University officials seek spending power

CARSON CITY -- Nevada's university officials are asking lawmakers for broad discretion in how they spend their money, but the legislators are uncertain whether they want to give that power.

"Giving a lump-sum appropriation within the campus would allow each campus to do the best they can, to maximize service to students, and allow us to continue to serve more students than we are budgeted for," said Richard Jarvis, chancellor of the University and Community College System of Nevada.

Jarvis also asked Friday for flexibility to move money from campuses with lower enrollment to those that are overenrolled within the system.

The system isn't getting much relief in the budget proposed by Gov. Kenny Guinn last month. Though showing a growth rate of 6 percent, the colleges are slated to get enough money to fund only a 2 percent increase.

That adds up to $608 million over the next two years. Jarvis said that's not enough.

Part of the problem is that the formula for funding the university system is outdated, Jarvis said, calling for a study to find one that would be more equitable.

None of the university requests got a warm response from a joint budget committee on higher education.

Instead, legislators asked for more details on how the system is spending the money it already has for its two universities in Reno and Las Vegas and community colleges around the state.

Raggio also asked for an explanation of cost-of-living increases proposed for some top administrators' already high salaries.

Jarvis said an ongoing study will show university administrators' salaries aren't out of line with those of other states.

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