LAS VEGAS - As the June 1 budget deadline looms closer, Clark County commissioners received new details Wednesday night on how county departments plan to save money. The plan entails slashing jobs and services.
"No departments think they should give more," said Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak. "They all think they should give less."
"Because the county is so large, and we have such diverse program needs and service needs, just getting a budget handed to us - in some cases - and recommended layoffs the night of the meeting is not appropriate," said Clark County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani.
Commissioners struggled with the recommended budget which reduces operating costs by nearly $39 million. Eighty-two filled positions are on the chopping block with most of the potential eliminations in juvenile justice and administration.
"These are difficult decisions when you're not just talking about cutting dollars," Sisolak said. "You're cutting people's lives. You're cutting positions, and there's a name and face associated with each of these cuts, these potential cuts."
In February, a county-wide mandate was issued for departments to trim their budgets by 9%. Some departments met that goal. Others didn't. Those departments - like the Clark County Detention Center – that came close couldn't explain what was being cut.
"I just spoke with (Sheriff Doug Gillespie). He didn't know where that money was coming from, so there's definitely some miscommunication," Sisolak said.
Other agencies - like the District Attorney's office - refused to make cuts. Of the nearly 200 county positions that could be cut, 115 are vacant.
Another special meeting is scheduled Tuesday, May 3 at 10:30 a.m. The meeting was scheduled earlier so department heads can provide more details about possible cuts.
