CARSON CITY — Gov. Jim Gibbons and state legislative leaders pledged Tuesday to work together to plug a budget shortfall estimated at nearly $1 billion.

The Republican governor huddled with 14 legislators of both parties for about two hours. Administration officials provided details of the state's plunging revenues, and ideas were exchanged on how to bring the two-year budget into balance.

"It was a very good working meeting," Gibbons said.

The Republican governor has exchanged verbal barbs with Democratic lawmakers who control the state Senate and Assembly over taxes approved during the 2009 session over his veto.

But the tone after Tuesday's meeting was civil.

"I'm hopeful that legislative leaders and the governor will be working together," said Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, who attending the meeting in Carson City. "What we're facing is nothing short of sobering.

"It really is a dire situation."

Gibbons this week announced he would give a special State of the State address on Feb. 8 to explain the budget crisis to Nevadans and call a special legislative session, likely in late February.

Buckley said the Legislature's Interim Finance Committee plans to hold public hearings on the budget beginning in early February.