Veterans Home director gets nod

Cy Ryan Sun

Monday, April 26, 1999 | 12:26 p.m.

CARSON CITY -- The Legislative Interim Finance Committee today approved spending $16,493 to hire a director for the state Veterans Home, now under construction in Boulder City.

But Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, said it is still to be decided whether the state or a private company will operate the facility. He said the director, to be paid $67,000 a year, will be needed, even if the home is to be run by a private firm.

Steve Clark, assistant state veterans commissioner, told the interim finance committee that money from the sale of veterans motor vehicle license plates will be used to hire the director next month so he can begin his work early.

The $16,493 will pay the salary and other costs for the director through June 30.

The interim finance committee earlier this month delayed approving the money when Raggio raised the issue that a private firm may operate the home.

Deputy State Budget Director Don Hataway said Gov. Kenny Guinn's budget envisions the state taking over the 180-bed facility, scheduled to open in July 2000.

Raggio said his Senate Finance Committee has not yet approved the budget for the next two fiscal years for the home, and it has not yet decided whether it will be under state or private management.

Even if a private company manages the home, a full-time state monitor will be needed.