Clark County commissioners shoot down proposal of possible sales tax increase

Clark County commissioners briefly considered a possible tax increase to the sales tax to fund services for the homeless population.

The proposal failed to gain traction past a discussion at Tuesday’s County Commission meeting, after at least three board members said they would oppose advancing it.

Commissioner Tick Segerblom introduced the agenda item which called for a tax increase of up to 0.125 percent, which translates to 1 cent extra tax per $8 purchased.

He withdrew the motion after Commissioners Marilyn Kirkpatrick, Jim Gibson and Michael Naft said they would not support a tax hike, at least not without a detailed plan.

The item would’ve needed several public meetings and discussions before it could have taken effect, but commissioners appeared surprised that the proposal wasn’t discussed internally before Segerblom placed it on an agenda.

Trade groups spoke in opposition of a tax increase during the first portion of the commission meeting.

Assembly Bill 309 from 2019 allowed counties in Nevada to hike up its sales tax up to 0.250 percent for specific programs.

Nevada’s sales tax rate of 8.375 percent is already particularly high, or “awfully high,” Gibson said.

“This is not the time,” Kirkpatrick said about any tax increase. “Times are hard for everybody.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.