County officials, worker unions meet on budget crisis

A deepening recession and impending state budget cuts prompted Clark County leaders to meet with union officials today to begin discussing how to avoid layoffs.

County Commission Chairman Rory Reid, who called the meeting, said it was unprecedented for the three main unions representing county employees to talk about cost-cutting measures while their labor contracts are in place.

However, Reid and union leaders said they have yet to discuss specific strategies for trimming labor costs, such as reducing overtime or annual pay raises.

“Everything is on the table,” Reid said.

Representatives of the unions — the Service Employees International Union, the International Association of Firefighters, and the Police Protective Association — said they will study the county’s books to ensure the financial picture is as dire as characterized, then will meet again with county leaders in December.