1999 Legislature second costliest in history
Tuesday, Sept. 28, 1999 | 10:30 a.m.
CARSON CITY -- Even though the 1999 Legislature was limited to 120 days, it turned out to be the second costliest in Nevada history.
John McCormick, chief accountant for the Legislature, reported Monday it cost $11.1 million to run the session, which started in February and ended May 31. That's 26.6 percent below the $15 million of the 1997 Legislature, which lasted 169 days.
The cost per day averaged $91,666, compared to $89,137 in 1997.
Still the $11.1 million reversed the cycle of fast-rising costs of a Legislature. In 1993 the 166-day session cost $8.4 million and rose to $10.8 million in 1995, a 27.4 percent increase. The price tag jumped by 39 percent from 1995 to 1997.
Voters in 1998 approved a constitutional amendment limiting the session to 120 days, and the 1999 Legislature was the first to work under the restriction.
McCormick reported the results to the Legislative Commission, which received an independent financial statement of the Legislature from the accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
The audit shows the pay to lawmakers is only a small part of the total session. McCormick is still working on a breakdown of the costs for the 1999 session.
But in 1997 legislators salaries accounted for $499,400. The big cost was $2.8 million for salaries of support staff. McCormick said that was due to the decision to hire a secretary for each lawmaker, rather than using a pool of clerical help.
Overtime pay in 1997 reached $2.3 million. McCormick said that was due in part to the opening of the Legislature on Martin Luther King Day, a state holiday, which required overtime. Overtime was also paid on President's Day in February.
The audit of the legislative fund found few discrepancies. Deloitte & Touche suggested that to save costs, the Legislature use purchase discounts from vendors.
It also said the internal control over money could be improved. At present, there is one employee who receives the cash, records it and deposits the money in the bank. The audit suggested there be a separate person doing the bank deposits as a check and balance.
McCormick told the lawmakers, "It's a clean audit."
archive
- Most Read
- Discussed
- Most E-mailed
- Pricing out wagers on the Pacquiao-Cotto fight
- Kruger hoping his team will play with grit
- Two second-graders involved in shooting at bus stop
- CityCenter Realtors hit with cut in commissions
- Trainers scuffle at Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto weigh-in
- Shanghai’s maglev: Flying with both feet on the ground
- Hooters reports loss, says Chapter 11 possible
- Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs among stars in Las Vegas for Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto fight
- Gaming Control Board recommends licensing of CityCenter
- Man accused in infant’s death denies alleged beating
Blogs
The Kats Report
New face of Monte Carlo includes all the faces of Caliendo
The Greene Room
Predicting this weekend's Mountain West football slate
Top Chef: Las Vegas
Top Chef Episode 11: Child's play
Miech Again
UNLV prez Smatresk is ready for some basketball (6 Comments)
Politics: The Early Line
Harry Reid's fourth TV ad begins running today
The Greene Room
Chad Ochocinco vs. Anderson Silva? That would be a sight ... (4 Comments)
Top Chef: Las Vegas
The Jet Stream: The three stages of chefdom
Calendar »
- 14 Sat
- 15 Sun
- 16 Mon
- 17 Tue
- 18 Wed
-
Pacquiao vs. Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena
MGM Grand Garden Arena | 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
-
Friends of India Diwali Celebration at Cashman Field with Dan Nainan
Cashman Field | 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
-
Norm MacDonald at the House of Blues
House of Blues
-
Boulder City Art Guild Winter Fest Fine Art Show
Boulder City Parks & Recreation
-
John Fogerty at the Star of the Desert Arena
Star of the Desert Arena | 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
-
Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s 5th annual Carnivale du Vin
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino | 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Sun
Locally owned and independent for more than 50 years.
Technorati








