Lawmakers question pay increases for Gibbons’ staff

By Cy Ryan

Monday, March 16, 2009 | 1 p.m.

Lawmakers are questioning why some members of the governor’s staff have received hefty pay increases, when their boss has proposed pay cuts for state workers and teachers.

One example lawmakers discussed was Gov. Jim Gibbons’ press secretary. The salary for the position rose from the $72,287 paid to Melissa Subbotin to $109,996, 18 months after Subbotin’s departure.

The salaries of these positions “were increased and increased significantly,” Sen. Bernice Mathews, chairwoman of the Senate Finance Committee, said Monday.

A list of the salary increases was introduced last week at an exhibit during the state Ethics Commission hearing for Bob Loux, the former director of the state Office of Nuclear Project who is accused of raising his salary and that of his staff beyond levels approved by the Legislature. The document showed:

— Jodi Stevens, the legislative assistant to the governor, went from $50,196 in January 2007 to $99,994 in April 2008.

— Nicholas Vander Poel, hired in January 2007 as executive assistant to the chief of staff at $40,152, got a 50 percent raise to $60,289 within six months. Poel now works for the Energy Office.

— After Subbotin left, earning $72,287, her successor, Ben Kieckhefer, was hired at a salary of $94,938 in March 2008. Kieckhefer was earning $103,753 when he left last year. His replacement, Daniel Burns, earns $109,996. Burns will have a pay reduction to $103,000.

State workers received a 2 percent cost of living raise in July 2007 and a 5 percent increase in July 2008. Gibbons’ proposed budget calls for state workers and teachers to receive a 6 percent pay cut.

State Budget Director Andrew Clinger told the committee that the governor’s budget will reduce Gibbons’ staff from 22.5 to 17.5 positions over the next two years. He also said that some positions that have seen their pay increased have taken on additional duties.

Senate Minority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, reminded lawmakers that the Legislature grants the governor’s office flexibility in setting salaries.

“We don’t micro-manage the salaries in this office,” Raggio said.