The Nevada State Legislature's Senate Committee on Finance meeting on May 25, 2025, spotlighted a staggering $44.7 million request to cover overtime costs within the Department of Corrections (NDOC). The discussion revealed deep concerns over the agency's management of overtime, which has ballooned to an estimated $53 million due to a lack of oversight and accountability.

Katie D'Souci, representing NDOC, confirmed that the current overtime costs are significantly higher than initially projected, with a vacancy rate of around 16%. This figure has improved, but frustrations were palpable among committee members regarding the slow progress in staffing solutions. Senator Winn expressed concern over the agency's failure to prioritize staffing needs, especially after previous allocations for a staffing study went unused.

The committee's scrutiny intensified as members questioned how NDOC allowed overtime expenses to escalate unchecked. Tiffany Greenemeyer from the Governor's Finance Office acknowledged that the overtime reduction plan is showing promise, with a 20% decrease in overtime over recent pay periods. However, the committee remained skeptical, emphasizing the need for immediate and effective management changes to prevent future financial crises.

Senator Neal highlighted the alarming situation where one employee accrued over 3,125 overtime hours, raising serious safety concerns about the working conditions within NDOC. The committee's frustration was compounded by the realization that this issue has persisted across multiple bienniums, with previous audits flagging similar problems.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency for reform was clear. Without approval of the $44.7 million request, NDOC risks closing its budget in the negative, which could lead to further financial instability. The committee's discussions underscored the critical need for improved oversight and accountability within NDOC to ensure that such financial mismanagement does not recur in the future.