North Las Vegas postpones action on voluntary severance plan

During a special council meeting today, members of the North Las Vegas City Council voted to table a proposed voluntary severance program for city employees until May 20.

The package would invite city workers with five or more years of service to accept a severance package that would include one week’s pay per every year of employment, three months of COBRA insurance and all applicable holiday and sick pay.

The proposal did not include a cap on the number of eligible years. For example, a city employee with 40 years of service would be eligible for 40 weeks of pay.

Councilwoman Stephanie Smith said that she voted to continue the measure because she felt council members needed more time to make an informed decision.

“This was the first we saw of the plan,” she said. “We have seen examples around the valley of similar proposals. Some have been successful. Some have not. We wanted to make sure we aren’t following the example of those that should not be followed.”