Clark County leaders to discuss proposed homeless ordinance Tuesday

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Clark County Commissioners released numbers on the homeless census count, and it was a startling increase to hundreds experiencing homelessness in the Las Vegas valley.

County leaders are looking to adopt an ordinance already in place within the City of Las Vegas and in Henderson.

"If you're not willing to take the services, then jail is the solution," Clark County Commissioner, Tick Segerblom of District E shared with 8 News Now.

This is in response to the influx of homelessness across the valley. This year alone the county reported a 20% increase in unhoused individuals compared to last year due to increased substance abuse and mental health challenges.

This proposed ordinance would ban people from sleeping outdoors on sidewalks and on public and private property.

"We will give you a citation and put it in our book so we have a record of it. We are looking at mirroring the city's so it's three warnings and then you'll go to jail for up to 10 days," Commissioner Segerblom told 8 News Now.

This only applies if there are shelter beds available. For those who currently live on the streets, they say, oftentimes their peers don't want the help, however, they know there are resources out there.

"Sad to say, I've gotten comfortable being on the streets because I've been out here for so long, but I do want to be back inside," Sharon Primm said.

"Some people don't have jobs or money to afford housing since it's so expensive. Me, I'm out here because I choose to be," Joseph Scott shared.

Tuesday, County officials will vote on the proposal and if it goes through the city attorney will draft up a proposed ordinance, which would then involve further discussions before it would be put up for a final vote.