County Orders Hiring Freeze, Spending Curbs

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.