FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Adam Mayberry, Direct: (775) 353-7894, Cell: (775) 232-4636

 

Sparks, NV – Today, by a vote of 3-2 (Salerno, Smith, Carrigan, YES / Ratti, Schmitt - NO) the Sparks City Council took action to balance the City's Fiscal Year (FY) 2010-11 budget which takes effect July 1.  In order to address a $4.9 million shortfall, the City's workforce will be reduced by about 56 full-time positions.  The action today includes approximately 48 employee layoffs.  City revenues continue to fall below projected levels, almost 19 percent in a 12-month period.  The City is in a stable fiscal position for the current fiscal year.

 

If no agreement is reached with city bargaining groups to meet a balanced budget, most layoffs will occur no later than Friday, April 30.  Since 2007, the city has taken steps to streamline and in many cases eliminate programs and services.  The only solution to balance the budget is to reduce the City's workforce.  As a result of today's action, city personnel costs for FY 2010-11 will equate to nearly 86 percent of the city's general fund expense, down from 94.5 percent.

 

The budget reductions will have a significant impact on many public services.  Residents can expect delays in city response times throughout departments and city services.

 

The workforce reduction includes public safety personnel: 11 firefighters and six police officers.  However, six police officers will immediately be reinstated under a Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant of $556,000.  This is the first time the City has taken action on eliminating public safety personnel since the start of this recession.

 

Other positions include public works and parks maintenance workers, as well as workers at the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility.

 

The City Council acknowledged those employee groups who have willingly agreed to permanent pay and benefit concessions, and have directed staff to continue to work toward a resolution with the city bargaining groups to achieve the desired outcomes.

 

Final adoption of the FY 2010-2011 budget will take place on May 18, at Sparks City Hall.

 

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