Changes crafted

Assembly leaders began crafting a proposal Wednesday to soften the financial blow that Clark County's operating funds would sustain in a $120 million grab approved earlier this week.

It calls for taking $14 million in capital-improvement funds over two years instead of money used to cover operating costs. The state also would give the county $16 million in car registration fees rather than putting the money in a pot for all the local governments to share.

This measure would cut in half the $60 million impact on the county's general fund, which is used to pay for services and programs. County leaders have complained about major cities like Las Vegas being untouched.

Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie said it was only fair that the county receive the entire $16 million because the state was taking money solely from its coffers.

Attorneys must change the statutory language so the county can get the entire sum, Leslie said.