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Las Vegas, NV-At a time when practically every city in the valley is talking about concessions, cuts,and lay-offs to avoid financial collapse, a new report focusing on government spending has published the salaries of thousands of public employees.

The data was put out by the Nevada Policy Research Institute. They looked at just how much government employees at the state, county and city level were paid in 2010. Some of the salaries reached over half a million dollars. But city officials say there's a reason for that.

In 2010, the North Las Vegas chief marshal made $792,000, the Henderson's city clerk came in at $628,000 and the leisure services director for the city of Las Vegas earned just under $350,000.

"It's our money...Our tax dollars, we deserve to know how it's spent and the justification for the salaries being so high," said Andy Matthews, vice president of operations for the Nevada Policy Research Institute.

Officials for the three cities pointed out that those employees received large checks as part of their retirement by-out deal. After being on the job for 28 years, the chief marshal got a voluntary severance package plus a sick leave pay out, on top of his annual salary. But at a time when local governments say they must trim the fat from their budgets, some can't help but criticize the decision.

"I work hard and i barely get ahead. I don't think it's fair that they get extra money for being there so long," said Desmond Thomas.

In a statement, the city of Las Vegas said their leisure services director had worked for 24 years. Her accrued sick and vacation time resulted in an additional one time separation payment of $165,000.

They also say they're working on making changes to avoid large cash outs for future retiring employees. North Las Vegas said over the phone that the voluntary severance deals have actually helped the city save money, since many of those high paying positions left by retired employees have not been filled and won't be, at least for a another few years. Henderson officials say they use the same plan to meet budget shortfalls by reducing their work force.