SPARKS, Nev. (AP) - The Sparks City Council has voted to lay off about 50 city workers to save money in the face of a nearly $5 million budget deficit.
The 3-2 vote came Monday after fierce debate over the impact on safety.
Councilman Mike Carrigan accused the firefighters union of using scare tactics by warning that less fire protection could result in property damage and even deaths.
Carrigan called it irresponsible, but union officials said they were only being truthful.
The city administration had recommended laying off 54 employees, including 6 police officers and 11 firefighters. But under the plan approved by the council, no police officers would be laid off. Instead, police offered a 5.4 percent permanent reduction in salaries and benefits to accomplish the needed savings.