Fernley residents seek answers in incorporation

FERNELY - A hearing on Fernley becoming a city will continue on June 14 after residents raised questions about possible costs.

Fernley residents asked questions during a public hearing of a petition to incorporate their community held last week.

Hoping to come up with more definitive answers, Lyon County commissioners voted to continue the hearing to June 14.

Questioning the potential costs to residents if Fernely becomes a city, many in attendance at the May 30 meeting said they felt a specific amount should have been indicated on the incorporation petition when it was circulated.

They also questioned the proposed budget submitted to the Nevada Department of Taxation and whether there was enough money to sufficiently support the new city.

Others felt incorporation would add additional government intrusion into their lives.

The public hearing followed the March 27 unanimous approval by the Nevada Department of Taxation's Committee on Local Government Finance that Fernley is suitable for incorporation.

Based on testimony that Lyon County and Fernley will be able to negotiate an equitable means of sharing revenue and develop agreements to provide services, the committee analysis indicates Fernley will be able to generate revenue sufficient to provide the level of service the incorporation committee proposes.

Lyon County Sheriff Sid Smith said he would be willing to assume the duties of Fernley Chief of Police and Steve Lehman, Fernley Justice of the Peace, indicated he would be willing to contract for city services.

When the public hearing process is completed, the county commissioners have 30 days to issue an opinion and designate a date on which an election will be held. The election must be held no earlier than 60 days or more than 120 days after the commission issues its opinion.

Commissioner LeRoy Goodman said the issue would most likely be on the November ballot or in a special election. He did not think the question would be on the September primary election ballot.

If you go:

What: Fernley incorporation hearing

When 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 14

Where: Fernley Town Complex