Nevada parks sales tax passes

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

By Ralph Pokorny/Nevada Daily Mail

"I'm really proud of all the individuals who took the time to study a relatively complex issue and then go to the polls," an obviously relieved Nevada City Manager JD Kehrman said after the parks sales tax was approved for the third time by Nevada voters, 437-352, with the absentee ballots splitting 58 for and 30 against.

This was an unusually high turn-out for an August election. According to the Vernon County Clerk's Office, about 18 percent of Nevada voters turned out for yesterday's election with a single city issue on the ballot. The turn-out for a non-presidential state-wide election is about 20 percent.

"Awesome," was how former Nevada Parks Director Carol Branham summed up her feelings at the outcome.

"I don't know what to say. I'm speechless," Jeff Post, parks board president, said of the outcome.

This election makes the city's 1/2-cent parks sales tax permanent, as well as permanently rolling the parks property tax back to zero. And it makes this tax the primary source of money to cover the operating and maintenance expenses for the parks department.

This will allow the city to use the $500,000 or so that has come from the city's general fund for many years, to finance the construction of a new public safety building and in the future have money available for things like new sidewalks and other projects that will need to be tackled.

"A lot of individuals who had a passion for the parks did this on their own time," Kehrman said.

The parks board, the city council, past park board members and especially the members of Local 3031 used their own free time to work on this issue, he said.

Post said that now the parks board is accountable to Nevada voters for managing the use of the sales tax money to keep the parks facilities well maintained.

He said that this will not only support the maintenance of the city parks, but is will also help support economic development in the city, because whenever someone considers moving to Nevada for a job or considers locating a business here, they look at the parks facilities as one of the key aspects of the community.

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Congratulations!!!

-- Posted by ccmom on Wed, Aug 3, 2011, at 6:50 AM
This is going to be a very good thing! Thank you Nevada for supporting this!

-- Posted by greatesc on Wed, Aug 3, 2011, at 7:35 AM
Another nail in Nevada's coffin. One of the reasons that the city's population is declining. Taxes just get higher and higher. At least close the money pit, the golf course.

-- Posted by TerryB on Wed, Aug 3, 2011, at 9:20 AM
I HOPE THAT SINCE THIS IS PERMANENT, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL & THE PARKS BOARD USE THE MONEY WELL AND USE IT FOR WHAT IT WAS INTENDED. HOPEFULLY THIS WILL IMPROVE NEVADA.

-- Posted by BORN&RAISEDNEVADAMO on Wed, Aug 3, 2011, at 10:06 AM
Congratulations Nevada and it's citizens. This is going to be a great positive for our town!! This passing doesn't raise any taxes at all...it just utilizes the sales taxes that are paid for more pertinent and useful things that the city needs. I know and have confidence that our city manager and council will be prudent with these funds and make Nevada an even better community to be proud of!! Way to go!!

-- Posted by pachristensen on Wed, Aug 3, 2011, at 11:07 AM
I am a supporter of the golf course...and am appreciative of the issue passing.

I do love how those that are often so negative on here are often out of line with mainstream nevada thought.

If you dont like what is happening around you....move! I will help you pack

-- Posted by jimmy burke conway on Wed, Aug 3, 2011, at 1:50 PM
It's not that most people are against the golf course, it's just that they feel the people who use it should be willing to pay their fair share to keep it going. But some people think they were put on this earth, to be supportd by other people. And you appear to be one of them.

-- Posted by resident65 on Wed, Aug 3, 2011, at 2:09 PM
The golf course is relevant because it shows how the city wastes the park money that they already get. It has cost the citizens over $800,000 in the last few years more than it brings in. It is only kept open for the very few that use it. Let them pay for it.

-- Posted by TerryB on Wed, Aug 3, 2011, at 4:42 PM
And I don't have time to play golf, I work for a living.

-- Posted by TerryB on Wed, Aug 3, 2011, at 4:43 PM
howitzer ill finish your quote from above no matter how hard your try YOU CANT FIX STUPID i said it before and ill say it again anyone with 1/2 a brain could of seen what this tax was for well i will say this somewhere around 355 votes have at least 1/2 a brain 400+ well you can quote ron white again

-- Posted by 3D-shooter on Wed, Aug 3, 2011, at 4:58 PM
All of these comments are quite after the fact. What is yet to be seen is how much more obligation the city will commit to from this windfall to the general fund. Does anyone know exactly how much this city actually owes for bonds etc:? Might be time to think of doing an actual liability/asset tally sheet to figure what we will loose in the bankruptcy when "free" federal matching funds, grants, and other avenues dry up. (including sales taxes) I for one will remember the business locations the Fire council put signs on and not patronize these places. Will also make sure to buy as many items outside of town I can. Walk thru city hall parking lot and view the dealer stickers on employees cars.

-- Posted by cop=poc on Wed, Aug 3, 2011, at 5:27 PM
In response to negative golf course comments,first of all it was this lovely course that attracted us to retire here.I am sure that a lot of the facilities here in Nevada do not make it wealthy.The nice thing about the golf course is the amount of seniors who do golf there.They don't usually use the pool ,or the ball diamonds their children are grown so they don't use the parks much either, they love this golf course.Sorry that some folks are upset about this,I hope that they understand that folks do not golf free,that they do pay also I would like to remind some folks that those people who golf also work ,or are retired ,sorry that upsets people,that folks actually get to retire.Obviously some folks don't really have a clue as there are a lot of golfers who do use this course and a lot of out of town folks also come here to golf.It is certainly a plus for this city,as are the parks and pool and other facilities.Why do you just single out the golf course? I am sure that the parks,and the other features don't make a ton of money either.They are still an asset to this town.Without which why would anyone come here to retire?I am glad this passed and I am pleased that the city made its position so well known,this is what helped sell this deal they were very busy holding meetings etc,infoming folks about what this means .It is a win win situation.

-- Posted by gimme a break on Wed, Aug 3, 2011, at 6:05 PM
I wasn't a fan of the tax increase and I'm still not a fan of it. I hope the parks board and all of those who voted for this actually prove me wrong and make me like it. I am an avid golfer and am out at the course 3 to 4 times a week. What it boils down to is the fact that the golf course is the only part of the "parks" that brings in money. The course brings it in, and it goes right toward the worthless pool that can't support itself. Even with the way gas has gone up, MANY people from Nevada still drive to Lamar for their water park. The golf course could easily support itself if two things occurred: 1. sell alcohol at the course 2. any money made at the course should stay at the course. It is plain and simple if this were to occur, the pool would be the one closing down while the course would flourish.

-- Posted by anonymous83 on Wed, Aug 3, 2011, at 6:29 PM
Congrats Nevada! I look forward to the new public safety building getting built, which will improve the economy, create jobs, and increase local business for restaurants and other places that the builders will use. I'm also glad to see the fire station get away from it's current inconvenient location.

-- Posted by deleted on Wed, Aug 3, 2011, at 6:54 PM
One more further item,this is the US and it should serve all of its citizens both local government and federal.As retired folks we do not use the schools,still we are asked to support them,we don't use the pool still we support it,we don't use the ball diamonds still we support it.Why should not Joe public support something that they don't use like the golf course.Why do you not fuss about the other things that don't pay for themselves.It begins to feel like this is about being against the retired and the older citizen.We as a society have to do what is good for the whole society young,and old,rich and poor

-- Posted by gimme a break on Wed, Aug 3, 2011, at 7:32 PM
THIS IS NOT A TAX INCREASE!!!! That just proves you have no idea what you are talking about!! This sales tax is already in place, it just changes the early the revenue collected can be spent. I agree, golf course could become more sustainable if they sold alcohol.

-- Posted by pachristensen on Wed, Aug 3, 2011, at 8:12 PM
anonymous83, the golf course does not make money. It loses over $100,000 a year. The pool does pay for all it's operations.

-- Posted by TerryB on Wed, Aug 3, 2011, at 8:12 PM
I am glad the issue passed. I am also glad we offer a variety of services to people of all ages and economic groups. I don't have a plane, but I am glad we have an airport because it is good for the community. I golf occasionally and cannot afford the country club and am thankful there is a public course here (and I, too, work for a living, TerryB - not all golfers are retirees). I may not use certain streets, but am happy to help fund their maintenance. Together, we make this a good community.

Democracy says the popular vote wins, even if we don't all agree. Dissention can be valuable and keep those in power accountable and I hope that the city leaders will demonstrate ever-increasing accountability as we progress. Sure, many small towns in the midwest have decreased in population - but we are poised to become a dynamic community, particularly as the college grows, industries rebound with the econimic recovery, and our infrastructure is in place to meet those who are attracted to the area. There is a plethora of opportunities for citizens to get involved; please consider how you can serve your community.

-- Posted by bearcatprof on Wed, Aug 3, 2011, at 9:26 PM
Nevada has no reason to grow. The population here has been around 8,000 since 1900. For years they counted the state patients and pushed it up to 10,000 but actual residents has always been closer to 8,000. I worked in homes here for years and many people told me that they only stayed because they could not afford to leave. Same reason I am still here.

-- Posted by TerryB on Wed, Aug 3, 2011, at 9:39 PM
Jimmy, thanks for the offer but the packing is almost completed. I will continue to read the newspaper online and will anxiously await news of the growth in Nevada due to more taxing and spending but I will not hold my breath waiting to see said growth.

-- Posted by justawife on Thu, Aug 4, 2011, at 12:12 AM
Those of you who hate taxes, please send back your SSI Checks and Social Security Checks and ADC checks and unemployment checks, turn in your medicare and medicaid cards and PAY YOUR OWN WAY!

-- Posted by Nevadan on Thu, Aug 4, 2011, at 7:59 AM
Another insightful and thoughtful debate by Nevada's finest anonymous bloggers. I am so proud...

-- Posted by Samclemens on Thu, Aug 4, 2011, at 9:02 AM
So the old fire station will be torn down making more room for City Hall. Does anyone know if City Hall will be remodeled or if the city would like to replace it too? It would be nice if Erp park was improved and the city somehow featured it better in it's plans if City Hall was to be replaced.

-- Posted by deleted on Thu, Aug 4, 2011, at 11:11 AM
Nevadan, people drawing Social Security paid in that money. Just because congress stole it is no reason they should not draw it. In fact, I have been self-employed most of my life and so I have paid in twice as much as employed people.

-- Posted by TerryB on Thu, Aug 4, 2011, at 5:21 PM
Anyone know who paid for all the signs and phone calls promoting a "yes" vote? And yes, when I queried one of the two who called me, they said they got paid to call.

-- Posted by TerryB on Thu, Aug 4, 2011, at 5:31 PM
Cottey has created numerous new positions in the past year that has brought dozens of new citizens to our community from around the world. That a couple of professors have retired and wish to stay in Nevada is commendable. Those faculty have been replaced, but new jobs have also been created in multiple areas. Cottey is growing and 3M and the hospital can grow, as well as other businesses. As those organizations build, even more jobs are created.

That Vineyards did not have a family member willing/able to continue their business is sad, but does not mean Nevada is a dying community. Your consistent glass-half-full mentality along with Sam, justawife, and TerryB is sad. I pity those who spend so much negative energy into bringing the town down.

-- Posted by bearcatprof on Thu, Aug 4, 2011, at 7:56 PM
We live at an odd place in time. Our Country has been through 50+ years of homogenization, but we want a unique identity. We want an Interstate Hwy but only leading one way.... in to town. We want Walmart but yearn for shops on the square. We want a McDonalds but cry there's no where to eat. We want growth but not in my back yard. We say I earned my share of the pie but you didn't. We demand progressive services but CAVE people (citizens against virtually everything) rule the day, don't tax me just give me what I want. Folks we lost a ton of living wage jobs with the downsizing and loss of the Habilitation Center and the loss of Farm & Home. Our parents and grandparents worked at those places and while they didn't become wealthy they bought cars from Richardson's, C A White and Frank Wysong's. They bought farm machinery from P & B Allis, Paul & Kyle Gordon's Deere and Wendall Garton's MF dealerships. They bought their lumber from Geo. Logan and their groceries from Maxwell's and Village Market. There's more examples to be found I'm sure. Point is things have changed and it is what it is. Some things are a lot better other things not so much but our community is no different than most. One thing is certain doing nothing will guarantee failure and the community will wither and die. Have pride in the positives and work to fix the negatives. It's a big job at this place in time.

-- Posted by Alumni_09 on Thu, Aug 4, 2011, at 9:51 PM
Very well said alumni!!

-- Posted by ccmom on Fri, Aug 5, 2011, at 5:30 AM
It is all well and good that we have Cottey and 3M bringing in "New" people to our community. But what is being done to keep the people Born and Raised here in Nevada. I see more and more people having to leave this community to find jobs. I can't see that this Tax being redirected will do anything to promote jobs in Nevada for Nevadians....... We are turning into a Retirement community, our Youth is leaving by the droves.

-- Posted by Mom 101 on Sat, Aug 6, 2011, at 7:54 PM
It was a vote of the people. Democracy at work. It appears the majority of the friends that have been there are liking what their getting from city government and have shown their support by not only continuing this sales tax but also by continuing the street improvement tax that some tried to get voted out over a year ago then by re-electing Mayor Leonard and Ms. Steward to the council. At some point the bloggers who feel they are speaking for the majority need to see the writing on the wall.

-- Posted by ccmom on Sun, Aug 7, 2011, at 4:17 PM
I'm way short of smart but if you change the source of tax proceeds from capital improvements to repair and maintenance in the parks budget and change the same money from repair and maintenance to capital improvements in the general budget looks to me like you end up in the same place. The caveat of course is that ADDED capital improvements whether they are parks, golf courses, community centers, city halls or new public safety buildings come with a cost of added maintenance and the cost of reserving for eventual replacement. Replacements of existing improvements can be a cost saving if maintenance and repair expenses are becoming excessive in old property. Obviously, if you spend so much for additional capital improvements that their replacement and maintenance become a burden you have you have made yourself a problem. Way beyond me to know the answer to that.

Just because I really don't know (haven't read all posts), I would like to know what promises have been made that have been ignored.

Better yet, if somebody, anybody, has a good idea for bringing in "job creators" I'll betcha you could make a fortune going from town to town across America selling your ideas. Towns and cities all over the country are doing everything but paying the first year operating expenses for companies willing to locate.

-- Posted by Alumni_09 on Sun, Aug 7, 2011, at 7:35 PM
Alumni, you should probalby keep in mind you will only get opinion stated in the form of fact when asking the bloggers who think the city is in a constant state of wrong doing.

-- Posted by ccmom on Mon, Aug 8, 2011, at 3:17 PM
Went to buy my Sunday Joplin and Nevada papers. What cost $2.75 now cost $2.96. Guess I will have to even go outside the City limits to buy my papers. The convenience store said the raise was because of the new tax. I thought all the genius's on here said this was NOT a new tax. Hey voters I got this bridge for sale. I just love stirring this stuff.

-- Posted by cop=poc on Mon, Aug 8, 2011, at 8:17 PM
Cop, you are taxed on papers you buy in the store, but not out of machines. Wanna avoid tax? Just get them out of the dispenser. The tax is the same now as it was two weeks ago.

And I doubt the clerk at a convenience store knows what they are talking about with this - is that the authority you are relying on for facts? That explains a lot of what folks pass off as inside knowledge.....

-- Posted by bearcatprof on Mon, Aug 8, 2011, at 8:26 PM
Wasn't trying to pick a scab just wanted to know what the itch was.

Here's the deal as I see it. Tax increase, no. Tax redirection, without a doubt. Increase in revenue that can be spent in a more discretionary way, yep on that too. Good deal, guess that's to be seen. But in all fairness it seems like it was explained. The voters spoke, I guess that's the way we do it in the US of A.

Don't know about the property purchase but honestly, while the difference is big to individuals like me (especially since the 401K is history after today) it's but a small percentage of the annual budget I'd think.

As to tax incentives, most cities offer abatements, TIFs or whatever it takes to be competitive. I suppose our community does as well but heck I don't really know.

I suspect it's like everything, it's not black and white but shades of gray.

I've said enough.

-- Posted by Alumni_09 on Mon, Aug 8, 2011, at 9:13 PM
And I doubt the clerk at a convenience store knows what they are talking about with this - is that the authority you are relying on for facts? That explains a lot of what folks pass off as inside knowledge.....

-- Posted by bearcatprof on Mon, Aug 8, 2011, at 8:26 PM

I just said what the clerk used as a reason. Didn't say I agreed with it. Fact is I paid more and still told the clerk we already had been paying the tax, that is the facts I was relying on, why the raise. Didn't say this was inside knowledge, just what happened. As far as convenience store clerks, some live in Nevada, also vote, whether they know what they are talking about or not, the papers cost more, and was told the tax was the difference. I have never claimed to have any inside knowledge on any subject. Don't have a clue as to what that statement has to do with paying more for newspapers.

-- Posted by cop=poc on Tue, Aug 9, 2011, at 5:06 AM
I'm glad to see the tax passed. Maybe the city will pay for tree trimming and street repairs. I have a neighbor that has a tree that hangs down far enough tha limbs hits mine and my wifes pickups. And the streets are rougher than gravel roads out in the county.

-- Posted by Farmhand on Tue, Aug 9, 2011, at 9:42 AM