The city of Las Vegas has officially endorsed state legislation that aims to extend a property tax used to fund the salaries of 800 Metropolitan Police officers. The City Council voted unanimously on a resolution to support Nevada Senate Bill 451 during a special meeting. The tax levy currently raises $155 million annually from taxpayers in the city and unincorporated Clark County and is set to expire in 2027.
If the bill is approved, the tax of 20 cents per $100 of assessed property value would be extended until 2057, with an additional permanent tax of 8 cents per $100. This funding is critical for Metro, as it supports half of its patrol force and could impact 825 front-facing positions if not extended.
The County Commission has also unanimously voted in support of the bill, which now needs a two-thirds majority vote in the Legislature and Gov. Joe Lombardo’s signature to become law. Las Vegas Deputy City Manager Sabra Smith Newby emphasized that extending the tax levy would not raise taxes but rather maintain the current rates.
The proposal comes as Metro has expressed concerns about its future budget planning, prompting the need for this legislation. The bill advanced out of a senate committee to the assembly, with local government meetings held in response to this development. Lombardo’s office has not provided a comment on the bill at this time. For further inquiries, individuals are encouraged to contact Ricardo Torres-Cortez at rtorres@reviewjournal.com.
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