Department of Corrections seeks $44.74M supplemental to cover overtime, utilities and inmate expenses

The Nevada Department of Corrections presented a conceptual amendment to Assembly Bill 581 increasing the supplemental appropriation request to address unanticipated shortfalls across multiple NDOC facilities. Tiffany Greenmeier (Governor's Finance Office) and Jason Giesler, NDOC chief financial officer, explained the amendment and the agency's efforts to reduce overtime.

Giesler walked the committee through line-item supplemental needs across numerous facilities and programs, including Northern Nevada Correctional Center, conservation camps, transitional housing, high-security prisons and prison medical care. The amendment totals $44,741,565 as presented at the hearing, with major items citing personnel services (overtime), utilities and inmate-driven expenses.

Giesler said NDOC implemented policies in March aiming to reduce facility overtime and reported sequential declines in facility overtime across pay periods: roughly $2.3 million in one pay period falling to about $1.5 million in later pay periods, indicating progress from the mitigation measures. He also told members that utility cost increases have driven part of the supplemental need despite reductions in usage.

Committee members asked whether scheduling or shift changes are being explored as further mitigation; Giesler said scheduling, staffing models, and other operational adjustments are under review and that prior legislative appropriations for staffing would help in the next biennium. Members also asked for detail on utility cost drivers and whether further measures can lower ongoing charges; NDOC said rate increases and facility billing rates were a substantial factor.

The committee did not vote on the supplemental at the hearing. NDOC officials said they would provide any follow-up information requested by staff.