Monday, Nov. 14, 2011 | 3:25 p.m.
Paying $280,000 to hire an ombudsman to answer questions from road contractors didn't sit well with state Board of Transportation.
"That seems like a lot of money to pay one man," Gov. Brian Sandoval, chairman of the transportation board, said. "That's more than the constitutional officers make." The governor is paid $141,000.
The state Department of Transportation has hired Buzz Harris of Reno for a 23-month pilot program, but the department agreed to put the contract on hold after running into opposition from the board today.
Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto, a board member, also said she was concerned about the price.
Deputy Transportation Director Rick Nelson said with the economic downturn more contractors are bidding on state road contracts. Some contractors have never worked for the state and as a result have lots of questions about the process. The ombudsman "is a source of information to get through the system," he said.
Harris has experience in the construction industry and worked with the Associated General Contractors.
He would be paid on an hourly basis and $280,000 is the maximum amount Harris could earn. The contract would cover overhead and calls for$100 an hour for 10-20 hours a week. He will be reimbursed at the state rate for travel to such places as Las Vegas and Elko.
As ombudsman, Harris would not be an arbitrator for contractors' grievances. Yet Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki said the title ombudsman means one who investigates complaints.
The issue is expected to come before the board next month.
In other action, the board approved an $18 million contract for Aggregate Industries of North Las Vegas for resurfacing of I-15 from the Speedway/Hollywood Boulevard Interchange to the Dry Lake Rest Area. The department estimated the cost at $17 million.
Transportation Director Susan Martinovich said the extra money will be available when the federal government sends its allocation to Nevada.
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