Panel endorses funds for state veterinarian

The Nevada Board of Examiners has endorsed more than $131,000 in contingency funds to restore a state veterinarian position that was inadvertently cut during February's special legislative session.

Department of Agriculture Director Tony Lesperance told the panel today that the position, one of four veterinarians employed at the agency, was mistakenly put on a list of vacant positions that were to be left unfilled and eliminated during budget cut discussions.

Lesperance and Budget Director Andrew Clinger said the job of veterinary medical services administrator is mandated under state law.

The board comprised of Gov. Jim Gibbons, Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto and Secretary of State Ross Miller approved the funding, which now goes to the Legislature's Interim Finance Committee for final action.