Reno city council votes to layoff 35 firefighters

The layoffs became necessary after the city lost a federal grant that was to fund 50 firefighters next year; city staff found enough money to retain 15 of those jobs

Reno Gazette-Journal

RENO, Nev. — In a 5-2 vote, the Reno City Council today authorized laying off 35 firefighters despite pleas from the fire union and homeowners to preserve the jobs.

The layoffs became necessary after the city lost a federal grant that was to fund 50 firefighters next year. City staff found enough money to retain 15 of those jobs, largely by paying off a bond used to purchase city hall. Funds used to make those bond payments will now pay the salaries of those 15 positions.

But available city funds still fell short, meaning 35 firefighters will lose their jobs on July 1. Councilman Dwight Dortch, who made the motion to proceed with the layoffs, said firefighters are overpaid and that the union should agree to salary concessions in order to save more jobs.

Full story: Reno City Council votes to lay off 35 firefighters