Clark County finance director warns of structural gap; council told new 2026 requests must be revenue‑backed or mandated

Clark County Finance Director Mark Gassaway told the County Council on May 14 that while first‑quarter 2025 revenues are within expected ranges, a 10‑year review shows base general fund revenues have not kept pace with inflation and the county faces a growing structural shortfall.

Gassaway presented a 10‑year schedule showing the Consumer Price Index rose about 34.22% while property taxes grew about 29.75% and sales tax revenue rose roughly 90% over the same period. He said county expenditures have grown about 37% over the decade, and population growth of roughly 19% also increases demand for services. “If you were to add the 2 together, the 34% CPI plus the population growth, I would suggest that we’re not keeping pace,” Gassaway said.

Why it matters: county officials said ongoing expenses are increasingly supported by one‑time or volatile sources (grants, interest income, high cash balances and sales tax gains tied to construction and changing retail patterns). At current trends, staff warned the general fund could face recurring operating deficits unless new revenues are found or spending is reduced.

Staff presentation and findings Mitchell Kelly, reporting analysis manager, said first‑quarter…