Facing a projected $33 million budget shortfall, the City of North Las Vegas announced this week they will be forced to make mass layoffs to balance its budget. North Las Vegas officials contend union members enjoy an above average and generous wage and benefit package. According to North Las Vegas officials the average North Las Vegas Police Officers Association member salary and benefits total $136,000 annually; while supervisors receive $186,000 in total compensation. An International Association of Firefighters Local 1607 member salary and benefits total $139,000 according to North Las Vegas.

North Las Vegas must balance its budget by June 1 and say the unions have rejected a plan to extend a pay freeze that would prevent layoffs. Meantime, the Review-Journal reports representatives from all three unions say they never rejected a proposal from the city.

We talk with North Las Vegas City Manager, Tim Hacker about possible layoffs and ongoing negotiations with the the city's unions.

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Timothy Hacker, City Manager, North Las Vegas