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Del Norte board adopts temporary hiring freeze as part of package of budget controls
Summary
Facing a $9.6 million variance in county finances, the board approved a temporary hiring freeze for positions funded by the general fund and authorized the CAO, auditor-controller and HR director to consider exceptions. Supervisors debated its likely effect and asked for robust budget workshop follow-up.
The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors adopted a temporary hiring freeze for positions fully or partially funded by the county general fund and authorized county leadership to consider exceptions on a case‑by‑case basis pending final budget adoption in September.
The hiring freeze was presented as a short‑term tool to stabilize the county's operating position while the board and department heads complete a second round of budget workshops. "This solution… isn't the overall solution," Supervisor Starkey said, noting that the county faces a $9.6 million variance and that salary‑savings and other steps will be needed to close the gap. She said the temporary measure will slow hiring but not solve the entire fiscal shortfall.
Supporters said the hiring freeze provides necessary stability and prevents the county from hiring staff it may later have to let go. The chief administrative officer clarified that earlier salary savings referenced fund balance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and that the hiring freeze creates savings in the new fiscal year.
The board approved the item unanimously and directed CAO and budget staff to bring further proposals at the upcoming budget workshops and prior to final budget adoption in September.
Next steps: The CAO and budget team will present targeted budget reduction proposals and department head justifications during August budget workshops. The board stressed the need for department heads to present more realistic, tightened requests.
