Del Papa seeks pay raises for her workers

Erin Neff

Monday, Feb. 12, 2001 | 11:11 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Citing massive turnover in her department, Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa asked the Senate Finance Committee this morning to boost salaries and benefits.

"We've really been hit very, very hard," Del Papa told the committee during today's budget hearing.

Del Papa presented a chart showing massive differences in the salaries paid the 331 people in her office compared with similar positions in the public sector. For example, a deputy district attorney in Clark County makes 40 percent more than the person with that position in her office.

In 2000, 100 of the office's 331 positions turned over compared to 48 positions turned over in 1999. Further exacerbating the issue, Del Papa said, was a shortfall in expected revenue from services performed for boards and commissions.

For example, the office was expected to generate $645,000 in revenue in that area, but only brought in $396,504 in 2000. The shortfall was due in part to the office's hourly billing rate of $78 -- an amount considered low even for public attorneys.

"Because of the problems of our budget we've been forced to leave some positions open," Del Papa said.

Committee Chairman Bill Raggio, R-Reno, told Del Papa there is no way the state can pay $175,000 for deputy district attorneys, as Clark County does.

"They're awash in money," he said.

But Del Papa bristled when Raggio suggested there was little help for her employees in the governor's proposed budget.

"The state budget has been balanced on the backs of state employees," Del Papa said.

For three straight legislative sessions, Del Papa said she was denied a request to pay bar dues for her attorneys.

"Why pay bar dues if they're leaving?" Raggio countered.

Del Papa said a one-time bonus for her attorneys, similar to the one granted teachers in Gov. Kenny Guinn's proposed budgets, would be appreciated.

"Are you proposing a tax increase?" Raggio asked. "That's the only way you get additional dollars."

Del Papa's staff is still working with the state budget office to determine what type of salary or benefit increase might be possible. A fiscal amount for the increase has not yet been determined.

In addition, Del Papa is requesting an increase to the $78-an-hour billing rate. The budget office also is examining what type of hourly increase could be approved.