Raggio says he’ll support school tax

RENO -- Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio said he will support an increase of real estate sales taxes to help Washoe County Schools, but only with the approval of voters .

Raggio, R-Reno, told the Reno Gazette-Journal that if school district officials can win public approval, he would support it. Before the legislative session began in February, Raggio said he would introduce the bill.

Washoe County is the only school district in Nevada that doesn't get a share of taxes on real estate transactions. School officials say that has hindered their ability to upgrade aging schools and build new ones.

Superintendent Paul Dugan said other counties didn't have to get voter approval, but the district will work toward that goal if that's what it takes.

"We just want what the other counties have, and not one of the other counties had to get the support of the public," Dugan said. "If that's what it takes to get it out of committee and moved forward, then let's do that."

Dugan said requiring voter approval would mean having to wait until 2008 because the school district can't afford the $250,000 for a special election.