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Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, has announced a hiring freeze due to ongoing budget issues at both the state and federal levels. The county's decision, effective as of Thursday (October 23), affects all departments except those related to public safety, prisoner safety, and election security.
The county's chief clerk, Eric Hagarty, stated in a letter to department heads that the freeze is a "difficult but necessary step" in response to the unprecedented budget crisis. Pennsylvania has been without a state budget for over 100 days, and the federal budget impasse is on track to become the longest in history. These challenges have left local governments, including Dauphin County, struggling to manage without state and federal funding.
In August, the county commissioners passed a resolution urging state legislators to finalize the budget, citing the "unjust burden" placed on the county to cover costs. Despite these efforts, no progress has been made in Harrisburg or Washington. According to ABC27, the county previously raised taxes by 21.8% to address a projected budget deficit of $15.9 million for 2025.
The hiring freeze will remain in place until further notice as the county continues to navigate these financial challenges. Local21 News reports that several elected officials have also opted into the hiring freeze policy.