Las Vegas City Manager Mike Janssen rejected Clark County’s claim that an attempt to amend a historic agreement over fire services is a 'cash grab.' Speaking at a regularly scheduled Las Vegas City Council meeting, Janssen said, 'I think it's fair to say that there's a tax being collected, $3.5 million for services that aren't being provided,' and added, 'If there's a 'money grab,' that's really the money grab.' The dispute centers on the Northwest Interlocal Fire and Rescue Services Agreement, which the city says creates an imbalance in fire service calls.
Janssen noted that city first responders make thousands of fire calls to over 20,000 county residents, stating, 'The city of Las Vegas is providing services to Clark County Island residents at a population that today exceeds the city of Mesquite.' The city proposed an amendment to the agreement to address this imbalance. Clark County is set to discuss the item again at its commission meeting, and both governments have said the debate will not result in annexation of land.
Following the city meeting, Clark County released a statement saying it would act on its own if there were concerns about fire services to county residents, including creating a hybrid response with county fire trucks and contracted ambulances. The county emphasized that resident safety would not be compromised and that it would continue seeking all possible solutions, including legislative ones, to prevent dangerous situations. Las Vegas City Hall countered, stating that public safety is its top priority for all Southern Nevadans regardless of location, and that Las Vegas Fire & Rescue will continue to respond to residents wherever they live.
Sources: 8 News Now
Original reporting: 8 News Now →
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