NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- North Las Vegas city workers, firefighters, and police officers voiced their frustrations Tuesday night as the North Las Vegas City Council heard its final budget recommendation.
"How we got to this point is up for debate," said one concerned resident. "Was it the $285 million spent on a water reclamation facility? Was it the $145 million city hall? Was it the obscene spending of taxpayers' dollars during a time when most were saving?"
The city council approved the plan which could result in the layoffs of nearly 80 public safety workers and another 170 city workers.
In order to satisfy a $31 million budget shortfall, city council members contend they had no choice but to approve cuts to almost every public service. That includes parks and recreation and public works. Spending in some departments is being rolled back to pre-2001 levels.
"It's a very emotional thing knowing that these are young families," said North Las Vegas Mayor Shari Buck who was the only dissenting vote. "Some employees have been here a long time, and knowing that this really affects our residents and the services we are providing."
The budget plan would also cut services at the North Las Vegas Detention Center. Tuesday's vote means only about 50 beds would be available for inmates.
The budget would also affect the municipal courts. The city's five judges tried to persuade the city council not to strip their funds.
"It will get worse. I promise you," said Judge Sean Hoeffgen. "When the word gets on the street that jail is not an option for the crimes that are committed, crime will go rampant. I'm talking about shoplifting, trespassing. I'm talking about domestic violence."
The city and its unions spent months negotiating concessions. Eventually, unions were pitted against one another with some giving up more than others.
"Police and fire have given back. There is no doubt. But, you gave back enough to save yourselves. Teamsters is the only one who gave back for all," said North Las Vegas City Councilwoman Anita Wood.
Even though city leaders approved the layoffs, there is time for the city and labor unions to reach agreement on more concessions that could save some of those jobs.
The deadline for the city to submit a balanced budget is June 1.
