Today’s action is expected to save $222,466 during the coming fiscal year, and will help meet the County’s overall 2011-12 deficit projected to be $36.3 million which includes recent Legislative impacts. The 2011-12 budget approved by the County Commission last month is 21% less than just four years ago.

The 7% overall reduction is comprised of an on-going 5% salary reduction, reduction of eligible merit increases from 5% to 2.5%, a freeze on longevity payments at the amounts paid in fiscal year 2010-11 and a health care cost share of $44.60 per pay period. This is the fourth consecutive year that Washoe County employees have taken wage and benefit concessions to help address budget deficits resulting from declining property tax and sales tax revenues.