MINUTES OF THE meeting
of the
ASSEMBLY Committee on Ways and Means
Seventy-Second Session
February 6, 2003
The Committee on Ways and Meanswas called to order at 7:30 a.m., on Thursday, February 6, 2003. Chairman Morse Arberry Jr. presided in Room 3137 of the Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada. Exhibit A is the Agenda. Exhibit B is the Guest List. All exhibits are available and on file at the Research Library of the Legislative Counsel Bureau.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mr. Morse Arberry Jr., Chairman
Ms. Chris Giunchigliani, Vice Chairwoman
Mr. Walter Andonov
Mr. Bob Beers
Mrs. Vonne Chowning
Mrs. Dawn Gibbons
Mr. David Goldwater
Mr. Josh Griffin
Mr. Lynn Hettrick
Ms. Sheila Leslie
Mr. John Marvel
Ms. Kathy McClain
Mr. David Parks
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT:
Mr. Richard Perkins (excused)
GUEST LEGISLATORS PRESENT:
None
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mark Stevens, Assembly Fiscal Analyst
Steve Abba, Principal Deputy Fiscal Analyst
Connie Davis, Committee Secretary
Linda Smith, Committee Secretary
CULTURAL AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATION (101-2892) – BUDGET PAGE CULTURAL-1.
Scott Sisco, Interim Director, Department of Cultural Affairs, identified himself for the record and introduced Marcia Wolter Britton, Administrator, Division of Museums and History, Ronald M. James, State Historic Preservation Officer, Sara Jones, Administrator, Division of State Library and Archives, and Susan Boskoff, Executive Director, Nevada Arts Council.
Mr. Sisco advised that the budget crisis and hiring freeze vacancies prevented bringing the number of staff normally available to respond to questions from members of the Committee. Despite a 12 percent vacancy rate, Mr. Sisco indicated Department representatives in attendance were prepared to answer questions and, as quickly as possible after the hearing, would provide responses to staff concerning more technical questions.
Mr. Sisco referred to a document titled, “Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs Budget Presentation to the 2003 Legislature” (Exhibit C), which had been provided to the members of the Committee and from which he would deliver the Department’s budget presentation.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Sisco recalled Governor Guinn’s State of the State Address and the difficult budget reductions that had to be made. While Mr. Sisco indicated the Governor was a strong supporter of cultural leadership and the services provided by the Department, the Governor was aware that the Department had more needs than there were funds. Mr. Sisco advised that while the budget reductions were not what the Governor wanted for the Department, the current revenue situation made the reductions necessary.
While there were no requests for funding beyond the request in The Executive Budget, Mr. Sisco expressed concerns that the demand for services continued to increase along with the “rapidly increasing population of the state.” Mr. Sisco indicated that while few would argue that cultural programs received sufficient funding to meet the needs of the state, each year, for example, the Nevada Arts Council received more requests for services than could be provided, the state museums had minimal funding to maintain their buildings and to update exhibits, rural libraries struggled to keep their aging bookmobiles on the road, libraries experienced difficulty purchasing “up‑to-date” books, and all programs within the Department struggled to meet the increased demand for their services.
Mr. Sisco reported that the Department of Cultural Affairs entered the Governor’s Fundamental Review of State Government process in 2000 from a different perspective than other state agencies. Mr. Sisco explained that suggestions had been submitted to the Governor’s Steering Committee to Conduct a Fundamental Review of State Government that recommended transfer of the Department’s basic components, which he said would have, in effect, eliminated the Department. However, the Fundamental Review process produced a consensus that services provided by the Department were essential to citizens, visitors, and the economic diversity of the state. Mr. Sisco said that history showed the country had developed and prospered around communities with access to culture, the arts, museums, libraries, and the humanities. Additionally, he said that communities like New York, San Francisco, Denver, and Santa Fe were desirable to businesses because of their cultural activity. Mr. Sisco pointed out that businesses today continued to look for those cultural resources when determining where they would locate and the communities in which they planned to invest, and citizens and local businesses also recognized the importance of supporting cultural resources.
During the 2002 November election, Mr. Sisco said that Nevadans approved Question 1, which provided for $200 million in bond sales to protect, preserve, and improve cultural resources and at the same time turned down two special use tax exemptions. The bond issue included $35 million to build a new Nevada State Museum in Las Vegas, an item that he would address during the course of the hearing.
Mr. Sisco also pointed out the importance of “cultural tourism.” Over the last decade, he indicated “cultural tourism” had become a prominent factor in how travelers selected their vacation destinations. Mr. Sisco stated that “cultural tourism” brought visitors to every community in the state and those who traveled to Nevada stayed longer and spent more, which were only a few of the reasons for the services provided by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Copies of the “State of Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs Biennial Report 2001-2002” (Exhibit D), which detailed the Department of Cultural Affairs’ accomplishments over the past two years, were distributed to the members of the Committee.
Mr. Sisco referred to Exhibit C, the Department’s summary and description of the Fiscal Year 2004 and 2005 budget request and addressed the Department of Cultural Affairs’ five major undertakings and initiatives which included:
A video that reflected the history and future use of the Las Vegas Springs Preserve as a public educational and cultural resource was shown. The video indicated that in 2005, the Preserve would be unveiled to the public and would encompass a courtyard and visitor center from which access to an amphitheater and indoor theater would be available. The theaters would provide an educational experience that would detail the history of the valley and the significance of water to survival in the Mojave Desert.
After leaving the visitors’ center, the Desert Living Center, a seven-acre conservation garden, would provide visitors a greater understanding of desert plants and the importance of responsible water use in the desert. Additionally, the Desert Living Center would serve as “a valuable community resource and educational focal point for promoting sustainable living.”
The Preserve would also include an extensive trail system winding “through a desert wetland area leading to interpretive stops that would explain the natural, cultural, and technological resources of the Preserve while highlighting protection and management of the resources.” Restored and scenic structures would be seen along the historic trail.
Mr. Sisco noted that the video was created entirely at the expense of the Las Vegas Springs Preserve.
Mr. Sisco noted that the Nevada State Museum in Las Vegas, after struggling for eight years in a residential area that continued to grow around it, and attendance that continued to decline, would be placed at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve. Mr. Sisco pointed out that placing the museum at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve had the potential for taking the Nevada State Museum from 40,000 visitors a year to over 500,000 visitors a year. Additionally, he said the critical criteria was solved for area educators who had expressed concern over original plans to move the museum out of the area of the school districts, which would have reduced field trip access. Mr. Sisco reiterated that a bond issue provided the necessary funding and that currently plans were being developed to build the museum.
Mr. Sisco pointed out that because the new museum would be placed on a small, environmentally and archaeologically sensitive piece of land, Department representatives were currently in the process of working with the State Public Works Board to contract with the Las Vegas Springs Preserve to build the museum. Mr. Sisco advised that the State Public Works Board would serve as the Department’s representative and ensure that the building, which the state would maintain for the next 99 years plus, would be built to the Department’s standards and would be a good investment for the state. Mr. Sisco further advised that the Las Vegas Springs Preserve would be contracted with to build the structure rather than the Public Works Board.
Mr. Sisco indicated the Department anticipated the shell of the museum building would be up by 2005 and within eight to nine months after that, it was expected that the exhibits would be moved into the building.
In response to questions from Chairman Arberry regarding the time for completion, Mr. Sisco indicated that originally the goal was to open the museum during the Las Vegas Centennial Celebration. However, funding for planning was not provided during the 71st Legislative Session, and, therefore, the museum was a year and a half behind schedule. Mr. Sisco reiterated that the Department’s goal was to have the building erected by May 2005 and between eight and ten months later the museum would open.
In response to additional questions from Chairman Arberry concerning financing the building, Mr. Sisco advised that A.B. 267, approved during the 2001 Legislative Session, included a tax increase, which was approved by the voters under Question 1. Additionally, Mr. Sisco indicated that the Office of the State Treasurer was currently working on putting together the components of the $200 million package to issue the bonds.
Mr. Sisco addressed the issue of the building currently housing the Nevada State Museum and Historical Society at Lorenzi Park in Las Vegas and indicated some interest had been expressed by the City of Las Vegas to purchase the structure. However, the City of Las Vegas indicated the lease clause allowed them to acquire the building “free and clear” without payment to the state. Mr. Sisco advised that since the Department had requested a new building for the Southern Nevada Records Center during the past four biennia, the idea of moving the Southern Nevada Records Center, the Nevada Humanities Committee, the Nevada Arts Council, and the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped into the building at Lorenzi Park was being explored. Considering the fact that the capital improvement project for the Southern Nevada Records Center had already exceeded $6 million and had not yet been built, Mr. Sisco indicated the building at Lorenzi Park was worth being investigated.
Mr. Sisco advised that since the Nevada State Museum at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve would be part of an entire complex built around a variety of attractions and cultural resource opportunities, Department representatives were currently investigating exactly how the museum would operate.
In response to questions from Chairman Arberry concerning financing the new museum building, Andrew Clinger, Deputy Director, Budget Division, advised that the building was being funded with property tax revenues. Mr. Clinger further advised that an amendment to the Treasurer’s Bond Interest and Redemption account for the Question 1 bonds would be forthcoming.
In response to Mr. Marvel’s concern in reference to the 15 cents debt service taken by the state, Mr. Clinger indicated that financing the new museum was outside of the $3.64 property tax cap rate and not subject to that limit.
Mr. Goldwater clarified that legislation debated in the Assembly Committee on Taxation during the Seventy-first Legislative Session, and which was voter approved, was outside of the $3.64 property tax cap.
Mr. Sisco reported that the Commission for Cultural Affairs was established by the Legislature in 1991 to preserve historic structures and to establish a network of community cultural centers throughout the state. Between 1993 and 2002, 60 projects benefited from the Commission on Cultural Affairs’ funding, 44 of which had opened and were visited by over 556,802 people. Mr. Sisco advised that a 2002 Commission on Economic Development study found that visits to facilities supported by the Commission for Cultural Affairs resulted in a $19 million contribution to the state’s economy. Additionally, Mr. Sisco reported the study indicated that construction projects and resulting facilities had a $103 million impact on the state economy, $62 million in construction‑related areas and $41 million in operating the facilities in various communities.
Mr. Sisco advised the Committee that during the late 1980s three OASIS Conferences were sponsored by a group of cultural organizations and public agencies known as I-GOV (Inter-Governmental Group). The conferences established a sense of community and common purpose among those concerned with arts, education, libraries, humanities, preservation, and history.
Mr. Sisco advised that the conferences were very popular and Nevada was richer for the activities and organizations that developed and grew since the original conferences. More than a decade later, the I-GOV model became the basis of the Department of Cultural Affairs. A revival of OASIS in 2003 demonstrated the state’s commitment toward a broader alliance of arts and culture. Mr. Sisco indicated that on March 5 through March 7, the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Nevada Humanities Committee would host the 2003 OASIS Conference in Carson City. The conference would address a number of topics including accessibility, technology, museum programming, literacy, public art, and the development of cultural capital. Additional information would be provided during the following week and an invitation was extended to Committee members to attend as time permitted. Additionally, the Governor’s Arts Awards would also be held during the same week, and invitations to attend were also extended to the members of the Committee.
Mr. Sisco referred to a one-page project update, located behind the Introductory tab in the Department’s Budget Presentation (Exhibit C), on the Sarah Winnemucca Statue. Mr. Sisco advised that A.B. 267, approved by the 2001 Legislature, provided the authority for a committee to select an artist and statue design and to oversee construction of the statue and its placement in the U.S. Capitol. The Governor, the Senate Majority Leader, and the Speaker of the Assembly each appointed two members to the Statue Selection Committee.
Mr. Sisco noted that as of January 2003, the Nevada Women’s History Project (NWHP) had raised $32,283 and by summer 2004, it was anticipated the Sara Winnemucca Statue would be placed in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol.
During the last two weeks, Mr. Sisco said the Department of Cultural Affairs had been able to send to schools and public libraries copies of Nevada Riches, the Nevada history CD ROM, visualized in 1997 by Senator Cegavske and former Department of Cultural Affairs Director, Joan Kerschner. Mr. Sisco indicated the Nevada Riches CD had taken the sights and sounds of Nevada history to the computer screen and subsequently to “important end-users.” Through $50,000 provided by the 1999 Legislature, along with another $10,000 Nevada Bell grant, secured with the assistance of Senator Cegavske, the project, over four years in the making and over $250,000 in costs, excluding staff time, was completed. Two of the teacher-training manuals were distributed to the members of the Committee to review during the meeting, and Mr. Sisco pointed out that one of the files on the CD was the teacher‑training manual.
Mr. Sisco indicated the CD explored Nevada’s history from its earliest days to the present and acknowledged Anita Watson’s coordination efforts and Department staff who contributed “thousands of hours providing research, archival film, photographs, and other historical documentation memorialized in the CD.” On behalf of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Mr. Sisco also extended his appreciation to the many public figures, legislators, and others who assisted with the project. Mr. Sisco indicated that students, teachers, library users, and history buffs would benefit for decades to come since the state’s valuable history had been made accessible through the development of the CD. A copy of the Nevada Riches CD, as well as the Las Vegas Springs Preserve CD was provided to each member of the Committee.
Mr. Sisco continued his presentation with the Department’s Budget Request (Exhibit C) “In a Nutshell,” and reported the following:
· General Fund Budget Cuts - $591,069
· Restored by the Governor $92,964
(for bookmobiles, statewide database support,
and maintenance areas in the museums)
· Reduction in Staff - 10.89 FTE
· Enhancement Units
Rent – Mr. Sisco advised that at the request of
the Clark County District Library, the LV Office,
Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Program had to be moved from the Clark County
building. The Enhancement Unit would
provide the annual rent until the Library for the
Blind and Physically Handicapped could be moved
into a Department building. $39,600
· Replacement Equipment
Department-wide computer equipment replacement
would be covered during each budget presentation.
Continuing his presentation, Mr. Sisco reviewed a chart titled “State of Nevada General Fund Expenditures 2003-2005 Executive Budget” (Exhibit C), that showed the Department of Cultural Affairs’ portion of the state’s General Fund expenditures in fiscal years 2003–2005 at 0.48 percent. Another chart titled “Department of Cultural Affairs Percentage of Total State General Fund Appropriations Tracked by Year Since Department Creation” (Exhibit C), showed the percentage of total state General Fund appropriations to the Department of Cultural Affairs since the Department’s creation in 1993. Mr. Sisco noted that increases in fiscal year 2004 and 2005 were attributed to replacement of Tourism Fund transfers with General Funds due to depletion of the Tourism reserve. Mr. Sisco pointed out that the increase in Tourism Fund transfers had been approved to fill a budget gap during the 2001 Legislative Session, and if the transfers had continued, the Department would have reached a new General Fund low of .39 percent for the current biennium.
A chart titled “Department of Cultural Affairs Citizens Use of Department Services fiscal year 2002: 4,938,831” (Exhibit C), illustrated how Nevada residents used Department services. Mr. Sisco noted that the statistics were provided for only those activities for which counts were “specifically” taken. The chart indicated 3,764,037 citizens participated in Department-sponsored functions and 1,174,794 citizens requested services provided by agencies and programs of the Department.
Mr. Sisco addressed the 3 percent budget reductions mandated by the Governor and reported that in fiscal year 2003, the Department of Cultural Affairs reduced their budget by $251,012 in accordance with the mandate. General Fund reductions for fiscal year 2004 and fiscal year 2005 totaled $591,069.
The Governor restored $92,964 for the biennium, which was broken down as follows:
· $6,000 was restored in fiscal year 2004 for the Lost City Museum adobe building in Overton, Nevada. Capital improvement projects were implemented over the years to maintain the adobe building followed by funds that were placed in the budget for the Department to maintain the adobe. The Department’s efforts to maintain the adobe had proven successful, and the Governor chose to restore the funding;
· $1,800 was restored to the Nevada State Museum, whose anthropology research project had been reduced by $7,159;
· $3,850 was restored to the State Museum in Las Vegas for travel and operating costs; and,
· $35,375 was restored to the State Library for rural bookmobile, database, and operating expenses.
Mrs. Chowning noted that there had been no General Fund restoration to Archives and Records and questioned how far behind the Department was in storing and deleting records. Additionally, Mrs. Chowning questioned what the Committee needed to do to assist the Archives and Records unit.
Mr. Sisco responded that currently the State Records Center
was at 90 percent capacity and “years behind” in storing records and creating
retention schedules. He indicated that approval of the Governor’s tax package
would provide the assistance needed.
Mr. Sisco reported that less than 5 percent of the public
records created in Las Vegas were transported to Carson City for storage while
the majority of records were stored in office space at more than double the
cost of warehouse space. Mr. Sisco
further advised that currently the major concern was with electronic records
and record retention schedules for both paper and electronic records. Mr. Sisco indicated that if the building
that currently housed the State Museum in Las Vegas was converted to the
Southern Nevada Records Center and provided with a minimal level of staffing,
records could be stored, and staff would be able to assist with record
retention schedules for state agencies.
However, given the current tax structure and budget shortfalls,
Mr. Sisco indicated additional requests for staffing had not been
possible.
In response to additional questions from Mrs. Chowning regarding staffing needs, Mr. Sisco indicated that with current staffing, Archives and Records created about 30 to 35 record retention schedules a year, and they needed to have the ability to create almost 300 record retention schedules a year.
Mrs. Chowning indicated it was her estimation that the State Records Center was at least eight years behind.
Continuing his budget presentation, Mr. Sisco addressed the chart (Exhibit C), that illustrated the Department’s staff positions. Mr. Sisco pointed out:
In response to concerns raised by Chairman Arberry over the elimination of positions, Mr. Sisco advised that while the cuts were painful, the Department would have to struggle as other state agencies were struggling to do the best possible job they could to serve the public.
Mr. Sisco continued his presentation and moved to a matrix, which illustrated a transfer of Tourism funds to Department of Cultural Affairs’ budgets (Exhibit C). Mr. Sisco pointed out that during the 2001 Legislative Session, a budget deficit in the General Fund budget prompted a temporary transfer of Tourism funds from the Nevada Commission on Tourism to Department budgets. However, as a result of the economic downturn, the Commission on Tourism’s reserve was depleted beyond acceptable levels. Although funding was available to the Department through the current biennium, the funds transferred to the Department were reduced beyond the originally budgeted levels. Mr. Sisco pointed out that in 2003, transfer from the Tourism reserve was $2,543,340; in 2004 the amount was anticipated to be $123,456; in 2005, $716,767; for a biennium total of $840,223, or a reduction of $4.2 million.
Mr. Sisco moved to the next matrix titled “Biennium Budget Totals by Funding Source” (Exhibit C), and noted the matrix showed that the state fiscal year 2003 base was adjusted to include total budget and explained why certain numbers were increased from the 2003 level.
Mr. Sisco addressed the first column in the matrix titled “2003 Salary Need” and pointed out that salary increases for state employees, approved by the Legislature, did not go directly into a Department’s budget but rather to the Board of Examiners. Mr. Sisco explained that salary needs had to be included in the budget for an “apples-to-apples” comparison.
The second column in the matrix was titled “Vacancy Savings,” and Mr. Sisco explained that an anticipated vacancy savings rate existed for certain areas with more than ten employees which had to be included.
The next column in the matrix was titled “2003 Frozen Merits,” and Mr. Sisco explained that the Department of Personnel and Budget Office estimated a certain number of position turnovers during the course of the biennium and those positions had to be included in the adjusted base.
The last column on the matrix was titled “Work Programs,” and Mr. Sisco indicated that with that figure included in the adjusted base, an actual 2003 adjusted base was provided, which was multiplied to 2002 to determine whether a flat budget was being maintained.
Mr. Sisco pointed out that discounting the Commission on Tourism transfers, the Department’s budget incurred a 5.20 percent reduction, 2.79 percent increase in General Funds, a 0.96 percent increase in federal funds, and a 20.55 percent reduction in other funds. Mr. Sisco further explained the need for the comparisons and indicated that the line on the matrix that illustrated the change from fiscal year 2003 amounts showed a 26 percent increase in the Department’s General Fund budget, which were the funds from the Commission on Tourism that were utilized in order to balance the 2001-2003 General Fund budget deficit.
Mr. Sisco began the presentation on the Department’s individual budget accounts with the Director’s Office and reported that the Director’s Office included six positions, the Director, the Administrative Services Officer, a Personnel Analyst, a Public Information Officer, a Computer Network Specialist, and an Executive Assistant. Mr. Sisco referred to the page titled “In a Nutshell” (Exhibit C), and provided the following:
Mr. Sisco continued the presentation and referred to Section 1B - ProgramDescriptions. Mr. Sisco explained that the Department of Cultural Affairs, Office of the Director, was responsible for the general administration of the Department, and the Public Information Program provided public information and marketing for all of the Department’s agencies.
In reference to Section 2 – New Programs, Mr. Sisco advised that there were no new programs included in The Executive Budget for the 15 budgets of the Department of Cultural Affairs.
In reference to Section 3 – Performance Measurements, Mr. Sisco advised that most of the performance measurements had been moved to Workload Statistics since performance measurements, which were outcome based, were difficult to develop. Mr. Sisco further advised that the Director’s Office currently had no measurement indicators; however, workload statistics were tracked for the individual programs within the agency.
In reference to Section 5 – Budget Reductions, Mr. Sisco advised that reductions made by agencies and programs of the Department of Cultural Affairs were provided for fiscal year 2003 and fiscal years 2004 and 2005. For the Director’s Office, $21,000 was cut in fiscal year 2003, $4,000 in fiscal year 2004, and $4,000 in fiscal year 2005. Mr. Sisco explained the fiscal year 2003 reductions differed from reductions for fiscal year 2004 and fiscal year 2005 because the reductions in fiscal year 2003 were implemented after almost a third of the year had passed. Mr. Sisco indicated the reductions were more difficult for some agencies, and careful consideration was provided for bookmobiles in rural counties, for example, since full 3 percent cuts with only nine months of the year would have proved devastating to them.
In reference to Section 6, Maintenance Units, Mr. Sisco advised that at the Governor’s request, Department representatives were asked to reduce the budget in the base year as much as they could to achieve a balanced budget. Specific travel was cut and frozen in the base year. The M 400 decision unit, Restoration of Travel and Training Funds, restored those travel and training funds temporarily curtailed because of the budget crisis.
In reference to Section 7, Enhancement Units, Mr. Sisco pointed out that the 3 percent budget reductions were listed under the enhancement units E 600 Budget Reductions as a negative enhancement for each one of the Department budgets. Actual enhancements and/or replacement equipment were listed under E 710 Replacement Equipment.
Mr. Sisco indicated that The Executive Budget included a decision unit within Budget Account 2892 that provided for a department‑wide computer and software upgrade and replacement program. Mr. Sisco explained that computer equipment requests for each agency within the Department were combined and placed in a single request and slightly reduced to fit within the available funding. Additionally, Mr. Sisco explained that currently over 50 percent of the computers in the Department of Cultural Affairs could not be used for “higher‑use work stations,” including those for the Integrated Finance System (IFS). While used computer equipment from the Legislative Counsel Bureau (LCB) and the Budget Division was currently being used, the equipment was on “the edge of the five-year replacement schedule.” Mr. Sisco advised that computer replacements would bring the Department up to current standards and would allow the Department to run the Integrated Financial System, other complex agency systems and databases, as well as provide some relief to the Department’s limited and ”overtaxed” minimal computer support staff.
Mr. Sisco reiterated earlier testimony concerning funding transferred from other agencies within the Department to Budget Account 2892 for department-wide computer replacement, and the fact that the funding had been reduced by $40,000 to $50,000 to try to fit it into the available funding.
In reference to Section 8 – One-shot Requests, Mr. Sisco indicated there were no one‑shot requests for the Department of Cultural Affairs’ budgets.
In reference to Section 9, Program Challenges, Mr. Sisco indicated that the population of the state had grown enormously over the last several decades as had the requirements placed on state agencies. While the Department of Cultural Affairs faced many of the challenges faced by other state agencies, including their own unique challenges, Mr. Sisco indicated that increased demands had occurred during the same period in which the state faced economic instability and staffing levels had remained unchanged.
Mr. Sisco turned the microphone over to Marcia Wolter Britton.
MUSEUMS AND HISTORY (101-2941) BUDGET PAGE CULTURAL-6
Marcia Wolter Britton, Administrator, Division of Museums and History, identified herself for the record and told the Committee that the Division of Museums and History was Nevada’s attic just as the Smithsonian Institution was America’s attic. Ms. Britton advised that for future generations, the Division of Museums and History provided the care for over three million objects with the professional guidance of 82 staff and the assistance of over 350 trained volunteers, who in 2002 contributed 34,000 volunteer hours both behind the scenes and in services to the public.
Ms. Britton further advised that the Division of Museums and History was also a major force in cultural heritage tourism, and statistics indicated that 65 percent of adult travelers participated in a cultural or historic activity while traveling. Statistics also showed that one-third of all United States travelers visited museums. Ms. Britton noted that those statistics and cultural tourism had helped the Division to diversify Nevada’s economy. Ms. Britton said that during the past year, the Division had served 209,000 visitors and citizens, 10 percent of the state’s population, in 7 museum facilities on 33 acres in 6 communities.
Ms. Britton indicated that, most importantly, the Division of Museums and History was an educational institution with over 2,000 members who believed in their work. In 2002, Ms. Britton indicated the Division provided nearly 100 on and off-site exhibits, responded to almost 10,000 research inquiries, provided direct services to 72,000 school children, and public services to 15,000 adults.
Ms. Britton advised that the Division’s collections continued to grow with the “generous donations of Nevadans and others who supported the preservation of Nevada’s history.” Additionally, she indicated that while the gulf between expanding collections and funding availability for preservation had increased, and maintaining state-of-the-art museum facilities and planning innovative exhibits and programs for visitors created challenges, the Division staff continued to look for new and creative ways to bridge the gap. Ms. Britton expressed pride in the dedicated staff and volunteers of the Division and the high level of productivity and professionalism they demonstrated to the public on behalf of the state of Nevada. Ms. Britton took the opportunity to introduce three members of the Division’s staff, Cindy Geraldo, Administrative Services Officer, James Barmore, Museum Director, Nevada State Museum, and Greta Brunschwyler, Museum Director, Nevada State Museum and Historical Society in Las Vegas.
Ms. Britton provided summaries for the five budgets of the Division of Museums and History and began with information provided in the “Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs Budget Presentation to the 2003 Legislature,” (Exhibit C). Ms. Britton provided the following breakdown as noted on the page identified with the caption “In a Nutshell” (Exhibit C):
None
Nevada Historical Society microfilm reader/printer
In reference to Section 1 – Statutory Mandate, Program Descriptions, PublicPurpose and Critical Need, Ms. Britton advised that the Office of the Administrator, Division of Museums and History, was responsible for administrative oversight for the seven Division museums which included the budget, strategic planning, facility development, supervision, public relations, and statewide advocacy.
Section 3 – Performance Measurements and Section 4 - Workload Statistics – Ms. Britton indicated that there were no workload statistics for the Division; however, she provided comments on the workload statistics for the individual museums. Ms. Britton advised that following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, museum attendance in Nevada as well as across the country was down. However, Ms. Britton pointed out that attendance for public programs and tours had increased, which indicated strong efforts by staff to boost attendance and reach out to their communities.
Section 5 – Budget Reductions – Ms. Britton indicated there were no budget reductions in the Division of Museums and History Budget Account 2941.
Section 9 – Program Challenges – Ms. Britton related the program challenges faced by all of the museums and the Division as a whole. Ms. Britton indicated that development of the “Division’s first strategic plan” was geared toward developing a statewide museum system that unified the Division’s seven museums and capitalized on their strength and identity, as a whole, for the Department. Secondly, the Division was challenged to upgrade public accessibility standards for collections, exhibitions, and education, which included expanded computerization of collections and to reach out to diverse populations of Nevada with innovative programming. Thirdly, to enhance marketing efforts that capitalized on cultural tourism approaches to increase attendance and participation in the Division’s public programs, membership, and volunteer programs. Additionally, Ms. Britton indicated that in order to attract visitors, the Division needed to maintain state-of-the-art museum facilities for their 13 buildings, 3 of which were on the National Register of Historic Places.
LOST CITY MUSEUM (101-1350) – BUDGET PAGE CULTURAL-9
Ms. Britton described the Lost City Museum in Overton, Nevada, as a reconstructed pueblo structure built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the wake of Hoover Dam construction in the 1930s. Ms. Britton indicated the Lost City Museum had indoor‑outdoor exhibits and programs, and a mission to preserve and interpret prehistoric pueblo sites in the Moapa Valley.
Ms. Britton reported that in recent years staff had worked in collaboration with the National Park Service to restore the “aging adobe structure.” Additionally, she said that recent new exhibit approaches had created “an exciting new face for the museum” and that recently over 500 people in the community of Moapa attended an exhibit opening.
Section 5 – Budget Reductions - Ms. Britton indicated there were no budget reductions in the Lost City Museum budget account.
NEVADA HISTORICAL SOCIETY (101-2870) – BUDGET PAGE CULTURAL-12
Ms. Britton described the Nevada Historical Society, located on the University of Nevada, Reno campus, as the “oldest museum in the state” and indicated the museum would reach its 100th anniversary in 2004. Ms. Britton told the Committee that the Nevada Historical Society had in its collections well over a half million items that included documentary collections, manuscripts, photographs, maps, newspapers, and that the long-term staff had “fostered an archival collections legacy…unmatched among most western states.” Additionally, Ms. Britton reported that the “prestigious Nevada Historical Society Quarterly was the Division’s and the state’s only historical journal.” In addition to providing “premier research services,” Ms. Britton advised that the Nevada Historical Society staff also had routine schedules for exhibits and programs.
Section 5 – Budget Reductions - Ms. Britton reported that E-600 budget reductions were in the amount of $5,841 with primary cuts in operating and conservation that she said would affect care of collections. Additionally, Ms. Britton indicated decision unit E‑605 eliminated two part-time positions, a Museum Attendant and an Archives/Records Assistant. Ms. Britton explained that the two positions had been funded with museum-dedicated trust funds and the downturn in those funds necessitated their elimination.
Section 7 – Enhancement Units - Ms. Britton indicated the E-711 decision unit for Replacement Equipment provided funding to replace a microfilm reader/printer used by visitors at the Nevada Historical Society.
NEVADA STATE MUSEUM, CARSON CITY (101-2940) – CULTURAL-18
Ms. Britton described the Nevada State Museum, located in the former U.S. Mint building in Carson City, Nevada, as the largest of the Division’s museums and an artifact in itself. Ms. Britton indicated the Nevada State Museum contained some of the “most treasured icons of the state’s history” in addition to natural history specimens and anthropology artifacts. Ms. Britton said the “Museum took a strong leadership role in the region for museums” and that the Native American exhibit, “Under One Sky,” that opened in June 2002 provided a “national leadership model” for museums to co-curate exhibitions with Tribal groups and to share authority for interpretation. Ms. Britton pointed out that the Fallon Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe Tribes worked side by side with curators to develop the “Under One Sky” exhibit, which had provided renewed partnerships with northern Nevada Tribes.
Section 5 – Budget Reductions - Ms. Britton reported that the E-600 decision unit reflected budget reductions of $5,359 in Anthropology Department research. Ms. Britton cautioned that while current reductions appeared to be manageable, continued budget reductions would have a long-term impact on staff research.
Chairman Arberry questioned why the Division’s performance indicators projected an increase in attendance but not admission revenue.
Ms. Britton responded the Division had attempted to be more realistic since they had not met previous projections. Additionally, Ms. Britton indicated it was anticipated that some public works projects scheduled in the upcoming biennium could also have an impact on attendance.
Mr. Sisco reiterated earlier testimony concerning a downturn in attendance for all of the museums and cited contributing factors such as staffing vacancies and a downturn in school tours. Mr. Sisco explained that during the last biennium the Board of Museums and History’s trust fund provided $50,000 to schools for bus trips to the museum, and when that funding could no longer be provided attendance decreased. However, Mr. Sisco indicated that while the schools were gradually finding ways, within their own means, to take school children to the museum and attendance had increased, school children could not be charged to enter the museum.
In response to additional questions from Chairman Arberry, Mr. Sisco reiterated that it was anticipated visitor attendance would increase with renewed school tours for which fees could not be charged, but not necessarily increase with adults who were charged admission fees.
Ms. Britton also pointed out that while public programs and tours at the Nevada State Museum had almost tripled, there was no charge for evening events held at the museum.
NEVADA STATE MUSEUM AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY, LAS VEGAS (101‑2943) – BUDGET PAGE CULTURAL-23
Ms. Britton reported that the Nevada State Museum and Historical Society in Las Vegas “was poised for major change and gearing up for the planning effort to move to the Las Vegas Springs Preserve.” Ms. Britton described the museum as the leading institution for the collection and interpretation of history, anthropology, and natural history in southern Nevada and indicated it was the only accredited museum in southern Nevada. Ms. Britton further indicated the staff included one of only three education positions in the Division which had helped to “provide innovative programming with museum theater productions and museum overnights for youth.”
Section 5 - Budget Reductions - Ms. Britton reported that budget reductions for the Nevada State Museum and Historical Society would impact Category 08 Exhibits by $369.
STATE RAILROAD MUSEUMS (101-4216) – CULTURAL-27
Scott Sisco, Interim Director, Department of Cultural Affairs, provided the budget presentation for the state railroad museums, which covered the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City, the East Ely Depot Museum in Ely, and the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Boulder City. Mr. Sisco explained that at the close of the budgets in 2001, the three railroad museums were combined into a single budget account. Mr. Sisco explained that the combination provided for more efficient handling of the fiscal accounting responsibility for all three museums, two of which had no fiscal staff within the Division Administrator’s office.
Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City - Mr. Sisco described the Nevada State Railroad Museum, which housed the largest collection of Virginia and Truckee railroad cars and engines, and provided for educating visitors on the impact of the railroad and the development of Nevada and the West, as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Carson City. Mr. Sisco said the museum had gained considerable notoriety through the recent Chinese and Nevada’s Railroad Exhibit. Additionally, through the efforts of volunteers, funds were raised to restore the World War II French 40 and 8 boxcar, which the French had rated to carry 40 soldiers or 8 horses. The boxcar would be displayed outdoors at the Nevada State Museum on March 5 during the OASIS Conference. Mr. Sisco explained that France had given a boxcar filled with gifts to each state at the end of World War II, in appreciation for the help provided by the United States. Mr. Sisco further explained that the gifts were also being saved and preserved for a future exhibit at the Nevada State Museum.
East Ely Railroad Museum in Ely - Mr. Sisco indicated the East Ely Depot Museum provided education for visitors concerning the role played by the railroad in the economic development of eastern Nevada, as well as the entire state. Mr. Sisco pointed out that the museum was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was considered one of the three most important railroad complexes in the United States. Mr. Sisco indicated that the East Ely Depot Museum provided substantial educational opportunities to the local school district, as an estimated 70 percent of the students in the district had visited the museum on field trips.
Nevada State Railroad Museum in Boulder City - Mr. Sisco told the members of the Committee that the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Boulder City was currently under development and would eventually serve visitors through an excursion train ride on the historic Boulder Branch Line. Once fully operational, Mr. Sisco said the facility would educate visitors on the importance of transportation systems in the development of southern Nevada since the turn of the century, with a special focus on the construction of Hoover Dam. Mr. Sisco reported that the first run of the Santa Train occurred in 2002, and although advertising was held to a minimum in the Boulder City and Henderson areas in fear of having to turn people away, over 1,600 children and their families rode the Santa Train in Boulder City.
In response to questions from Chairman Arberry concerning the Boulder City Railroad Museum, Mr. Sisco indicated the museum had been under development for the past ten years and was close to being operational. Mr. Sisco explained that plans had been on hold because the museum required a $4.2 million capital improvement project (CIP) to put a “loop track extension” on the east side of the road. However, the Department of Transportation’s decision to bypass the freeway provided the access needed to move the trains to the other side of the road. Mr. Sisco indicated the CIP for $4.5 million was canceled, and trains could run past the Veterans’ Home to Railroad Pass Casino and back. While the final restoration work continued on the trains, Mr. Sisco reiterated that the Santa Train ran at Christmas, and trains would run for Father’s Day, Nevada Day, and July 4, until they were fully operational. Mr. Sisco told the Committee that the Boulder City Railroad Museum was the one museum in the state system that had the potential for being fully self-sufficient.
The microphone was turned over to Ms. Britton who concluded her presentation by telling the Committee members that the three million objects being cared for in the Division of Museums and History held the power not only to attract cultural heritage tourists but also Nevada’s own citizens. Ms. Britton indicated the objects gave Nevada citizens a sense of identity and pride in Nevada’s diverse heritage.
Ms. Britton took the opportunity to share with the members of the Committee a large photographic cutout of a small Indian child, Alicia Dick, in full costume from the “Under One Sky” exhibit. Alicia was a member of the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe, and her family donated the child’s costume to the Nevada State Museum, which Ms. Britton said helped to explain the power of objects. Ms. Britton provided two beaded collars for the members of the Committee to see, and brochures for the “Under One Sky” exhibit were distributed (Exhibit E). The Committee members were invited to attend a reception on March 5th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Nevada State Museum.
Chairman Arberry recessed the meeting at 8:42 a.m., and reconvened the meeting at 9:14 a.m.
For the record, Mr. Sisco advised the members that during the break, Mr. Goldwater clarified that A.B. 9, approved during the 17th Special Session, proposed to issue state general obligation bonds in the amount of $200 million and was later approved by the voters under Question 1.
Additionally, Mr. Sisco advised that a Las Vegas Springs Preserve map would be sent to each member of the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance.
Ronald M. James, State Historic Preservation Officer, identified himself for the record and introduced Robert A. Ostrovsky, Chairman, Commission for Cultural Affairs. Mr. James indicated that the Office of Historic Preservation provided the staffing for the Commission and noted that over the years, Mr. Ostrovsky and the other members of the Commission had served without compensation or per diem.
As requested by Assemblywoman Chowning during the break, Mr. James indicated that he would provide to each member of the Committee a list of the grants the Historic Preservation Office had awarded over the years. Mr. James indicated the list was impressive and had benefited over 60 projects throughout the state, 42 of them currently open. Mr. James indicated that over a half million people were served in 2002 because new facilities were now opening on a yearly basis, and it was anticipated that number would grow in the future and would promote tourism within the state and bring visitors from outside the state as well. Mr. James provided an example of a theater project that had opened in Fallon, Nevada, which had a large number of patrons from California and had “an enormous” impact on tourism dollars. Mr. James extended his appreciation to Assemblyman Marvel for his assistance with the project.
COMSTOCK HISTORIC DISTRICT (101-5030) –BUDGET PAGE CULTURAL-33
Mr. James addressed the accomplishments of the Office of Historic Preservation in working with property owners and securing federal funds for the Comstock Historic District.
Mr. James indicated that the White House initiative “Save America’s Treasures” program had provided grants for the Fourth Ward School, Piper’s Opera House, and the Comstock Historic District’s cemeteries. Mr. James pointed out that the cemeteries represented the second most visited resource in the Virginia City Historic landmark and that maintenance of the cemeteries was important. Mr. James indicated that issues of ownership, which he noted were complex in the Comstock Historic District, were being addressed. Mr. James expressed his hope that the District would be able to continue to accommodate both visitors and residents of the Comstock at the same time.
In general, Mr. James indicated that while there was very little to discuss regarding the budget for the Comstock Historic District Commission, the Commission’s dedicated staff had done a “tremendous job” in promoting the area’s resources.
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE (101-4205) – CULTURAL-36
Mr. James reported that the Office of Historic Preservation was created in 1997 with a staff of eight and had continued with that same level of support to the present. Mr. James took the opportunity to praise his staff who he described as dynamic and working hard for the taxpayers of Nevada.
Mr. James advised the Committee that the half-time Monuments Coordinator position created in the 2001 Legislative Session was eliminated as part of the budget reduction plan. Additionally, General Fund expenditures were reduced through a reduction in the Grants Program. Mr. James reported that with funding provided through the Grants Program, one of the last Las Vegas railroad cottages that had been scheduled for demolition was moved to Henderson where it would serve visitors for the next century. Another example of the way Grants Program funding was used was the assistance provided to move one of the Nevada Northern Railroad engines to the Olympics where Mr. James said it became a traveling billboard for Nevada and won the state “a great deal of credibility.” Mr. James indicated the engine was returned to the state after the Olympics. Federal funding provided through the Grants Program was also used to accomplish some of the archaeological excavations that occurred in Virginia City.
Mr. James recognized the work of Alice Baldrica, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, who brought in nearly a half million dollars in federal funds to computerize the state’s archaeological site files. Mr. James told the Committee that computerization of those archaeological sites was an important tool for the economic development of the state.
Mr. James reported that the archaeological discoveries accomplished during the past biennium had generated “a great deal of excitement” and captured national as well as international attention. Additionally, Mr. James said that Nevada resources were featured in numerous documentaries, including those on the Discovery Channel, the History Channel, and the Public Broadcasting Station. Mr. James also pointed out that Cable News Network (CNN) had featured the Boston Saloon archaeological excavation, the African-American site in Virginia City, four times over the past three years.
Mr. James reported that Virgil Noble, President of the International Society of Historic Archaeology, summarized archeological discoveries in 2002 by highlighting, what he regarded were the four major archaeological accomplishments in the world during that year. Mr. Noble mentioned the raising of the H. L. Hunley, the Confederate submarine that was the first submarine to engage and sink a warship, the battlefield archaeology at the Little Big Horn, the publication of “Unearthing Gotham,” a book concerning the survey of archaeology in New York City, and the world’s first Tabasco bottle, an artifact unearthed in the Boston Saloon excavation in Virginia City, Nevada.
Mr. James advised that according to the Company in Louisiana, an Associated Press wire story about the bottle discovery was picked up by over 154 newspapers across the United States and featured on 22 newspaper Web sites. Additionally, it was reported that the combined circulation of the 16 larger newspapers that covered the story had a circulation of 4,870,000, and, as previously mentioned, was seen by viewers of CNN and CNN Headline News. The story also appeared in the Shanghai Daily News, two German newspapers, and the Manchester Daily Guardian. Mr. James said the bottle was indicative of accomplishments that could be brought about by the Office of Historic Preservation. Additionally, Mr. James indicated the bottle, coming from an African-American Saloon that prospered on the Comstock, was a symbol of Nevada’s diversity and only one example of how the Office of Historic Preservation promoted the state.
Mr. James acknowledged the work of and expressed his appreciation to the many volunteers who assisted with projects undertaken by the Office of Historic Preservation.
NEVADA STATE LIBRARY (101-2891) CULTURAL-41
Sara F. Jones, Administrator, Division of State Library and Archives, identified herself for the record and indicated her presentation would cover the budget accounts for Archives and Records, Micrographics and Imaging, the Nevada Literacy Coalition, and the Cooperative Libraries Automated Network (CLAN). Ms. Jones introduced Guy Louis Rocha, Assistant Administrator for Archives and Records, Phyllis Sargent, Assistant Administrator, State Library Services, and Debra Honey, Management Analyst.
Ms. Jones testified that the Division of State Library and Archives provided numerous services to Nevada and referred to the photographs under the Nevada State Library and Archives tab in the Department’s Budget Presentation document (Exhibit C). The first photograph was of the Paseo Verde Libraryin Henderson, Nevada, that opened in 2002. While the new library offered many services to the residents of Henderson, Ms. Jones indicated 70 percent of the shelves were without books. A document titled Nevada Public Libraries Collection Development Grants – Reports From Participants (Exhibit F) was distributed to the Committee. Ms. Jones indicated that during the past eight years, library collection money, allocated by the Legislature in four succeeding sessions, had been disbursed to public libraries in Nevada to place books and materials on shelves, and the document distributed to the Committee highlighted how those funds were used during the last biennium. Ms. Jones indicated that each of the 22 library systems reported on how much funding was received, how the funding was spent, and the impact on communities to be provided materials that could not have been provided without the funding. On behalf of the State Library and Archives, the Department of Cultural Affairs, the public libraries and Nevada library patrons, Ms. Jones expressed her appreciation to the Committee for their support through the years.
Ms. Jones stated that it was unfortunate that the state Collection Development Grant funding was not included in The Executive Budget and indicated that she hoped a financial recovery would see funding allocated again to the program in order to continue to provide library materials to Nevadans.
Ms. Jones pointed out that the center photograph, under the Nevada State Library and Archives tab in the Department’s Budget Presentation document, (Exhibit C), was of children looking at a book on the Northeastern Nevada Regional Bookmobile. Ms. Jones reported that the Northeastern Nevada Regional Bookmobile provided services to a geographic area encompassing 55,000 square miles each year and was the largest bookmobile route in the nation. The bookmobile had been on the road since 1976 and was scheduled for replacement. Ms. Jones indicated the State Library had been able to support bookmobiles in rural areas and reported that, as a part of the Governor’s recommended budget, they would continue to provide full support of bookmobile services for rural Nevada.
The photograph of the new Training Laboratory located in the State Library and Archives building was under the Nevada State Library and Archives tab in the Department’s Budget Presentation document, (Exhibit C). Ms. Jones indicated the laboratory was funded with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funding and provided an area with ten personal computers where people could learn about computers and have access to the Internet.
The last picture, under the Nevada State Library and Archives tab in the Department’s Budget Presentation document, (Exhibit C), was of obsolete as well as current electronic records medium storage equipment. Ms. Jones explained that since the Division lacked a long-term plan for preservation of electronic records, storage of those records was a challenge the State Library and Archives faced each day.
Ms. Jones referred to the State Library and Archives’ budget request illustrated on the “In a Nutshell” page under the Nevada State Library and Archives tab in the Department’s Budget Presentation document (Exhibit C).
Ms. Jones reported:
General Fund Budget Cuts -$168,980
Restored by the Governor $69,664
Funding for rural bookmobiles, and statewide databases
provided through public and school libraries and
remote access at home.
Reduction in Staff -7.36 FTE
7 from Micrographics and Imaging and .36 student positions
reduced from .51 to .45 which eliminated benefits.
Enhancement Units
Rent - Las Vegas Office, Library for the Blind
Physically Handicapped Program (Annual) $39,600
Program Descriptions - Ms. Jones pointed out that the State Library and Archives provided a full array of library and information services that included:
In reference to workload statistics, Ms. Jones pointed out that the actual figure for reference transactions was 7,731 and that 11,000 had been projected. While less reference questions were being received, the questions that were received were more complex than those previously received. Ms. Jones attributed the reduction in reference transactions to the Internet and indicated that simple questions could be easily answered either by search engines or the State Library’s own Web site.
Ms. Jones also pointed out a reduction in the circulation transactions by the Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, which she attributed to the move to the Malcolm Branch of the Henderson District Library.
Ms. Jones indicated that the budget reductions in student positions, bookmobile, and database support had been addressed earlier in the meeting, and that personnel reduction of part-time staff was permanent.
Ms. Jones pointed out that decision unit M‑101 covered the increase in inflationary costs for the purchase of books, periodicals, and electronic database products for fiscal year 2004,$17,820, and fiscal year 2005, $19,067.
Ms. Jones advised the Committee that the challenges facing the State Library were many of the same challenges being faced by other state agencies. State Library statistics indicated 47 percent of Nevadans did not have access to the Internet in their own homes, and Ms. Jones indicated that public libraries played a great role in ensuring that information delivered only electronically could be provided to those citizens who did not have computers.
Other challenges included ensuring that geography did not provide a disadvantage. Ms. Jones pointed out that while a branch library might be out of the question in a remote rural area of Nevada, bookmobiles could visit at least every other week.
In response to concerns raised by Mrs. Gibbons concerning the budget reductions, Ms. Jones indicated that the State Library would be affected by the loss of the full-time circulation manager and two student positions. Ms. Jones explained that the reference librarian had assumed the circulation duties, which had an impact on patrons. Additionally, Ms. Jones indicated some impact was felt with the inability to purchase needed materials.
In response to Mrs. Gibbons’ clarification that her concerns were with the rural areas, Ms. Jones indicated it was particularly difficult to see the Collection Development Grant funding not allocated to the rural libraries. Ms. Jones pointed out that, as previously discussed by Assemblyman Marvel, the rural areas were experiencing financial difficulty, and the Collection Development Grant funding had been an important component of providing information and books that would not otherwise be available.
In response to Mrs. Gibbons’ request for the counties that would be affected by the loss of the Collection Development Grant funding, Ms. Jones indicated that all 17 counties received funding. In fiscal year 2002-03 Tonopah received $2,000, Humboldt County received $40,000, and White Pine County received $11,000 in state Collection Development Grant Program funding, and Ms. Jones pointed out that with the loss of funds for fiscal years 2003-2005, new books could not be purchased.
ARCHIVES AND RECORDS (101-1052) – CULTURAL-47
Ms. Jones reported that the State Archives was the “institutional memory” of state government and the legal custodian of the more than 12,000,000 historical paper records and 7,300-microfilmed records of the territory and the state that dated back to 1851.
Ms. Jones addressed the Archives and Records Management programs and, as mentioned earlier in the meeting, indicated the Records Center was at 90 percent capacity. Ms. Jones advised the Committee that while the Records Center had the ability to handle 36,000 boxes of records, 11,150 records had retention schedules of 6 years or more, and 8,850 records had retention schedules of 20 years, which indicated that capacity level would not be reduced in the very near future. Ms. Jones indicated it was estimated that 6 percent of the records at the Records Center in Carson City were southern Nevada records. Ms. Jones explained that many of the southern Nevada records were being stored either off-site or on-site in an uneconomical manner and that a central location could ultimately save the state a great deal of money.
Ms. Jones reported that while projections had indicated the State Records Center would receive 7,500 records in fiscal year 2002, the actual figure was 10,663. After the 3 percent budget reductions and increased agency analysis of records, requests for storage of records had become even stronger. Ms. Jones indicated that at 90 percent storage capacity, it would be difficult for the Records Center to accommodate additional storage.
As previously mentioned, Ms. Jones indicated that the production of record retention schedules provided state agencies with the legal requirements for retaining and disposing of records, and the State Archives produced “significantly less” retention schedules than the number needed. Ms. Jones explained that while 19 retention schedules were produced in fiscal year 2002, a need existed for 300 retention schedules.
Ms. Jones indicated that long-term budget reductions to the Archives and Records’ budget included a decision unit to reduce a student position from .51 full-time equivalent (FTE) to .45 FTE and associated costs and assessments that eliminated payment of insurance and benefits. Reductions in the operating budget dropped the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) print subscription for the Records Center. Ms. Jones advised that it was still possible to access the NRS online. Additionally, the subscription to the Research Libraries Group was eliminated. Ms. Jones explained that membership to the “prestigious” Research Libraries Group allowed “for online access to bibliographic databases for cataloging and researching archival records.”
Ms. Jones placed emphasis on the continuing challenge faced by the State Records Center to ensure that electronic records created by state agencies in the present would continue to be available, reliable, accurate, and retrievable by the technology available in the future.
MICROGRAPHICS AND IMAGING (101-1055) CULTURAL-52
Ms. Jones reported that Micrographics and Imaging provided high quality scanning and film capture of essential government documents, and state agencies were billed for those services, which included the mediums of microfilm, microfiche, CD-ROMS and RE-WRITABLE CD. Ms. Jones attributed the cost-effectiveness of the program to utilization of a team of six inmates from the Department of Corrections’ Inmate Services.
Ms. Jones explained that another positive component of Micrographics was that state agency documents could be filmed and returned ensuring that custody of those documents remained in state government.
Ms. Jones reported that the number of documents prepared for fiscal year 2002 was projected at 4,222,216 but because of a one-time project, 8,110,695 documents were actually prepared.
Mr. Sisco provided an explanation concerning the reduction of seven positions in the Micrographics and Imaging program. Mr. Sisco indicated that an increase in staff was requested during the 1999 Legislative Session in anticipation of an increased need for microfilming. However, the majority of projects were typically one‑time projects. Therefore, Mr. Sisco indicated that by using a combination of Inmate Services and temporary staffing positions through a Manpower Inc. contract, a staffing level of five was determined adequate to operate efficiently.
Additionally, Mr. Sisco pointed out that it had become increasingly expensive to afford the assessments based on the FTE counts for the vacant positions. Mr. Sisco indicated that if an ongoing increase in future workload occurred, a request for reestablishment of the positions would be made.
Ms. Jones advised that Micrographics and Imaging had been challenged by the 3 percent “across-the-board” budget reductions, which affected the ability of many state agencies to afford microfilming and imaging projects.
NEVADA STATE LIBRARY, NEVADA LITERACY COALITION (101-2893) CULTURAL-57)
Ms. Jones described the Nevada Literacy Coalition as a “clearinghouse and resource center“ that provided training and resources to adult educators to assist educationally disadvantaged adults.
Ms. Jones discussed a project in which the Literacy Coalition provided services to hotels and casinos with a book titled Hotel English. Hotel English was used to assist non-English-speaking employees in the service industries to learn or to improve their English skills. Ms. Jones addressed the importance of ensuring that Nevada’s literacy rates continued to progress.
Mrs. Chowning indicated she felt it was heartening to learn about the Literacy Coalition’s involvement in the Hotel English project and that employees were interested in learning English. Mrs. Chowning requested information on the number of employees who participated in the project and the length of the course.
While a number of casinos were involved in the training, Ms. Jones said she did not have the statistics with her but that she would provide the information to members of the Committee.
In response to a question from Ms. Giunchigliani concerning the number of staff employed by the Nevada Literacy Coalition, Ms. Jones indicated there were two full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
Ms. Giunchigliani questioned whether each local government had a Literacy Coalition program.
Ms. Jones responded that while rural Nevada had a great need for literacy programs, a significant number of programs existed only in Washoe County and Las Vegas. Ms. Jones explained that three new rural literacy programs were developed in the last year, and a goal was established to initiate five additional programs during the next biennium.
In response to a question from Ms. Giunchigliani concerning funding for the five additional programs, Ms. Jones advised that the Literacy Coalition worked in partnership with others to raise needed funds. Ms. Jones explained that for the Hotel English project, the casinos came forward to conduct the literacy training in-house. Even though some funding was received through the Department of Education’s Adult Basic Education program, funding was basically provided through “grass roots” assistance and local communities’ volunteers who provided the many thousands of hours to teach others how to read.
Ms. Giunchigliani questioned why the Nevada Literacy Coalition was housed in the State Library rather than the Department of Education.
Ms. Jones responded that while she was unaware of the history behind placement of the Literacy Coalition at the State Library, it appeared to be an appropriate place since public libraries wanted to step up to provide literacy services and were often open longer than school entities. Ms. Jones also advised that the Nevada Literacy Coalition worked in partnership with places of higher learning.
Ms. Giunchigliani addressed what she indicated appeared to be a duplication of services and suggested that perhaps the state could provide pass-through grants for literacy programs rather than housing the programs at the state level.
Ms. Jones indicated that while pass-through grants would be a good idea with structures already in place, many rural areas would require grant funding as well as assistance in “building the structure.”
Ms. Jones pointed out that as a result of the Governor’s Steering Committee to Conduct a Fundamental Review of State Government, the State Library initiated a report concerning “the viability and practicality” of the Nevada Literacy Coalition’s placement at the State Library and Archives. A copy of the report would be forwarded to Ms. Giunchigliani.
In response to questions from Ms. Giunchigliani concerning the need for structures in rural communities, Ms. Jones indicated that funding issues existed, and that infrastructure required an entity to provide funding on a recurring basis, which did not normally occur in the rural areas. Ms. Jones indicated there was a current focus on family literacy programs in an effort to reach youngsters still in school. Ms. Jones also pointed out that libraries tended to have the necessary facilities for training and the ability to organize volunteers.
Ms. Giunchigliani reiterated earlier comments concerning the state limiting its involvement with literacy programs to provide pass-through funds to rural communities, especially since a community library existed in almost every county.
In her concluding remarks, Ms. Jones indicated that while the State Library assisted the Nevada Literacy Coalition in developing programs, grant writing, activities, and training, as needed, two staff members and a budget of $100,000 could not provide literacy training or activities for the entire state.
NEVADA STATE LIBRARY, CLAN (101-2895) – CULTURAL-61
Ms. Jones reported that the Cooperative Libraries Automated Network (CLAN), created by an agreement under Nevada Revised Statutes, was a cooperative group of libraries and affiliated agencies that shared technology to provide online catalogues, Internet access, wide area network (WAN), and had the ability to share materials with other libraries.
Ms. Jones reported that workload projections for fiscal year 2002 and fiscal year 2003 had been based on the inclusion of 13 rural libraries and their branches in the CLAN. While it was assumed the libraries would be online, recording checkouts and adding records to the database, only 5 of the 13 obtained online status as the libraries lacked sufficient funding resources to put their items into the database.
In concluding her remarks, Ms. Jones expressed pride in being part of the Cooperative Libraries Automated Networks and the work they accomplished.
NEVADA ARTS COUNCIL (101-2979) – CULTURAL-64
Susan Boskoff, Executive Director, Nevada Arts Council (NAC), identified herself for the record. Ms. Boskoff applauded the synergy, connectivity, and public work of the Department of Cultural Affairs and said one of the responsibilities of the NAC was to support the creation and presentation of the results of creative expression through various arts forms including visual, performing, architecture, literary and folk art. Ms. Boskoff said it was contemporary art that over time became the resources and the domain of the state’s museums, libraries, schools, and historic preservation.
Ms. Boskoff indicated it was that continuum of culture that taught people about themselves and the world around them and that the work of the NAC ensured the circle would be unbroken.
Ms. Boskoff reported that the NAC worked in partnership with a national and regional network and on the state level with its grantees and other cultural organizations to provide delivery of a broad scope of cultural services to the public.
Ms. Boskoff stated that the NAC took the stewardship of public funding seriously and maximized their resources to encourage accessibility to the arts on a number of levels. Additionally, Ms. Boskoff indicated that the NAC took their goals seriously and supported, through their programs and services, the work of artists, artistic excellence, and increasing access to the arts for all Nevadans. Ms. Boskoff reported that the services of the NAC were designed in accordance with findings from their statewide planning process and in conjunction with the Department’s strategic plan.
Ms. Boskoff referred to the Nevada Arts Council section in the Department’s Budget Presentation document (Exhibit C) and provided the following report on the Nevada Arts Council budget request:
General Fund Budget Cuts $-$86,400
Restored by the Governor $0
Reduction in Staff 0 FTE
Enhancement Units
None
Replacement Equipment
Nevada Arts Council phone system
Turning to the Expanded Program Narrative in Exhibit C, Ms. Boskoff reported that the Nevada Arts Council operated two offices, one in Carson City and one in Las Vegas, and had a staff of ten. Ms. Boskoff told the Committee that the NAC was the only state art agency in the country with a successful field office and credited the two program associates in Las Vegas and the staff in Carson City, whose time ensured what she indicated was a “seamless public presence and accessible technical assistance in programs to all citizens.”
Ms. Boskoff pointed out that the NAC services were provided through six program areas, each of which had distinct activities for distinct constituencies and included:
· A Grants Program;
· An Arts and Education Program;
· A Community Arts Development Program;
· An Artists’ Services Program;
· The Folklife Program; and,
· Public Awareness and Arts Initiative Program.
Ms. Boskoff reported that the lower‑than‑projected figures for fiscal year 2002 workload statistics were attributed to a delay in funding by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
Ms. Boskoff indicated that a reduction in funding occurred in the Challenge Grants Program. To economize on printing and mailing, Ms. Boskoff said the majority of the NAC program and grants guidelines were produced and distributed every two years. Because the agency’s mailing list was extensive, the grant categories reduced were those whose primary applicants and grantees could be informed of the cuts in a timely and cost-effective manner. Additionally, Ms. Boskoff pointed out that the majority of those receiving Challenge Grants also received organizational support grants called Partners in Excellence.
Ms. Boskoff reported that the budget cuts also affected outreach services provided by staff and consultants to constituents and grantees in rural or geographically isolated communities. Additionally, Ms. Boskoff reported a delay in the development and implementation of a database conversion compatible with Culture Grants Online, the NAC’s new grants application process.
Ms. Boskoff reported that decision unit E 711 requested funding to replace the telephone system for the Carson City office.
At that point in her presentation, Ms. Boskoff referred to the Nevada Arts Council Annual Report (Exhibit G) and told the Committee that the Annual Report was provided to the public and also used as an internal document to provide staff with directions to develop new strategies to better provide services throughout the state. Ms. Boskoff noted that the Annual Report provided what she indicated was a “snapshot” of public dollars to each of the 17 counties through their programs and services.
Ms. Boskoff provided the following sampling of the NAC’s programs and projects:
Ms. Boskoff reported that the NAC was most proud of their new “Culture Grants Online” system. A copy of the log-on sheet (Exhibit H) was distributed to the Committee. Ms. Boskoff pointed out that the Nevada Arts Council was the first in the country to place all grant applications of two major programs, grants in arts and education, on an e-grant system. Ms. Boskoff said the system allowed the NAC access to data available for reporting and analysis and promoted better and more competitive grant writing for their constituents. Ms. Boskoff explained that the “Culture Grants Online” system was initiated by the NAC during the previous year as a participant and a regional pilot project of the Western State Arts Federation. Ms. Boskoff extended her appreciation to the staff and grantees who worked diligently during the past 12 months to help refine the system. Ms. Boskoff invited the Committee members to review the new system during the Legislative Technology Fair on February 12, 2003.
A second highlight Ms. Boskoff discussed was the Wild Horse Project. Ms. Boskoff reported that the “Honest Horses” exhibit that was the inspiration of one artist to address the values and issues of Western culture related to the wild mustangs living in Nevada’s Great Basin. Funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the U. S. Forest Service, Ms. Boskoff said the exhibit had been touring for two years and more than 55,000 adults and children in Nevada, Indiana, Colorado, Utah, and Missouri had learned about another side of contemporary Western culture through the eyes of artistic collaboration.
The last highlight Ms. Boskoff addressed was one from the Folklife Program whose goal was to present folk arts to the general public through festivals, exhibits, and workshops. Ms. Boskoff reported that through the Folklife and Educational Initiative, folklorist, Jeanne Johnson, Folk Arts Program Coordinator for the NAC, created a workshop that was presented to fourth graders in Carson City, Douglas County, and Washoe County. Ms. Johnson had presented 90 workshops in the last two years that reached almost 4,000 students. Examples of the folk arts collection that had been exhibited during the school workshops was provided to the members of the Committee by Kelly Osborne, Fiscal Services Coordinator for the NAC.
Ms. Boskoff noted a news article that had appeared in the February 6 issue of the Nevada Appeal that featured Sue Coleman, Washoe Basket Maker and recipient of the Governor’s Arts Awards. Ms. Coleman had also presented workshops to elementary school students.
Ms. Boskoff indicated the following challenges were being faced by the NAC:
In response to questions from Ms. Giunchigliani, Ms. Boskoff confirmed that budget reductions had an impact on the Challenge grants by $32,000. Ms. Boskoff explained that typically $105,000 was provided in Challenge grants and even though grantees had been made aware of the reductions, 6 applications were received that requested $300,000 for capital campaigns, cash reserve fund development of endowments, and establishment of new collections.
Ms. Giunchigliani questioned whether it was anticipated that the National Endowment for the Arts’ (NEA) Partnership Grant would be reduced.
Ms. Boskoff responded that it was her understanding the Congress and the President had approved a stable budget for the National Endowment for the Arts and the funding to the NAC was in the amount of $487,000.
Ms. Giunchigliani questioned what appeared to be a $10,600 reduction to the NEA Partnership Grant.
Ms. Boskoff clarified that the $10,600 was a “one-shot appropriation” for the “Wild Horse” exhibit.
In response to questions from Mrs. Chowning, Ms. Boskoff clarified that the $17,000 budget reduction for the Arts in Education program was only for fiscal year 2003; reductions of $2,000 were made in fiscal year 2004 and fiscal year 2005. Ms. Boskoff confirmed that monies from the sale of license plates were transferred to the NAC to honor the existing grants that had been awarded for fiscal year 2003. Ms. Boskoff reported that the NAC in actuality had taken a 6 percent reduction in fiscal year 2003 to accommodate the Governor’s budget reduction request.
Ms. Chowning commented that it was her understanding the $75,000 from license plate sales was being used for education programs.
Ms. Boskoff responded that the NAC was monitoring the flow of funding from the sale of license plates and attempting to devise a system to identify the number of renewals that would occur. Ms. Boskoff confirmed that money from the sale of license plates was serving children and arts education programs by supporting the preschool program for arts and the Youth Reach Nevada Project for at-risk students.
Mr. Sisco concluded the Department’s presentation and told the members of the Committee that the programs under the Department of Cultural Affairs made life better for the citizens of Nevada and made Nevada a more attractive place for businesses moving to the state. Mr. Sisco provided some assurance that while the budget reductions were mandated by the revenue situation, the Department would continue to do the best possible job with the resources that were available.
Mr. Marvel questioned the feasibility of raising fees.
Mr. Sisco advised that while Micrographics and Imaging charged fees for their services and State Library raised a few dollars with book fines, it was not anticipated that entrance fees to the museums could be increased, especially since museum attendance was declining.
Chairman Arberry thanked Mr. Sisco for the Department’s budget presentation.
Mark Stevens, Assembly Fiscal Analyst, indicated that staff had distributed a draft list (Exhibit I) of budget-closing recommendations to be developed by Joint Subcommittees versus staff. The last page of the document contained a list of budgets to be reviewed by the full Committee. The budgets listed to the left of the page were those for full Committee review of closing recommendations of the Joint Subcommittees and the budgets listed to the right were for full Committee review of closing recommendations by the Fiscal Analysis Division staff. Mr. Stevens advised the members of the Committee the list had been distributed for their review and any changes they would like to make should be submitted to staff within a few days.
Ms. Giunchigliani disclosed her new position as a staff member of the Community College of Southern Nevada (CCSN). Ms. Giunchigliani further disclosed that she was on unpaid leave from the CCSN and on unpaid leave from the Clark County School District to serve in the position at the CCSN.
Chairman Arberry advised the members of the Committee the Friday morning hearing would begin at 8:00 a.m. and the Monday morning hearing would begin at 9:00 a.m.
Chairman Arberry adjourned the hearing at 10:16 a.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
Connie Davis
Committee Secretary
APPROVED BY:
Assemblyman Morse Arberry Jr., Chairman
DATE: