Washoe County Commission Nixes New Taxes to Fund Schools' Capital Projects

The Washoe County Commission had the power to raise taxes until January 1, 2014, but it declined to use that power this week. 

“We have to revisit now any capital projects we have now because the limited funding that we have now we have to make it last for at least a few years.” ~ Pedro Martinez, Washoe County School Superintendent

The district had planned to spend $100 million on improvement projects over the next 3 years, but it has only $60 million in the bank.

Now Martinez says that money will have to be saved for emergencies. “I think again, as we run out of money, everything has to be on the table.”

He says services, transportation, administration, teachers and academics could suffer. The school board must decided where spending will be cut. Martinez says his next option to raise money for schools will be to appeal to voters and he says he will have to ask for more money but he cant do that until the legislature convenes in two years.