Governor recommends converting intermittent HR positions to full-time at budget hearing

In a pivotal meeting held on April 25, 2025, the Nevada State Legislature's Assembly Ways and Means and Senate Finance Subcommittee on General Government convened to discuss crucial budgetary adjustments impacting the state's Human Resource Management (HRM) services. The atmosphere was charged with the urgency of addressing staffing needs and operational efficiencies within the agency, as members deliberated on the governor's recommendations for personnel changes.

The session began with a focus on the agency's HR services budget, which is primarily funded through revenue collected from participating state agencies. A significant proposal on the table involved converting three intermittent positions—two personnel technicians and one personnel analyst—into full-time roles. This change, backed by a reserve reduction of $528,736 over the 2025-2027 biennium, aims to enhance operational stability and efficiency within the HR department. Currently, the agency operates with one HR staff member for every 300 employees, a ratio that far exceeds the industry standard of one per 100. The subcommittee unanimously approved this recommendation, recognizing the need for a more robust HR framework.

As the meeting progressed, the subcommittee turned its attention to additional staffing needs within the HRM budget account. The governor proposed the creation of a new training officer position, which would facilitate mandatory training for newly hired supervisors and managers. This role is expected to alleviate the agency's training capacity challenges, with an estimated 2,000 additional training hours required annually. The subcommittee approved the funding for this position, amounting to $180,946 in reserve reductions.

Further discussions revealed a pressing need for two new accountant technician positions, aimed at addressing the increasing volume of payroll transactions as the state works to fill vacancies. The agency's payroll team, composed entirely of new staff, has faced significant challenges during the transition to a new HR financial system. The subcommittee recognized the critical nature of this request and approved the funding of $304,012 for these positions.

As the meeting concluded, the subcommittee's decisions reflected a commitment to strengthening the state's HR capabilities, ensuring that the agency can effectively manage its workforce and support its employees. The approved changes not only aim to improve operational efficiency but also signal a proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by the HR department in a rapidly evolving administrative landscape.