JIm Bagwell: Some budgeting ideas to save the state money

This legislative session is sure to be one of the most difficult and interesting we have had in my lifetime. Finances will be at the top of the list. How the legislators handle this, and the tone of the debate, will surely define the leadership and the session.

I believe that the state workforce cannot and should not be the only target (oops, there's one of those words) for savings. This state has a proficient and dedicated workforce that has always borne the majority of the burden when savings must occur. When most of your budget is dedicated to salaries and benefits, it is only natural to look there first. Nevada's employees already took a significant hit in the last session.

I am going to make two suggestions that may not save all of the jobs or salaries but certainly could help. First, let's ask every director to ask his staff to look at their proposed budget from a zero-based budgeting viewpoint. Second, let's look at the possibility of implementing some management practices that work well in the private sector.

Zero-based budgeting is a simple way to budget but is a little time consuming. It requires that every position, program, building, vehicle, piece of equipment and expenditure be justified. Does a program started years ago still meet the mission that was intended? Does a worker still do what he was hired to do in that position? Is the equipment needed or being used effectively? A true self-examination might find some interesting abilities to save money.

At present, department chiefs have little or no incentive to save money. Why should they? There is no profit motive. The number of employees and the money budgeted to the department generally have great impact on his or her salary.

I would be in favor of modest bonuses for managers that accomplish significant savings throughout the budget year. It is not a sin to turn unused money back. It certainly is not a sin to not fill a position if unneeded. Lean and mean needs to be the mantra of each manager.

For the state employee, I would suggest that you help your management find ways to cut expenditures. In many instances you know the job better than your boss. You may work for the state but you are also part of the citizenry. You owe it to yourself and the state to assist in finding the solution.

It hasn't been easy for the business community or government the past few years, and the solution will not happen overnight. We are in this together so let's work together to find a suitable answer to a difficult situation.

• Jim Bagwell of Carson City is a Vietnam veteran and graduate of the FBI National Academy who worked 31 years in law enforcement. He and his wife Lori own Charley's Grilled Subs.