Questions are being raised about transparency and legality in North Las Vegas after the city council approved a $630,000 consulting contract for former city manager Ryann Juden. Councilman Richard Cherchio said he didn't know about the contract before voting and has since criticized the lack of information provided to the council on such an important issue, as reported by Las Vegas Review-Journal.

A former city employee has filed an ethics complaint against Juden, accusing him of using his position for personal gain. The complaint involves EDGE Strategies, a consulting firm started by Juden’s wife earlier this year. It also says Juden set the terms of the contract before leaving his city job, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Councilman Richard Cherchio admitted the issue was overlooked, saying, “I could only tell you that I didn’t get briefed that it was to be on the consent agenda,” as stated by Nevada Current and Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Community activist Tyrone Jones raised concerns about nearly $1 million in payments to former city manager Juden this year, including $675,000 in severance. Local groups and clergy are questioning the lack of transparency. Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown defended Juden, saying she had no issues with him taking a consulting contract while working as city manager. Juden has not commented on an ethics complaint against him, according to Nevada Current.