesday, saying the issue needs a broader look with input from Sheriff-elect Joe Lombardo.

Commissioner Tom Collins had asked for the 0.15 percentage point sales tax increase to be placed on the agenda for an introduction, with a final vote in December.

Commissioner Lawrence Weekly said the issue of funding the police needs should includes analysis of the budget needs of the County Detention Center. The county recently formed a committee to look at the jail’s budget. Collins was absent Tuesday.

Tuesday’s decision means that if More Cops comes up again, it likely won’t be until next year. County officials haven’t yet discussed the issue with Lombardo, who takes office in January.

Other commissioners agreed with Weekly that looking at the whole picture is needed, including potential legislative changes that would help the burden. For example, Commissioner Susan Brager, who sits on the state’s Blue Ribbon panel that’s examining child welfare issues, said one priority is for young offenders who commit misdemeanors to have an opportunity for probation instead of jail time.

Commissioners have considered the More Cops tax proposal previously, but it failed to gain the five-vote majority needed to pass the tax increase. The More Cops proposal is aimed at adding officers to the ranks of the Metropolitan Police Department and other police departments in the county. Commissioners Brager, Steve Sisolak and Chris Giunchigliani have previously voted against the full 0.15 percentage point increase.

Brager had proposed paring down the increase to 0.075 percentage points, but that proposal died, with Collins voting against it because he favors the full increase.

A 0.15 percentage point increase would increase the sales tax in the county from 8.1 percent to 8.25 percent.

Contact Ben Botkin at bbotkin@reviewjournal.com or 702-405-9781. Find him on Twitter: @BenBotkin1.