Clark County Today is taking a brief look at each of the 10 amendments that the Clark County Charter Review Commission passed in expectation of bringing them to the November 2026 General Election

Paul Valencia
Clark County Today

Last week, the Clark County Charter Review Commission, an elected body of 15 members, passed 10 amendments in expectation of being placed on the November 2026 general election ballot.

In this series, Clark County Today is providing more context on each amendment, including quotes from the sponsor of each amendment.

In this story, we look at 26-8, Requiring Supermajority Council Approval for County Taxes.

If passed, this would require a supermajority vote of the Clark County Council to enact any new councilmatic tax or increase the rate of any existing councilmatic tax. That would be a minimum two-third of the membership. There are five members of the Clark County Council under the current configuration, which means at least four would have to vote for a new tax or a tax increase.

John Jay, a commissioner from District 3, sponsored this amendment. It passed by a vote of 8-7.

“Taxation is one of the most important powers entrusted to the government. Every tax … affects families, retirees, workers, and small businesses that call Clark County home. It influences the cost of living, the affordability of housing, and the confidence people have in their government.”

Jay emphasized that this amendment does not eliminate or change any existing taxes. It simply requires broader approval before asking more from the taxpayers.

Several people took advantage of public comment to address this amendment.

“It will make it harder to conduct the business of the county. It will likely empower a minority vote that will ensure political gridlock,” one said, noting a number of services that taxes fund. “It will make it more difficult for the county government to impose taxes. We live in Clark County because it is a great place to live. Let’s make sure the Clark County Council has the necessary power to keep it that way.”

There were those in favor of the amendment, as well.

Whenever the government asks for more of “your money,” it should not be an easy process, one said.

“We are not against taxes. We’re against extra taxes,” another said, agreeing that it should be more difficult to raise current or enact new taxes.

And another person noted that this would bring more transparency and accountability to local government. If four councilors are needed to pass a tax increase, for example, councilors would likely have to make a compelling argument in a public meeting..

Of note: The meeting on July 8 was to listen to public comment and to vote on the amendments. The sponsor of each amendment gave a brief argument for his or her amendment, but there were no discussions among the commissioners. Those discussions were made in previous Charter Review Commission meetings. In this meeting, it was just a yes or no vote on each amendment.

To see the recap on 26-01, Clarifying Nonpartisan Office Elections, go here: https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/charter-review-commission-amendment-26-01-clarifying-nonpartisan-office-elections/

To see the recap on 26-07, Housing Impact Analysis, go here: https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/charter-review-commission-amendment-26-07-housing-impact-analysis/