LVCVA, schools officially resolve tax dispute

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and the Clark County School District officially kissed and made up Friday over a $12 million dispute.

The LVCVA had sought to stop the transfer of $12 million a year from its budget, as mandated by the 1997 Legislature. The money comes from 5/8 of 1 percent of the hotel room tax money.

The convention authority felt the money should be used to promote tourism.

The school district, however, argued that the funds were needed to renovate old schools, build new ones and purchase land for future campuses.

The LVCVA reluctantly backed off its attempt to sidetrack the transfer of the money earlier this week and now embraces the school district's agenda.

Representatives pledged their support for the decision at a joint news conference Friday. They included: Manny Cortez, LVCVA president; Mayor Jan Laverty Jones, LVCVA chairwoman; Brian Cram, school superintendent; Ruth Johnson, school board president; and Bob Forbuss, president of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce

"This was not personal," Cram said of the dispute. "It was business people competing for dollars they needed. This was two different entities doing what they felt was important."

Cortez said he was fine with the transfer of money, as long as it was used for education.

"I think this is old news," Cortz said. "It's over. It's their money now."

Cortez said the LVCVA will continue with business as usual, but probably expand convention center activities to make up for the loss.

"You will be surprised and pleased at the type of events that we will be bringing in over the next three years," Cortez said. "There will be major concerts and special events."

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