Pahrump Town Board member Frank Maurizio successfully sponsored an agenda item on behalf of the incorporation advisory board at the April 28 meeting, requesting the town provide matching funds not to exceed $19,500 or 50 percent of the cost of an incorporation feasibility study.

The funds would come from the economic development room tax fund.

The measure passed 3-0 with Maurizio abstaining from the vote, as he is the town's liaison with the incorporation panel. Board member Mike Darby was absent.

The study, or its clone by a slightly different name, was stricken from the April 14 agenda. An earlier version of the proposal was denied funding by the Nye County commissioners in December 2008. The previous study was based on a proposal from University of Nevada Reno that was requested by the town.

With the funding issue settled, the scope of this newest study is likely to be broadened by the incorporation board to include a study of both pros and cons of incorporation and how it might affect Pahrump's economy and economic development.

Once the board brings the revived proposal to the town board for review, the study will be sent out to bid.

Tim Lockinger, a member of the incorporation board, said he represents a group of concerned citizens and Pahrump businesses who believe in the town's potential and together are willing to fund the other half of the study.

"We have the county commissioners coming in with their impact fees and other fees and driving away businesses," Lockinger said. "We are not for or against incorporation. We simply want to know the facts, and we are willing to put up some money to know what those facts are. We need to know what the true facts are."

Lockinger's comments were rewarded with applause by attendees.

Bill Garlough asked why money is needed. "Incorporation has been defeated three times," he said.

Garlough also said Professor Buddy Borden's UNR proposal had been verbally approved previously and the study was near completion.

"Somebody on the town staff gave verbal agreement to do this study. This should be investigated," said Garlough. "I would say remove it until it's been investigated. The study is already done. We are being mislead."

The Pahrump Valley Times contacted Borden and was unable to confirm the study had been commissioned.

Harold Boggess weighed in with his opinion, saying, "I don't see any reason to put up $19,500 or $38,000 for something that's already been shut out three times. We don't want incorporation, and after three times it's supposed to be done away with."

Judith Holmgren said, "I believe this gentleman should keep his money in his pocket until he gets more information about how this study came about. I disagree with using economic development money for this study."

Dave Stevens said he's against incorporation. "When somebody comes up with $19,500, I am very suspicious. They want something for that money," he said.

"Why should we give somebody $19,500? Because Mrs. Easley told us to, that's why," referring to the chairman of the county commission.

Darce Wilson, chairman of the incorporation panel, took his three minutes to speak about the residents of Pahrump controlling the town's destiny. "I have been on this board for about two years now. Incorporation is not going to raise taxes. It brings local control. Incorporation eliminates the board of county commissioners. One hundred percent of our taxes would be left here -- there would be no 60-40 split."

Wilson also said the panel's two newest members are against incorporation, and there are diverse opinions among the members as a whole.

Paula Elefante said the study was on the agenda last month with a different title. Board member Vicky Parker explained the name was changed "to be up front about what is in the study. It's an incorporation and economic feasibility study."

Donna Cox was concerned about the cost of the study.

"Right now, there is a lot of unnecessary big spending by the government that we will be paying for, for years. We do need to get out from underneath the county, but I am not for getting money from anybody. I don't want to see any new city owing anybody money."

Bob Irving compared the study to the multiple fire department studies the town did just a few years back, paying several consultants and never using their recommendations.

"We have some very smart people in Pahrump who could do this without involving outside people," he said.