Construction tax decision still on hold
by Andy Hoitmann
DON'T PLAY WITH MATCHES!-One message Pahrump Volunteer Firemen impressed on this
Kindergarten class at J. G. Johnson Elementary School during a visit on Wednesday to recognize Fire
Prevention Week.
photo by Patti Babcock
alfunctioning rocket slams into Esmeralda County
by Mary Ann McNeill
PVG Staff
GOLDFIELD -- A rocket launched from the Nevada Test
Site in the early morning hours of Saturday, October 4, mal-
functioned and impacted in Esmeralda County between the
town of Goldfield and Silver Peak, Nevada.
The rocket test originated in Area 26 of the Nevada Test Site
and was conducted by the Sandia National Laboratory. The
rocket was originally destined to land on a dry lake bed at the
Tonopah Test Range and was not supposed to stray out of the
Nellis Range Complex.
The rail launched, two-stage rocket measured about 34 feet
long by 31 inches in diameter and was the second such test
conducted. The first test was successfully conducted last Feb-
ruary.
The rocket was heard and seen by many residents of
Goldfield and was reported to the Esmeralda County Sheriffs
Department. "Around 12:28 a.m. we started getting calls from
residents," Esmeralda UndersheriffBob Rogers told the PVG.
Esmeralda Sheriffs Sgt. Rick Rose, deputies John Martino and
Darin Wake responded to the area and could see the burning
rocket in the desert. The Silver Peak ambulance and Fire
Department responded to the area also.
"The Department of Energy notified us as to what had
happened and we secured the area until government personnel
arrived ," Rogers said.
The area of the crash was sealed offby security guards from
Continued on page 2
PVG Staff
Developers and new residents to Nye County may find
another price tag added to building costs in the near future.
A proposal of Bill #9%14 was brought before the County
Commissioners on Tuesday, October 7 which would impose
a tax on residential construction in the Pahrump Valley. The
purpose for the taxation is to fund the rapidly expanding Nye
County School District.
Tremendous growth that has recently occurred in the
southern portion of the state has created a need for new
schools, classrooms, and equipment. In the past, the school
district has squeaked by due to a steady concentration on the
growth and some assistance through PETT (Payments Equal
To Taxes) funds. Even with this and school bond issues to he
appearing on upcoming election ballots, the district feels that
their capital needs will overshadow their resources by mid-
1998.
To aid the problem, the school district agreed that a
construction tax would be a reasonable solution to their
growing problem. By paying the additional $1,600 per lot for
new development, officials hope that the growing town will
pay for its own education.
Commissioner Cameron McRae made his point clear
though that he was not in favor of the bill as it was written. He
felt that if all of Nye County would benefit from d'te taxes,
then Pahrump should not be the only one paying for it.
"I have simply relayed what residents' have relayed to
me," he said. "The need is county wide and individuals here
don't want to be footing the entire bill."
McRae said he has not taken a position on the issue yet. He
is waiting for the public hearing to come before the commis-
sion so he can hear more of the residents concerns. The
commissioners directed the school district to review their
proposal and try to work out a county wide taxation system.
"The chief complaint was that (the commissioners and
Continued on page 4
Crash site
. Tonopah
i'
L
