State of the County address: Safety remains key priority

Clark County has seen its share of accomplishments but still has challenges to face in the coming years. That was the message delivered by Clark County Council Chair Sue Marshall during last week’s State of the County address.

Marshall delivered the address in person from the Public Service Center’s sixth-floor meeting room before a mix of staff, city leaders and area residents. Marshall welcomed the opportunity to deliver the address in person for the first time since at least 2020.

“It’s been several years since we’ve done this in person, so I’m very happy to see all of you here tonight,” she told the audience.

Despite growth, budget constraints and red tape, Marshall said the county’s 1,800 employees have continued to demonstrate commitment and creativity to providing the services residents need.

“We will continue to focus on strengthening fiscal sustainability through efficient improvements, policy clarity, expenditure management and identification of revenue sources,” she said.

Public safety remains the single largest area of expense for the county. Marshall said about 80 percent of the county’s general fund goes to the sheriff’s office, courts and jail. Public safety also remains a top priority for residents. A new public safety sales and use tax approved by the Legislature in 2025 has allowed the county to add several law and justice staff, as well as support staff.

In March, the county council also gave a thumbs up to move forward with an application for the state’s new law enforcement grant program, she said.

“If the application is approved by the state, it will enable the sheriff’s office to move more promptly forward in bringing on the new deputies. Our county appreciates the Legislature’s help in providing these options,” Marshall said.

There is one area that will present a significant funding challenge for the county: updating and remodeling the county jail. Current estimates put the project costs at $470 million. Marshall said jail staff and the finance team are expected to provide a report of funding options in June.

Marshall noted that several county programs celebrated milestone anniversaries in 2025 and 2026, such as the Legacy Lands program founded in 1985.

“A big part of being able to enjoy our natural open areas is to make sure that we protect them. The county’s Legacy Lands program helps preserve, protect and restore open space in our community,” Marshall said.

To date, the program has protected and restored 5,500 acres and completed land purchases on every major lake and stream system, she said.

Another significant moment in 2025 was the 30th anniversary of the Neighborhood Outreach Program established in 1995 to partner with neighborhood associations to build community and improve communications in the community.

“Neighborhood associations serve as a connection between the county and our residents. They help us keep the public informed on things like the comprehensive plan, road construction projects, new parks, development projects and so much more,” Marshall said, adding that feedback from the associations helps inform staff and the council.

Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, Marshall said completing the update to the county’s 20-year growth plan will present significant challenges. It is a complex process requiring incremental decisions over the course of many years that build toward the county’s broader goals, she said, including addressing climate change to reduce the number of vehicle miles traveled and identifying measures that will make the county more resilient to climate-related impacts. She said the county is also working to more deliberately address housing needs and housing affordability.

Along with community planning staff and the planning commission, Marshall thanked the newly established Agricultural Advisory Commission for its analysis of a new agricultural lands study and recommendations provided to both the planning commission and the council.

“Their involvement has come at a key moment,” she said.

Marshall said information on the comprehensive update progress, schedule of meetings, submitted comments and other updates will be added to the county website this summer.