Assembly passes measure merging controller, treasurer

Kirsten Searer

Friday, May 6, 2005 | 10:20 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The Assembly passed a bill Thursday that would combine the state controller and treasurer offices.

The idea has been floating around since the 1970s but always dies off, said former state treasurer and current Assemblyman Bob Seale, R-Henderson, who is sponsoring the bill.

"This legislation has been around so long I think it's going to apply for Social Security before I do," he said.

Seale argued the state could save $1.5 million each biennium by combining the offices.

Assembly Joint Resolution 3 would allow voters to elect a secretary of finance, who would then appoint a treasurer and controller.

Right now, the controller handles the state's accounting, while the treasurer invests state money.

"He holds the cash and we hold the checks," said Controller Kathy Augustine.

Augustine opposes the bill, saying there is little overlap between the offices. She said the bill also would remove the voice of the people in the offices that handle their money.

"My biggest thing is, what are we accomplishing?" she asked.

But Treasurer Brian Krolicki said there are areas that overlap. The state would save on one constitutional officer, some administrative workers and areas of information technology, he said.

The new treasurer and controller positions would be similar to the deputy positions that are already in place in each office, he said.

The offices were set up separately when the state was established to ensure a checks and balances system. But Krolicki and Seale said there are enough checks in place to ensure the state's money won't be stolen.

The idea would take a constitutional amendment, meaning the Legislature would have to pass it twice and then send it along to the people.

It wouldn't go into effect until 2011.