Nevada Commission on Ethics chief bemoans proposed cuts

CARSON CITY -- The executive director of the Nevada Commission on Ethics said Tuesday that proposed budget cuts by Gov. Brian Sandoval could hurt public confidence in elected officials.

Caren Jenkins told the Senate Finance Committee that her office, with a staff of five, has seen a 45 percent increase in workload.

The governor's recommendation would cut state general fund spending for the agency by 26 percent.

But reimbursements from counties would increase to reflect the proportionate caseload involving investigations of local government officials over state officials.

Jenkins made a pitch for extra money to hire an additional lawyer and investigator.

The agency has one investigator to handle a projected 140 cases this year.