Proposed sales tax increase shot down by Clark County commissioners
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - A proposed sales tax increase aimed at helping homelessness across the valley has been shot down by Clark County commissioners.
Commission Chair Tick Segerblom addressed his proposed increase during a Tuesday meeting, sharing that it would see sales taxes increase by one-eighth of one percent across the valley. He said all the money raised would solely be used to address homelessness.
“I personally think it is time to step up and generate some more money... In my district, I can tell you it has become an overwhelming problem and I’m not sure if the population is going up but it’s getting much worse,” Segerblom stated.
While Segerblom expressed that his constituents would support the additional tax, other commissioners pointed out that the increase may not be as effective as presented.
“Our sales tax is already awfully high... We don’t need nor do we want to do anything that would make it more difficult for everybody,” Commissioner Jim Gibson argued.
“If I believed a cent on eight dollars would solve all of the problems that everybody eloquently laid out today, I’d consider it, but I’m not convinced of that,” shared Commissioner Michael Naft.
All speakers during public comment also voiced opposition to any increase in the county’s sales tax.
“The [Vegas] Chamber is opposed to any increase in taxes without a clear plan for the allocation of these additional funds,” stated Nick Schneider, Director of Government Affairs for the Vegas Chamber.
“While 1/8th of a percent may not seem like a lot, for people who are living paycheck to paycheck, it is something that is going to exacerbate the problem,” suggested Andrew MacKay, Executive Director of the Nevada Franchise Auto Dealers Association.
The Retail Association of Nevada shared a statement with FOX5 in opposition:
Raising sales taxes has also been proposed in neighboring states, such as in Los Angeles, where a half-cent increase was just approved.
However, in Clark County, Segerblom opted to withdraw his proposal after three other commissioners expressed their intent to reject it. But he also emphasized the need to find another solution, saying, “We need to really work with the county manager to figure out how we’re going to solve this.”
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