Knox County leaders are taking a new approach when it comes to reducing the county's general fund deficit. Members of the county board voted, this week, to implement a hiring freeze for the next six months.
County Clerk Scott Erickson said it does not affect job listings that have already been posted, which currently covers about 10 positions. If a department needs to fill a position, the request would go before a three-member panel.
County Board Chairman Brian Freidrich said the hiring freeze was preferred over layoffs.
“You’re going to put a freeze on people that you don’t know versus employees that you already have,” Freidrich said.
Friedrich said the board could end the freeze early if it determines the savings are not being realized. He said it's too early to tell the potential impact.
Friedrich said the county had to try to see if it would work, adding that other options will be considered as warranted.
“There’s no magic wand we can wave at. There’s no money there, just got to figure out how we’re going to cut money. Cut services. Where we’re at, what are we going to cut,” Freidrich said.
