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Kane County committee discusses hiring-freeze options amid possible budget shortfall
Summary
Committee members reviewed existing hiring authorization procedures, noted the county is effectively under a hiring freeze for replacement hires, and tasked a small group to draft a more explicit hiring-freeze approach that could be implemented quickly if a referendum fails.
Kane County Human Services Committee members on March 12 discussed whether to adopt a formalized hiring freeze in advance of a pending referendum and a possible budget shortfall.
Jamie reported the county already requires a new-hire authorization form that must be signed by the committee chair before a replacement hire is finalized, and noted that historically the board has approved most replacement hires. “Technically, you're still in a hiring freeze right now,” Jamie said, but added that replacement hires have generally been approved by resolution.
Committee members said a clearer process is needed so the county can “pull the trigger” quickly if the referendum fails. The committee discussed the need for objective criteria and a small, qualified review group to handle exceptions for critical positions. Committee member Roth agreed to meet with HR director Librillo to draft a proposal that could be used by finance and the full board if rapid action is required.
Members raised practical complications, including positions funded by grants and independently elected offices, and noted that roughly 71% of the county salary budget is tied to elected offices and public safety—limits that may constrain the effect of a county-level hiring freeze. Committee members emphasized that any county-level hiring freeze should include a clear exception process for critical services and time‑bound review to avoid unintended service interruptions.
The committee did not adopt a formal resolution at the meeting but directed Roth and Librillo to draft a hiring-freeze proposal and solicited input from all 24 board members. The committee also asked that a draft be ready for finance consideration on March 26 if needed.
The committee cited a projected budget gap and declining reserves as background for the discussion and said it preferred to have a plan available so action can be taken quickly if conditions require it.
