County Orders Hiring Freeze, Spending Curbs
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A hiring freeze and a halt to nonessential spending were ordered in response to a shortfall at the San Luis Obispo County Department of Social Services, which needs an additional $2 million to make it through the fiscal year.
In response to the 3% shortfall, the Board of Supervisors this week ordered the hiring freeze and spending curbs, including travel and equipment purchases.
Supervisors also want a thorough cost accounting and a budget-balancing plan on Jan. 13.
There’s little to trim in a department hit hard by loss of state funds and rising caseloads, said Lee Collins, Social Services director.
A voluntary hiring freeze already had been in effect for 18 months, he said. There are 75 full-time positions vacant, and 80 part-time jobs have been cut.
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