SPARKS, Nev. - A Sparks City Council member is accusing the firefighters' union of irresponsibly claiming residents will be endangered by layoffs affecting 11 firefighters and 30 other city workers.

The council voted 3-2 to implement the first firefighter layoffs in city history to help close a $5 million budget shortfall.

Sparks Councilman Mike Carrigan calls the union claim about the danger of layoffs a scare tactic.

Fire Division Chief Gene Rybak called it unfortunate that the claim went out in a press release.

The council rejected a plan to lay off up to 12 police officer after the police union agreed to 5.4 percent salary and benefit reductions.

Labor groups and city administrators still have until May 18 to work out a way not to issue pink slips.
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Information from: Reno Gazette-Journal, http://www.rgj.com

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