Minneapolis city hiring freeze up for review

Members of the Minneapolis City Council this week will discuss rescinding the hiring freeze they passed in 2008.

A report prepared by city staff lists several reasons they believe the freeze is no longer necessary. Officials say department managers have done a good job of streamlining operations and finding cost savings. And they say while budgets remain tight, the hiring freeze is not necessary to keep the city financially stable.

The council passed the hiring freeze five years ago during a period of financial instability for the city and the country. The Legislature cut $13 million in state aid to the city. And the city was facing tens of millions of dollars in unexpected pension obligations.

City officials say dozens of employees were laid off during the freeze and more than 300 positions were eliminated.

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