Governor signs performance based budget bill

Gov. Brian Sandoval Thursday signed Assembly Bill 248, which puts into statute the performance-based budget system submitted by the Sandoval administration at the start of the 2011 Legislature.

The idea is to replace the existing system where every agency budget begins with the base budget approved by the previous legislature. Instead, agencies would be required to set goals and develop performance indicators to determine how well they are meeting those goals. It also mandates public posting of information on how well each agency is meeting its goals and requires public hearings on the proposed budget between October and January to give the public a chance to comment on spending plans.

"Performance-based budgeting is a proven approach to making government more efficient, accountable and making sure every taxpayer dollar is working harder and being spent wisely," said Assemblywoman Debbie Smith, D-Sparks, sponsor of the measure.

"This legislation codified the performance based budget we submitted back in January," said Director of Administration Andrew Clinger.

He said the performance-based budget was submitted along with the regular budget when lawmakers convened.

The legislation fine tuning and implementing it was developed jointly by the budget office, legislative fiscal division and Nevada Taxpayers Association Director Carole Villardo.