1.  For issues in dispute after arbitration proceedings are held pursuant to NRS 288.575, the arbitrator shall incorporate either the final offer of the Executive Department or the final offer of the exclusive representative into his or her decision. The decision of the arbitrator shall be limited to a selection of one of the two final offers of the parties. The arbitrator shall not revise or amend the final offer of either party on any issue.

2.  To determine which final offer to incorporate into his or her decision, the arbitrator shall assess the reasonableness of:

(a) The position of each party as to each issue in dispute; and

(b) The contractual terms and provisions contained in each final offer.

3.  In assessing reasonableness pursuant to subsection 2, the arbitrator shall:

(a) Compare the wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment for the employees within the bargaining unit with the wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment for other employees performing similar services and for other employees generally:

(1) In public employment in comparable communities; and

(2) In private employment in comparable communities; and

(b) Consider, without limitation:

(1) The financial ability of the State to pay the costs associated with the proposed collective bargaining agreement, with due regard for the primary obligation of the State to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of the people of this State;

(2) The average prices paid by consumers for goods and services in geographic location where the employees work; and

(3) Such other factors as are normally or traditionally used as part of collective bargaining, mediation, arbitration or other methods of dispute resolution to determine the wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment for employees in public or private employment.

4.  The decision of the arbitrator is final and binding upon the parties.