Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman today said there’s not much room to maneuver with the city’s unions, and implied that the decision on whether or not to accept an 8 percent pay cut and forgo raises in the future is a matter of common humanity.

“They have to reach it [the budget cut goal] or consequences will be had,” Goodman said. It’s estimated that 171 city employees could lose their jobs if unions that represent city workers don’t accept the cuts, or propose a viable alternative. “There will be carnage,” Goodman said.

“I guess it’s a test of altruism, of where people stand,” the mayor added. “We’ll see what the mettle is of people who work for the city.”

Las Vegas is struggling to close a $70 million budget gap.

The city cannot unilaterally impose pay cuts for city marshals, firefighters or unionized workers because those groups have a legally binding collective bargaining agreement with the city. However, employees can be laid off under the terms of the agreement, which often results in senior employees “bumping” more junior employees from lower-paid jobs.

Goodman did offer some hope, however: He said that if unions offer a viable alternative, the city would consider it, although keeping salaries flat during the next few years is key. If the union offered 7.75 percent cuts instead of 8 percent, “We’d have to consider 7.75 percent,” he said. “I may be home drinking.”

The city will vote on its preliminary budget March 10, following a series of town hall meetings. (The final such meeting takes place at 6:30 p.m. tonight at the Charleston Heights Arts Center.) A preliminary budget is due to be filed with the state by April 15, with a final budget filed by May. Despite the looming deadline, however, Goodman hinted there may be room to negotiate before the budget is finalized.

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