First proposals expected from panel trying to save taxpayers’ money

Brendan Riley

Wednesday, March 22, 2000 | 9:17 a.m.

CARSON CITY - The first of many votes this year on proposals to improve government efficiency is expected at a meeting Thursday of a special panel formed by Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn.

By the time it's done, the Committee to Conduct a Fundamental Review of State Government hopes to have a plan that the 2001 Legislature can use to make some big changes - and not just suggestions for more cooperation between agencies.

At its meeting Thursday in Las Vegas, the panel will act on proposals to eliminate Nevada's parole system and replace it with determinate prison sentencing; and to split the state Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety.

Other suggestions up for votes include:

-A proposal for consolidating major tax-collecting functions of Gaming Control, Motor Vehicles and Taxation agencies into a new state Department of Revenue.

Guinn's motivation in appointing the committee was the scare he got in January 1999, when he took office, as fiscal analysts predicted a big budget shortage. The economy improved and the deficit dwindled, but Guinn still said the state should do whatever it could to trim costs.

The GOP governor has said the top-to-bottom review of state government could lead to the elimination of outdated programs, expansion of others and the privatization of some.

Denice Miller, Guinn's senior policy adviser, and Don Hataway of the state Budget Office are the co-chairs of the 16-member panel. Others on the committee include representatives of private business, lawmakers and local and state government officials.