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Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 9:10 PM

County proposes 5 cent diesel tax

County proposes 5 cent diesel tax

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

The Lyon County Board of Commissioners on March 5 proposed an ordinance to set a 5 cent per gallon tax on diesel fuel. 

The Board heard public testimony both in support and opposition. The Board will conduct a second hearing currently scheduled for March 19.

Senate Bill 48, which passed in the 2019 Legislature, authorizes the County Commission to impose the tax with a 2/3 majority vote of the Board.

If the ordinance is approved, If Diesel tax is implemented it is estimated to generate, based upon fiscal year 2019 numbers, $2.2 million dollars for road maintenance. That funding would be distributed to Lyon County, the City of Fernley and the City of Yerington based upon the assessed valuation of each jurisdiction. At that figure, Lyon County would receive $1.4 million, Fernley would receive $969,000 and Yerington would receive $90,000.

Currently, local government does not receive any tax dollars on diesel fuel sales. Gasoline is currently taxed at 9 cents per gallon for the Regional Transportation Commission (split based upon assessed valuation between the county and both cities) and 6.35 cents for the County Road fund.


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C Comment author: Carl C. HagenComment text: Maybe there is more to this story than what is reported, but it seems to me that the businesses that are causing this problem ought to be paying for this, or at least a major portion of it. Why does the County have to pay the whole bill? Just my opinion.Comment publication date: 5/7/26, 10:26 AMComment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-rampComment author: Alan ReederComment text: Great guy, laughed easily, had fun with his students, enjoyed our time together at FHS!Comment publication date: 4/23/26, 10:23 PMComment source: Howard David JacksonComment author: Jack & Nancy CookComment text: Wonderful man. Created a precious family with Linda. Will always respect and admire his contribution to teaching at FHS.Comment publication date: 4/18/26, 10:27 AMComment source: Howard David JacksonComment author: JeffDickersonComment text: Very well reported, even though our motion was denied.Comment publication date: 4/15/26, 11:05 AMComment source: Judge allows Fernley City Council to proceed with corrective agenda item in Lau expulsion caseComment author: Todd fossumComment text: Hi my name is todd fossum i'm clarence's stepson, I was wondering if he had any siblings. I think he said he had a sister that just survived cancer. If she can get ahold of me or any buddy, my number is 916. 3 4 3 1 1 7 7.Thank you have a blessed dayComment publication date: 1/16/26, 4:33 PMComment source: Clarence L Shields C Comment author: Carl HagenComment text: So just curious, what is the point of a franchise agreement if it is not exclusive?Comment publication date: 12/15/25, 4:18 PMComment source: Council approves non-exclusive franchise agreement for waste collection
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