Stearns County announces hiring freeze, expecting state aid cuts
Stearns County isn't waiting for a formal announcement of cuts in state aid to local governments by the cash-strapped Legislature.
The county commissioners on Tuesday agreed to a hiring freeze that prevents the hiring of new employees before May 31, unless approved by the county board.
County Administrator George Rindelaub says the move is expected to save the county about $250,000.
There may still be some hiring, such as for jobs paid for by state or federal grants and some law enforcement jobs - including jail guards and dispatchers.
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The Legislature is facing a budget deficit of more than $900 million and hasn't yet figured out how it will cover it.
The city of St. Cloud announced its own hiring freeze last week. The county board will revisit the freeze after the Legislature adjourns.
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Information from: St. Cloud Times, http://www.sctimes.com
