Government crisis: The fit now hits the shan

The last paragraph I wrote in 2009 has already become prophetic five days into 2010, as I knew it would.

Careful followers of the Complete will remember these closing words to the year: "In lieu of that miracle, however, may I suggest you grab your own stiff drink and hunker down for a 2010 crisis in government, from Reno to Henderson." You can read the full column here.

Now comes this morning's newspaper and story that the Clark County Commission will implement staff demotions, the possible privatizing of UMC, and planned layoffs. There was much angst. R-J Reporter Scott Wayland wrote: Clark County commissioners acted tense as they voted Tuesday to reduce staffing ... most of them stared down at the dais. A couple fidgeted nervously."

It's just the beginning, I'm afraid. Local governments across the state didn't act fast enough with expense cuts to get ahead of the coming revenue shortfall. Some governments actually spent more in the face of the crisis.

Brace yourselves, folks. This is going to get uglier before it gets prettier.