The Nye County Board of Commissioners directed its staff to draft a resolution that, if approved at its July 1 meeting in Tonopah, would place a non-binding advisory question on whether Pahrump should incorporate on the November general election ballot.

The ballot request was made by the Incorporate Pahrump Committee formed in May, a five-member panel that favors incorporation.

As its chairman, Tim Lockinger, explained to the commission, it is not the same panel as the town advisory board researching incorporation.

The town advisory board has a neutral stance on incorporation and has been researching both the pros and cons for over a year. It is scheduled to present its findings and make a recommendation at the Tuesday, June 21, town board meeting.

"We are a completely separate committee that is pro-incorporation," Lockinger explained to the commissioners.

He added that all ballot questions had to be submitted by July 21, and the committee was concerned about the time constraints.

"We're not here to say, 'Yes, we absolutely should incorporate,'" Lockinger said. "We're here to give the citizens their democratic right to vote on what they think should happen in their own community."

"My concern," said Commissioner Joni Eastley, "is that if the board approves this item, then that would appear to some members of the public that we are giving tacit support to an issue that I firmly believe we should stay neutral on."

(See further comments by Eastley in the related article.)

Lockinger responded that the statute made it very clear a resolution has to be approved by the county commissioners for the advisory question to be placed on the ballot.

"This is certainly non-binding," Lockinger said. "We are not asking for the support of the county commission. However, the Nevada Revised Statute is very clear: I cannot go out and put a question on the ballot."

Eastley said she appreciates that.

Although the commissioners are limited in action that could be taken, they are able to accept and offer comments on the issue.

Dan Schinhofen, publisher of a local magazine, urged everyone to slow down and wait to see what the town advisory board concludes.

"I'm neither for incorporation, neither do I oppose it," Schinhofen said. "I have a bad habit of wanting to get all the information before wanting to make a decision. So I think we're rushing this. Let's wait for the advisory board, that's supposed to be neutral, to give us their neutral opinion on this."

Bill Garlough echoed Schinhofen's sentiments, saying he believes it is an issue Nye County residents should vote on but that should wait until the town advisory board gives its opinion.

"We've been through this three other times -- all three times it's been voted down," Garlough pointed out. "Either bring those two groups together or accept the one from the town that has the control of the advisory board. I don't believe we're crushing for time as of yet now."

Commissioner Butch Borasky also advocated waiting for the town's advisory board.

"I would think we would really want to hear from the town board on this," Borasky said. "The town should step up to ask. Any individual can do it, but I mean, normally the town would have asked for it first."

He later added he is not "against putting it on the ballot by any means."

Lockinger responded to Borasky's concerns by reiterating that his group simply wants to "give the citizens a chance to vote on where they want to go."

"As the seal behind you says, 'Past and present, working towards a new and better future,'" Lockinger said, referring the town seal behind the commissioners' table.

"We did not come here today to debate the issue," he added. "This is not that forum."

Lockinger agreed to attend the July meeting, but he expressed concern over time constraints.

Two committees need to be formed to write opposing arguments for the question in order for it to appear on the ballot by state law.

"So as far as having a resolution on the first of July, that's not an issue, but I think we need to move forward in forming those committees," Lockinger said.

Eastley asked Interim Town Manager Michael Sullivan if the Town Board would take issue with the county commissioners approving putting the question on the ballot.

"I don't think they'd have any problem with you moving forward," Sullivan said, adding that the town board was already scheduled to have a presentation at their next meeting.

"I think Tim's correct, it is just simply a timing issue rather than a 'support issue' or a 'debate issue' or a 'neutrality issue,'" he said.

Lockinger took some time prior to addressing the commissioners to explain more about the Incorporate Pahrump Committee.

"Our job is more of an education process," Lockinger said. "We're trying to get the true picture of the pros and cons out there.

"We're more than willing to have a debate on the issue. Some of the information that people have about incorporation is really far-fetched, for example, that it will raise taxes.

"I live here too, and I wouldn't support it if it's going to dramatically increase taxes," Lockinger said.

Lockinger said the group plans to hold informational meetings and work with various town organizations and groups to help disseminate accurate information.

The Incorporate Pahrump Committee is actively seeking volunteers.