It is no secret that these are difficult economic times. The downturn in the economy is forcing families, private companies and government entities to do some serious belt tightening. The city of Las Vegas is no different. Like government agencies around the nation, the city is experiencing a revenue shortfall and is forced to make some hefty cuts. In fact, the city may need to reduce its spending by up to $30 million to balance the budget.

To make sure this process is handled in the best interests of the community, the City Council directed staff to undertake what we are calling a fundamental review of services. For the last several months, city employees and external experts have been looking at ways the city can be more efficient, but still provide the best possible service. A series of options will be presented to the City Council at a special meeting on October 6 at the Charleston Heights Arts Center. The council will have the very difficult task of adopting a plan that will reduce the city's budget significantly. This could mean a reduction in programs and staff.

Some actions that have already been taken in response to the downturn in general fund revenues include a reduction of $20.6 million in the current year budget compared to last year, no salary increases or bonuses for executives, no merit increases for nonunion employees, deferral of many general funded capital construction projects, reduced travel and supply budgets, reduced hours of operation at recreational facilities, reduced park maintenance, reduced CityRide bus routes, reduced discretionary budgets for the City Council, extended replacement schedules for vehicles and capital equipment and strict limitations on refilling any vacant position at the city.

Until the economy recovers the city will have no choice but to continue heavily scrutinizing and, most likely, reducing spending. The hope is to do all this with the least amount of negative impact on the citizens we serve.