BUDGET AND FINANCIAL PLANNING

Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights

Clark County has long fostered its reputation for strong and consistent fiscal policies. Residents in unincorporated Clark County enjoy one of the lowest property tax rates in the nation. The County has accomplished this through nearly unprecedented reductions in the countywide tax rate over the past decade, coupled with conservative maintenance of town and special district rates, which are well below the limits allowed by State law. The County recognizes the need to maintain its application of strong measures designed to keep growth of government and spending under control. To address this need, the Board adopted the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights Resolution in November 1993, and continues to use it as a guide for the County’s financial management.

The Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights consists of ten policy points. These policies are directly related to the financial composition of the Fiscal Year 2003 Budget:

• The County shall set countywide and unincorporated town property tax rates at their current level or lower, unless otherwise mandated by a vote of the people or Legislative mandate.

• Deficit spending will be avoided and an  unappropriated ending fund balance of between 8.3 percent and 10 percent of all expenditures will be maintained.

• Cumulative increases in budgeted expenditures for County operations and maintenance, excluding voter/legislative approved overrides and unfunded mandates, shall not exceed the growth in population and the consumer price index. 

• The average salary and benefit increases for County employees will be comparable to the private sector.

• A meaningful public input process will be provided during the annual budget review.

• Regular meetings will be conducted with city counterparts through a joint committee of elected officials, known as the Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition, to identify potential areas for cost-effective consolidation of services.

• The County shall conduct independent performance evaluations for each County Department on at least a five year cycle.

• New leases of buildings will be avoided as the County endeavors to house all employees in the Government Center or other County-owned building.

• The County shall continue to integrate its capital improvement and master plan programs to ensure unified planning initiatives.         

• The County Cost Containment Program will continue to safeguard against overspending.                                                                                                                            

Click Here for the Taxpayers' Bill of Rights