State looks at motor pool options

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003 | 9:23 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Nevada legislators will not know until mid-February if private industry can operate motor pools cheaper than the state.

State Budget Director Perry Comeaux told legislative committees Tuesday that he does not believe there would be significant cost savings, but that the proposed move could mean some savings.

The state has solicited bids from private companies to supply cars to state officials on business in Las Vegas and Northern Nevada. Comeaux said there are six bidders and that the evaluation should be completed next month.

The state leases land from the Clark County Aviation Department for $2,000 to $2,500 each quarter for the motor pool in Southern Nevada, but Comeaux said the county intends to raise the rent soon to $9,000 a month.

The Aviation Department has served notice to the state that it needs the land for expansion, so the state needs to find a new home for its motor pool.

The state is examining whether it might be cheaper to lease cars daily or on a monthly rate from a private company. The state has 787 vehicles with a proposed motor pool budget of $3.7 million next year and $3.9 million the following year. Also, there is $2 million set aside for replacement or new vehicles, Comeaux said.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, said the two issues are service and cost. Comeaux said he did not think there would be a major savings if private companies took over.

Assemblywoman Vonne Chowning, D-North Las Vegas, called the "personal service" by the state Motor Pool "stupendous." She said she doubted a private company would offer that level of service.

Also Tuesday, there was discussion in the committees about privatizing the state printing office, which Comeaux said is "fighting for survival." He said state Printer Don Bailey has been trying to find more work for his crew.

"If his efforts to find new jobs after the session are not successful, we will have to find other options," Comeaux said.

Desktop printers used by state agencies have cut into the business of the printing office, Comeaux said.