CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Nevada correctional officers and other essential prison staff have won another reprieve from furloughs mandated by the legislature.

The state Board of Examiners on Tuesday extended an exemption for prison guards through the 2010 fiscal year that ends June 30.

Department of Corrections Director Howard Skolnik says the exemption will cost $3.8 million, $1.2 million of which has already been spent since July 1.

Skolnik says his agency can offset some of the expense by charging rent for prison stores and gymnasiums.

He added that the department is negotiating with a private company to lease a state prison in Jean, which could bring in $2.5 million a year and help pay for continued furlough exemptions through the 2011 fiscal year.