The Latest: Atlantic City delays crisis with payroll change

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — The Latest on the Atlantic City's financial crisis (all times local):

8 p.m.

Atlantic City has made a change to how it pays its workers in an attempt to stave off a financial collapse.

The financially crumbling seaside resort's City Council Wednesday night passed the measure that means workers will get paid every 28 days. They get paid every 14 days now.

Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian had warned that city hall would close and non-essential city services would be eliminated on Friday.

The change was needed because state aid for the city has been delayed by a stalled takeover bill in the Legislature.

Republican Gov. Chris Christie and Democratic Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, along with Guardian are wrangling about giving the state authority over the city's finances.

Prieto objects to legislation approved by the state Senate and backed by Christie, saying it jeopardizes unions' bargaining rights.

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3:30 p.m.

Gov. Chris Christie came to Atlantic City, not to meet with its embattled mayor, but to denounce the fellow Republican him as "a liar" who can't do math or understand simple concepts.

The governor on Wednesday used his harshest language yet to criticize Mayor Don Guardian as the seaside gambling resort draws closer to going broke.

Democratic Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto continues to refuse to post an Atlantic City takeover bill for a vote unless provisions are added protecting public employee contracts — something Guardian supports.

The governor called Guardian a liar for agreeing to, then opposing, a state takeover.

Guardian says he's disappointed Christie has resorted to name-calling instead of helping the city. Guardian says lawmakers promised changes to protect Atlantic City but never delivered them.