Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Lyon County voters may see brothel question on ballot

YERINGTON — Residents of Lyon County may be asked to weigh in on the future of legal prostitution in the jurisdiction just east of Carson City.

The Reno Gazette Journal reports county commissioners on Thursday unanimously voted to draft language to place an advisory question on the November ballot.

Commissioner Ken Gray says rescinding the county's brothel ordinance is an issue that officials need to hear people's input on.

County manager Jeff Page says commissioners have typically followed the advice from voters.

Four brothels owned by state legislative candidate Dennis Hof are located within the county. Hof has said the move would only shift prostitution to the streets.

Permits for the brothels generate about $400,000 a year for the county.

Commissioners are expected to vote June 7 on whether to place the question on the ballot.