Brothel fees may help vets

PAHRUMP -- Patrons of prostitutes in Nye County could be contributing to the veterans service office as well as the ambulance service soon, if county commissioners adopt a budget suggestion by Sheriff Tony DeMeo.

Assistant County Manager Pam Webster Monday presented six service departments the county wasn't required to provide by state law that could be eliminated to cut $1.35 million.

County commissioner Butch Borasky wanted a vote on each department separately, in an attempt to save the veterans service office.

Commissioners voted to save the animal control, animal shelter and senior nutrition programs, the more expensive ones, costing a combined $1.06 million.

The district attorney's bad check division and an imaging/data clerk position, costing one employee apiece for a combined $120,000, are still under consideration for the chopping block, but numerous veterans rose to fight on behalf of the $166,000 for the two veterans service officers.

After lengthy testimony, DeMeo reminded county commissioners about a suggestion by George Flint, of the Nevada Brothel Association, at a meeting in Tonopah Jan. 5, who said his organization would be agreeable to an increase in the per-prostitute licensing fee for a prostitute from $62.50 to $100 each quarter.

A quick check with Assistant Sheriff Johanna Cody, who processes the licenses, came up with an estimate of $28,500 per quarter for the brothel licenses and $10,000 for the prostitutes' registration fee.

The licensing fee could increase revenues to $30,000 per quarter with the reopening of Angel's Ladies in Beatty, she said.

"I would venture to say it probably would bring in close to $20,000 per quarter, maybe a little more," Cody said of the proposed increases.

Commissioner Lorinda Wichman, participating by video conference from Round Mountain, said what the county already receives, about $154,000 from brothel license fees and prostitute registration, almost covers the $161,000 for the veterans service office.

Webster said $60,000 per year goes to Pahrump Valley Fire-Rescue Service.

Wichman and Commissioner Gary Hollis said they thought DeMeo's suggestion was an excellent idea.

When it came to increasing the brothel patronage, and hence the revenue, Commissioner Joni Eastley, in one of the few light-hearted moments in a tense, emotional budget meeting, remarked: "So it's really interesting -- how do we encourage the population to do that?"

Nye County Veterans Service Officer Ken Shockley said his office has been in existence for four years and during the last year brought in $3.4 million in award money for the 8,440 veterans in Nye County. This year his office brought in $2.3 million, he said.

Shockley said the two veterans service officers travel to remote places like Duckwater and Gabbs, as well as serve places like Fish Lake Valley in Esmeralda County.

"To date we have 1,352 veterans that I currently have files on, and I'm currently active helping them get their benefits. I can't say how important this office is. I know we tried to get grant money available out there. There is absolutely none available," Shockley said.

Bob Ahrendt said he was vehemently opposed to discontinuing veterans' services, noting many of them are disabled.

"Our government is telling the young and able they have to serve. When they come back wounded, who is going to help?" Richard Hoery, the senior vice-commandant for the state of Nevada Marine Corps League, asked.

Al Jones said it took him 55 years to receive his 30 percent disability, which was possible because of the veterans service officers.

A tearful Carla Watson said her husband, a Vietnam veteran, wouldn't have received help for his war-related diseases without Shockley's help.

Vietnam War Marine veteran Reggie Knight said he saw 200 veterans every month as a volunteer, including visits on Wednesdays to Desert View Hospital. Knight said he'd be unable to take over the work from the two paid service officers.

Steve Lee, a veteran of duty in Somalia and Operation Desert Storm in Iraq, said veterans suffering ailments like disabilities and post traumatic stress disorder don't want to be shoved to the end of the line.

Eastley asked if veterans would consider donating $5 for a visit.

"Donations start at the top," said veteran Tim Webb. "Are you willing to donate? Are you willing to give up a 3 percent raise? Are you willing to give up something important to us to show you support us? Then we would be willing to give up something in return."

Commissioners Hollis and Eastley said yes.

Hollis said the assistant county manager thought one veterans service officer could be retained.