Former Golf Course Owner Sues Clark County Over Taxes

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The former Badlands Golf Course site is set for redevelopment amidst ongoing legal issues over property taxes.

News Summary

Yohan Lowie, the former owner of Badlands Golf Course, has filed a lawsuit against Clark County for allegedly collecting over $8 million in unlawful property taxes. Following a Nevada Supreme Court ruling that exempted his property from taxation after ‘inverse condemnation’, Lowie claims all taxes paid since 2017 should be refunded. The lawsuit raises concerns about local taxpayer financial responsibilities and the county’s management of tax assessments related to the golf course, which has faced multiple legal challenges and a significant $286 million settlement with the City of Las Vegas.

Las Vegas – Former Badlands Golf Course owner Yohan Lowie has filed a lawsuit against Clark County, claiming the county unlawfully collected over $8 million in property taxes from him following a significant ruling by the Nevada Supreme Court. The lawsuit seeks the return of all property taxes paid since August 2, 2017, when the court determined that Lowie’s property had been taken through “inverse condemnation,” thereby making him exempt from further taxation on the land.

Lowie’s lawsuit is the latest development following a $286 million settlement reached with the City of Las Vegas, relating to multiple legal disputes that arose after the city blocked his plans to develop residential housing on the 254-acre Badlands site. Lowie originally purchased the golf course with the intention of transforming it into a community of homes, but encountered numerous legal obstacles from the city.

In the period from 2017 to 2023, Lowie reportedly paid over $6.75 million in property taxes on the golf course, even as he maintained through legal filings that he was not liable for these taxes after the Nevada Supreme Court’s decision. The City of Las Vegas acknowledged its error in assessing property taxes on a 35-acre portion of the land, for which it reimbursed Lowie approximately $1.42 million. However, the lawsuit contends that all taxes collected after the Supreme Court ruling should be refunded, as the land, now considered public property, should not be subject to taxation.

The lawsuit alleges that Clark County has ignored both the District Court and Nevada Supreme Court orders, which have stated that taxes are not owed on public property. Despite these legal determinations, the county reportedly continued to assess property taxes and fines on Lowie’s property, leading to additional penalties amounting to about $200,000.

If Lowie is successful in his lawsuit, he intends to seek reimbursement for legal fees, costs, and interest, which could total up to an additional $5 million. This situation has raised concerns about ongoing fiscal responsibilities for local taxpayers as the mismanagement of tax collections related to the Badlands Golf Course has significant implications for the county’s financial health.

Clark County has yet to provide any public comment regarding the lawsuit and has not formally responded in court. The financial strain caused by these legal conflicts is further amplified by the recent $286 million settlement with the City of Las Vegas, classified as one of the largest legal payouts in the city’s history. This settlement has resulted in a depletion of general fund reserves, job freezes, and delays in capital projects across the city.

Looking ahead, homebuilder Lennar has plans to develop housing on the former Badlands site, having acquired the property from the city amidst these ongoing legal issues. The city remains involved in the current lawsuit only due to a court order, although its role is limited.

This lawsuit underscores significant financial challenges for local governments and taxpayers, stemming from the handling of tax assessments linked to the Badlands Golf Course. As developments continue, both the residents and officials in Las Vegas are closely monitoring the situation, aware that the implications of Lowie’s claims could affect future financial planning and liabilities.