North Carolina’s largest county implements hiring freeze

WAKE COUNTY, NC (WTVD) — The state’s largest county is pumping the brakes on hiring for most open positions through June.

Wake County made that decision as it grapples with growing financial challenges.

County Manager David Ellis called it one of the most challenging budget cycles in decades.

Ellis estimated a county budget deficit of $20 million to $60 million next fiscal year.

In a statement, Ellis said that the deficit is brought on by rising costs, a challenging economy, and state and federal factors.

The county has responded by freezing hiring for most open positions through June to help make up some of the shortfall.

Each department is being told to identify potential cuts and review its capital improvement plan.

Some positions will be exempt from the freeze, including critical roles, emergency services, and jobs required to meet state and federal mandates.

Wake County leaders told our affiliate, ABC11, that the highest numbers of open positions are at the sheriff’s office, EMS, public health and social services.

However, the county said these positions are exempt from the hiring freeze.