Some state workers to get pay raises

Saturday, Feb. 22, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

State Budget Director Perry Comeaux said the raises would go to several state law enforcement groups, nurses, parole and probation workers and Capitol and university police. Prison guards aren't included, however.

State of Nevada Employees Association chief Bob Gagnier complained to lawmakers last week that pay levels for several jobs in state service are seriously below their counterparts in other government entities and private companies.

"They were in (the budget) all along," Comeaux said. "We just didn't highlight them."

He said raises ranging from 5 to 10 percent over the 3 percent annual cost-of-living increase proposed for all state workers are planned for the positions that have fallen behind.

Comeaux added Gov. Bob Miller's budget includes pay hikes above the cost-of-living increase for nearly 50 different state jobs.

Comeaux said studies have shown the state is having problems recruiting in many of the positions because of low pay scales. But in the case of prison guards, he added high turnover may be caused more by stress.