Treat counties equally

EDITOR:

Gov. Gibbons, perhaps in preparation for a special session, has directed state agencies to develop recommendations for up to 10 percent cuts. While we applaud the governor for preparing to tackle the state's ongoing fiscal woes, the Nevada Association of Counties is concerned that cutting certain state programs would shift significant costs to counties who are mandated to be the "safety net" for our most vulnerable citizens.

Due to actions taken by the Legislature since December 2008, it is estimated that over $235 million of county revenues were diverted to the state. While all counties were impacted, the majority of revenue came from Clark and Washoe counties.

Nevada's counties have done their part to help the state during the current economic downturn, and have taken aggressive measures to address their own revenue shortfalls. NACO believes it is time for the state to address any future budget problems without further shifting the burden to the counties. Diverting additional revenues and shifting more costs would result in additional cuts at the local level, a disservice to our citizens.

NACO is committed to working with the state to get past these difficult times. However, counties, the government closest to the people, need be treated as equal partners in developing solutions to ensure the continuum of services that are vital to our shared constituents.

Jeff Fontaine

Executive Director

Nevada Association of Counties