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Changes to the real property tax rate were approved at the most recent meeting of the Clark County Fiscal Court.

Two orders came forth regarding setting the property tax rate and others.

A motion was approved to lower the real property tax rate from 8.2% to 8.1%.

This year, the subject property amount is $2,769,951,000. In contrast, last year’s number was $2,650,800,000.

With an increase of just over $119,000,000, the slight decrease in the property tax rate would still generate revenue.

The subject property is the property for which a borrower intends to receive a loan. In contrast, real property includes land in addition to the buildings and fixtures attached, with taxes assessed on agricultural, commercial, industrial, residential, and property.

As such, it can include both homes and businesses.

This is the fifth consecutive year in which the real property tax rate has decreased.

“When we cut the tax rate, we’re cutting the individual tax responsibility of each individual household being spread out amongst new residents that come in [and] new developments brought in,” said Magistrate Dan Konstantopoulos.

On the other hand, the compensating rate on tangible property (10.9%) and that on watercraft and motor vehicles (10.5%) will remain the same.

Tangible property includes items that can be touched or consumed, such as clothing, vehicles, jewelry, and business or computer equipment.

The rate for watercraft and motor vehicles has remained unchanged since 1983.

Voting machines

The Fiscal Court also approved a motion to enter into a contract with Harp Enterprises Inc. to purchase additional voting machines in future elections.

“There was no money sent to HARP Enterprises as of yet. We just authorized the purchase of additional voting machines so all the precincts can be open”, Konstantopoulos said.

Clark County Judge-Executive Henry Branham estimates that the amount could be approximately $169,000, although that number has not been confirmed, nor where the money will be budgeted.

“One of the biggest issues we had in the last election was people [being] given the wrong ballot,” said Magistrate Greg Elkins. “As a matter of fact, I had one person who actually voted incorrectly, who was registered one party but voted the other party because she was given the wrong ballot.”

The possibility of spending more money on technology that will protect the integrity of ballots in future elections will also be considered.

In other business

Following a discussion initiated by Magistrate Chris Davis and input by Magistrate Dan Konstantopoulos, it was confirmed that $100,000 would be transferred to the Clark County Detention Center for payroll and retirement. This amount will come out of the General Fund.