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Council discusses possibility of a temporary hiring freeze amid budget pressure; no action taken
Summary
Councilor Justin P. Battle raised the idea of pausing nonessential hiring while the town finalizes its budget; Town Manager Michael C. Wood said staff will delay noncritical postings where feasible but some positions must be filled.
Councilor Justin P. Battle asked the Burrillville Town Council on Feb. 12 to consider a temporary hiring freeze or at least delaying nonessential postings while the town finalizes its budget. "It's something I think we should we should look at, at least in the interim until we can get the budget finalized," Battle said, emphasizing that essential positions should be filled.
Town Manager Michael C. Wood responded that administration can hold off on many hires where practical and has done so in prior budget cycles, but he noted a few positions that likely must be filled. Wood said an IT position advertised is technically a school committee position the town helps fund and that other essential roles could require exceptions. "If I can hold off, I will," Wood said, adding he would review vacancies case by case and inform the council of critical needs.
Council members asked for follow-up rather than an immediate binding policy. No motion was offered and no formal hiring freeze was adopted; councilors suggested returning the item during the budget process if warranted.
