NC's largest city freezes hiring, expenses

CHARLOTTE -- North Carolina's largest city is preparing for an economic decline by putting a freeze on hiring and other expenses.

The Charlotte Observer reports Wednesday that Charlotte City Manager Curt Walton told the City Council in an e-mail that the freeze will remain in place at least through January. Walton says the city can then better evaluate its revenues.

The city also plans to cut unnecessary travel such as trips to conferences and training. The city also will stop contracts that aren't necessary and that could affect design for roads and the purchase of supplies and equipment.

The information was obtained by the newspaper as part of an ongoing request for public records.

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