By Vernon Robison

Moapa Valley Progress

A bill currently working its way through the Nevada State Legislature is relevant to our local organization for fire protection in Moapa Valley. Senate Bill 261 proposes some small revisions to the state law; revisions that could change the process for re-organizing a Fire Protection District in the state.

Fire Protection Districts are established under the Nevada Revised Statute 474. Under that statute the Moapa Fire Protection was established back in the mid 1960s. The district acts as a conduit for state revenues to flow to the community for fire protection.

When the Moapa Fire Protection District was established, the Clark County Commission was specified as its de-facto board of directors. Thus the Commission oversees the budget, revenues, and full management of the Moapa Fire District. The Commission has delegated most of these tasks to the Clark County Fire Department.

Some in the community have expressed a desire to re-organize the fire district governance with a locally elected board; similar to the board of directors at the Overton Power District or Moapa Valley Water District.

Under current law, such a reorganization would require a special petition to the Clark County Commission. The commissioners would hold hearings on the matter and eventually determine whether a reorganization would be in the best interests of the county and the district. If the Commissioners detemined this to be so, they could then adopt an ordinance reorganizing the district.

Senate Bill 261, which was proposed by State Senator Joe Hardy at the request of local business owners, adds a second alternative to the process. If the commissioners finally decide not to adopt an ordinance to reorganize the district, the matter would then be brought to a vote in an election among the people in the district. If a majority of voters are found in favor of the reorganization of the district, the County Commission shall then adopt an ordinance reorganizing the district, despite any earlier decision to the contrary.

The reorganization process can be initiated by a petition that is signed by at least 10% of property owners in the district.

Senate Bill 261 went to the State Senate for a final vote on April 22 and was approved by a unanimous vote.

The bill is currently working its way through the Assembly.