CITY OF LAS VEGAS QUESTION NO. 1

Fire Protection Tax Question

Shall the City of Las Vegas be authorized to levy an additional property tax for fire protection of up to $0.095 per $100 of assessed valuation for a period of 30 years? At least twenty percent (20%) of the amount levied will be used for the acquisition, construction and improvement of fire and emergency equipment and facilities with the remaining amount used for operating and maintaining fire and emergency equipment and facilities and for hiring, training and equipping of firefighter/paramedics and support staff. The cost for the owner of a new $100,000 home is estimated to be up to $33.25 per year.

EXPLANATION

A "yes" vote would permit the City of Las Vegas to levy a property tax of $0.095 per $100.00 of assessed valuation for 30 years. The purpose for which the additional tax is to be levied is to improve the City's fire protection facilities and staffing, so as to be able to continue to respond to all emergencies promptly and with the proper equipment. At least twenty percent (20%) of the amount levied during the 30 years will be used for the acquisition, construction and improvement of fire and emergency equipment and facilities a portion of which may be financed with medium-term financing. The remaining amount will be used during the 30 years for operating and maintaining fire and emergency equipment and facilities and hiring, training and equipping of new firefighter/paramedics and support staff. It is intended that the amount levied will provide funds to:

• Build, equip and staff four new fire stations.

• Expand, equip and staff three existing fire stations.

• Provide for program of replacement for fire engines, fire trucks and related equipment at all fire stations.

• Provide related mechanical and technical support staff.

As assessed value grows with City growth in future years, monies from the tax will be used to fund additional fire and emergency equipment, facilities and staff.

A "no" vote would prevent the levy of such a tax at this time.

ARGUMENT FOR APPROVAL OF BALLOT QUESTION

The timely delivery of emergency services is critical to the residents and businesses in Las Vegas. Las Vegas Fire and Rescue (LVFR) has operated from 10 fire stations since 1990, yet in that time calls for service have almost doubled. This has resulted in increased emergency response times for fire and rescue crews. The impact of lengthened response times is felt in every area of the City, due to units being drawn from their primary response district to under-protected parts of the community.

Passage of the tax override will enable the City to hire and train the needed firefighter/rescue and support personnel and to construct new stations, acquire new equipment, and operate and maintain these facilities. This will improve firefighting and paramedic coverage in all areas of the City, and reduce emergency response times, improving life safety protection for the residents and properties in the City.

ARGUMENT AGAINST APPROVAL OF BALLOT QUESTION

Submitted by Ballot Question Committee in accordance with NRS 295.217

While no one will dispute the importance of fire safety, there are three major issues that should be considered before any property tax rate is increased.

The tax is unfairly applied to property owners in the City. The four new fire stations and all of the planned expansion sites will be built in the fast-growing new areas of the City; however, the increase in the property tax rate will be applied to all property owners in the City.

Las Vegas Fire and Rescue currently has the highest Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating of Class 1, therefore the tax is unnecessary.

The period of taxation is too long. The tax increase is imposed for a fixed period of 30 years even though most studies of growth and the fire department’s own forecast only looks 10 years into the future. The tax may be needed now as the City grows at a rapid pace, however, there is no provision to review the continuing need and, furthermore, it is unlikely that the rate will decrease if growth slows or levels off in the future.

REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT FOR APPROVAL OF BALLOT QUESTION

Submitted by Ballot Question Committee in accordance with NRS 295.217

Fire protection is of significant importance to residents and businesses of the City of Las Vegas but imposing a fixed 30-year property tax rate that is intended to build stations in one part of the City is unfair to residents in other parts of the City. The City should cut its budget elsewhere to enable it to increase the fire department budget, rather than increasing taxes if the City does need additional firefighting/paramedic personnel and facilities.

REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT AGAINST APPROVAL OF BALLOT QUESTION

Submitted by Ballot Question Committee in accordance with NRS 295.217

Currently, the fire units stationed in the existing parts of the City are forced to respond to calls in the newer, understaffed areas. By building additional stations in the newer areas, the existing stations will be able to provide better response times to their surrounding areas. Three existing stations will receive rescue bay additions and all stations will receive new apparatus (fire trucks, etc.) and equipment.

Insurance Service Office (ISO) ratings help insurance companies determine how much they will charge for premiums. Approval of the proposal places the LVFR in the best possible position to maintain its Class 1 rating. By maintaining this rating, you will be assured the lowest possible fire insurance rates. LVFR is not certain it will be able to maintain the Class 1 rating unless the new stations are built.