MINUTES OF MEETING
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Sixty-seventh Session
February 23, 1993
The Assembly Committee on Government Affairs was called to order by Chairman Val Z. Garner at 8:07 a.m., Tuesday, February 23, 1993, in Room 330 of the Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada. Exhibit A is the Meeting Agenda. Exhibit B is the Attendance Roster.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mr. Val Z. Garner, Chairman
Mr. Rick C. Bennett, Vice Chairman
Mrs. Kathy M. Augustine
Mr. Douglas A. Bache
Mrs. Marcia de Braga
Mrs. Vivian L. Freeman
Mr. Lynn Hettrick
Mrs. Erin Kenny
Mrs. Joan A. Lambert
Mr. James W. McGaughey
Mr. Roy Neighbors
Mrs. Gene W. Segerblom
Mr. Wendell P. Williams
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT:
None
GUEST LEGISLATORS PRESENT:
Assemblyman James Gibbons, District 25
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Dana Bennett, Research Analyst
OTHERS PRESENT:
Robert Gagnier, Executive Director, State of Nevada Employees Association; Mike Sommers, President, Board of Directors, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District; Loren Enstad, Fire Chief, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District.
ASSEMBLY BILL NO. 20 - Increases amounts paid to certain public officers and employees as travel and subsistence allowances.
Robert Gagnier, Executive Director, State of Nevada Employees Association, stated AB 20 did 2 things: one, it raised the per diem rate within the state and out of state; and two, it raised the mileage allowance. He explained the current rate structure to the committee and gave illustrations why the increases were being asked for. In conclusion, Mr. Gagnier said when he had last checked there were no fiscal notes available. He, therefore, told the committee, "In the past, when the per diem has been increased by the legislature, the state does not appropriate money. Each agency is required to make this up within their travel budget."
Mrs. Freeman asked if the bill would go before the Committee on Ways and Means. Mr. Garner replied if the committee acted on either AB 20 or AB 21, which was to be heard next, the bills would be rereferred. Mr. Gagnier added, "Normally the bills would have gone to Ways and Means but it was leadership's decision to send them to Government Affairs."
The hearing on AB 20 was closed with no action taken.
ASSEMBLY BILL NO. 21 - Increases amount of compensation paid to state employees to encourage continuity of service.
Mr. Gagnier, Executive Director, State of Nevada Employees Association, explained AB 21 utilizing prepared testimony
(Exhibit C) regarding the state's longevity pay program.
Mr. Neighbors mentioned the figures currently being used by Nye County and said he found the ones presented in Exhibit C to be very conservative.
The hearing on AB 21 was closed with no action taken.
ASSEMBLY BILL NO. 143 -Makes various changes regarding boards of directors of certain county fire protection districts.
Assemblyman James Gibbons, District 25, introduced Chief Loren Enstad, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, and Mike Sommers, President, Board of Directors, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, and stated the operative provisions of AB 143 applied to Title 42, Chapter 474 of the Nevada Revised Statutes pertaining to county fire districts. He said AB 143 had 3 operative provisions, one of which had an amendment (Exhibit D). He then proceeded to detail each operative provision: to expand the board of directors from 3 to 5; to permit the directors to increase their fee; and referencing the amendment, each director had to be a resident of the election precinct for which he was elected and elected at large.
Mike Sommers testified the primary intent of AB 143 was to increase the board from 3 to 5 members due to the heavy work load which the 3 members now performed.
Mrs. Freeman asked for justification of the increase from $1,800 to $6,000 per year. Mr. Gibbons responded the language was enabling. The cost of annual attendance at meetings oftentimes exceeded $1,800, but the maximum amount would be $6,000.
Mrs. Freeman asked on average how many meetings took place per month. Mr. Sommers replied it was 2 or 3 meetings a month, in addition to committee work alongside administration. Mr. Enstad added the reason the $6,000 figure was chosen was because it was consistent with General Improvement Districts operating under Nevada Revised Statute 318. More discussion followed regarding the actual cost per meeting.
Mrs. Segerblom questioned how many 474 districts there were in the state. Mr. Gibbons said he did not know because each county was allowed to make a determination of contiguous area, within which to create 474 fire protection districts. Mrs. Lambert gave the numbers for Washoe County. Mr. Gibbons then added 474 fire districts were usually in the rural areas.
Mr. McGaughey asked how the revenue was generated and what the budget was for the district. Mr. Sommers replied revenue was generated in the general operating fund by SCCRT taxes, ad valorum taxes and motor vehicle privilege taxes; within the enterprise and proprietary funds, it was through the ambulance and paramedics service direct billings. He added the budget for the current year was $3.8 million. Further discussion took place between Mr. McGaughey and Mr. Sommers regarding the cost of meetings and work load per member.
Mrs. Lambert supported AB 143 saying those who served on the boards were performing the ultimate public service.
ASSEMBLYMAN MCGAUGHEY MOVED AMEND & DO PASS ON AB 143.
ASSEMBLYMAN HETTRICK SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
As the last order of business Chairman Garner requested committee introduction of the bill draft requests as presented in Exhibit E.
ASSEMBLYMAN WILLIAMS MOVED FOR COMMITTEE INTRODUCTION OF EXHIBIT E.
MRS. LAMBERT SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
There being no further business to come before committee, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 a.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
BETTY WILLS
Committee Secretary
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Assembly Committee on Government Affairs
February 23, 1993
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