Editorial: Cost of meetings must be questioned

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2002 | 9:01 a.m.

With the state facing a $300 million deficit and with state agencies forced into cutting back on needed services, no opportunity for painless cutbacks should be overlooked. That's why the University and Community College System of Nevada recently analyzed costs associated with the seven meetings a year held by the Board of Regents. Each meeting was found to cost $77,000 for a year-end total of $539,000.

The analysis included a break-down of costs, giving the university system a chance to examine where savings might be found. Board of Regents meetings require two days and the agenda is always full. But could the same amount of work be accomplished in six meetings, or five? It was found that 69 administrators attended the October 2001 meeting -- a typical turnout. This is excessive, particularly with teleconferencing available. And is it really necessary for the state to be spending $4,700 a meeting on food? And $2,600 for mailing and postage? With the state moving forward with its plan for new and higher taxes, there is no better time -- within all state agencies -- to conduct such studies and pare needless expenses.