The Washoe County Commission voted Tuesday to put a measure on the November ballot asking voters to increase two taxes to back Washoe County School District bonds.
The commission ratified the recommendations of a blue-ribbon committee empaneled in 2007 by the Nevada Legislature. The panel recommended a one-quarter percent sales and use tax increase as well as a tax increase on vehicle property levies. Together, the two taxes would support the issuance of $393 million in bonds between 2009 and 2014, according to the district.
The two taxes will appear as one measure on the Nov. 4 general election ballot. A majority vote is needed to pass the measure.
Washoe County school officials say the levies are needed because theirs is the only district in Nevada that does not have a revenue source beyond basic property taxes and government services taxes to support school construction.
Superintendent Paul Dugan issued a news release Tuesday hailing the commissioners’ action.
“Our work has only begun,” he said. “Taxpayers in this county are facing some difficult economic times, and they will demand clear and compelling information about the need for this increase and we are committed to provide it to them. I’m not taking anything or anyone for granted.”
The district has an enrollment of more than 63,000 students.
