We all want a property tax break but what would be the ramifications if it really came true? That is what is taking place with Incline Village property taxpayers after multiple rulings in favor of lowering their property taxes.

But some, like Washoe County Treasurer Bill Berrum, see the decision by the Nevada Supreme Court could undermine taxable property values across Nevada, devastating local governments from Washoe County to Boulder Dam.

The outcome of this decision rolls back taxable property values at Lake Tahoe to 2003 levels. This means that residents of Incline Village and Crystal Bay are being taxed on 40 percent of their property’s current value while the rest of the county is being taxed at 70 percent.

Obviously this news will not be a secret long and other residents could petition to have the same roll back for their community. The results could be devastating for local governments in the entire state of Nevada. As most people are aware, property taxes supply a large percentage of revenues for local schools, cities and counties as well as a smaller proportion for the state.

Will this one decision have a ripple down effect for the entire state of Nevada? We will have to wait and see but by that time, it might be too late.