One of Southern Nevada's most outspoken homeless advocates applauded Clark County commissioners' decision Tuesday to craft an advisory ballot question asking for a one-cent property tax increase to help the homeless.
But Linda Lera-Randle El, executive director of Straight from the Streets said the manner in which the advisory question is written is crucial to its success.
Lera-Randle El emphasized that county staff members must explain in the question that in addition to the property tax increase, taxpayers will continue to support indigent care and social services separately.
And the new money won't entirely solve the homeless problem.
"Everything has to be out on the table," she said. "We might get this new pot of money, but they'll still be collecting money for social service and indigent care, and you'll still see people on the streets."
Staff members are expected to draw up the question and present the final draft to commissioners June 18 for approval. If the board accepts the language, the question will be placed on the Nov. 5 ballot.
If voters support the idea, lawmakers will consider the matter during the 2003 Legislative session. The Legislature would have the final say.
The increase, which would amount to an additional $3.50 a year for a taxpayer who owns a $100,000 home, is expected to generate some $4 million a year for the Homeless Services and Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
Clark County and Las Vegas officials have bickered for months about who pays more for homeless services. A steady stream of money to the newly created trust fund is expected to put an end to the feud and help struggling shelters.
Lera-Randle El said she supports the idea of a tax increase, adding that $4 million will help homeless services take great strides in removing people from the streets.
However, she added, if voters approve the question and legislators approve the tax increase, the trust fund must be managed carefully. She questioned elected officials' oversight of current coffers designated for homeless services.
"I apply for money and it's given to me, but you don't know how I use that money," she said.
The Regional Task Force on Homelessness has been split on who will oversee the trust fund and its expenditures. Some have said the board should include only elected officials, while other members have advocated inclusion of nonprofits and the private sector that provide services.
The idea to use property taxes to fund the homeless was initiated last month to the Regional Task Force on Homelessness by Commissioner Yvonne Atkinson Gates. Atkinson Gates also pitched her proposal in a letter to Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, who chairs the task force. The City Council does not vote on whether the advisory question should appear on the general election ballot.
archive