La Verkin's leaders refuse pay until deficit is worked out

LA VERKIN, Washington County (AP) — La Verkin's mayor says he and the city council will go unpaid until the city can solve a $200,000 budget deficit.

Karl Wilson says a $100,000 shortfall became known during an audit. That was augmented by a state requirement to keep some money in the general fund at all times.

He says the city hired extra people for a proposed large development nearby that never panned out, hurting revenue. Wilson also cut four positions from the 30-person city staff. He says the next step is cutting incidental costs like cell phone and auto usage.