Saying Nuclear Projects Director Bob Loux has been violating the law by paying himself and staff more than authorized, Gov. Jim Gibbons Wednesday called for Loux to resign.
Loux has managed the office and directed the state's efforts to prevent construction of Yucca Mountain since the project was first proposed in the 1980s.
"I requested the budget office review this issue, and they have discovered that there has been a history of salaries in your office paid well over the amounts budgeted, going well back into at least the prior administration," said Gibbons' letter. "These increases have been made without my approval and in violation of NRS223.085.
"I have lost faith in your ability to effectively manage the Nuclear Projects Office."
So saying, Gibbons asked for Loux to resign immediately.
According to a spreadsheet included with the letter, Loux is budgeted this year for a salary of $114,088 but is paying himself $151,542 " a difference of $37,454. And according to that data, he has been giving himself a higher rate of pay than authorized by the Legislature and governor's office since fiscal year 2006.
The spreadsheet indicates he paid himself $16,040 more than authorized in 2006, $16,676 more in 2007 and $31,630 above the authorized level in 2008.
In addition, the spreadsheet shows five different positions in his office were paid anywhere from $38,877 to $19,723 more than authorized for this year " an average difference of 19 percent.
Loux could not be reached for comment.