Since its inception after a special Pahrump Town Board meeting last fall, the incorporation advisory board has been busy hitting the books and conducting research, all in an effort to tackle its deceptively simple assignment of completing an incorporation feasibility study.

The advisory board, contrary to what some townsfolk may believe, was not formed to make a recommendation for incorporation but simply to outline the facts and consequences of doing so.

Chairman Robert Aberle also emphasized that the board would make every effort to ensure the public stays well-informed about the process.

"We're trying to stay as public as possible so the public can make an informed decision if it comes down to that," Aberle explained. "Our big function right now is to get things out to the public."

As such, the proposed feasibility study will include the town's history and background, current and projected demographics, an overview of the legal requirements to incorporate, prior incorporation attempts in Pahrump (this one makes four), and studies of other Nevada towns that have sprouted into cities such as Elko, Mesquite, and Fernley.

To help tackle the task, the board has broken up into subcommittees that have researched various pieces of the incorporation puzzle, from public safety requirements to possible financial impacts.

Aberle said the board is preparing to have public town-hall type of meetings in May or June to answer residents' questions and concerns.

These include, according to Aberle, everything from taxes to animals.

Regarding the former, Aberle said property taxes can't increase much more because they're already near the limit, and as for the latter, that would depend on who the town or city elected as an official.

In addition, Aberle said many of the public services required by law for cities are already established in Pahrump.

The board also plans to have a preliminary study ready to present to the board by July.

Even before that, however, Aberle said the board hopes to have an informational brochure available to the public.

Although those timelines aren't set in stone, since the voting and referendum process is scheduled in accordance with the state legislature, the chairman admitted the clock is ticking.

"If something is going to be done, it has to be soon," Aberle said.

The incorporation advisory board meets the second Monday of each month in the town annex at 7 p.m. All meetings are open to the public.