From the Las Vegas Sun: The Henderson (Nev.) City Council approved three union contracts, which mean the city public-services department can avoid layoffs. The approval of the firefighters agreement will save the city about $2.9 million through 2015, officials said.

International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1883 agreed to a two-year contract extension. Firefighters waived their base-wage increases for 2010 and 2011, but six senior-level employees will receive two annual lump-sum payments of 1.25% of their annual base wage.

The fire department also will create 12 new “floating positions” that will decrease overtime.