County officials asks for end to hiring freeze
By
Ray Gomez
Story Created:
Sep 28, 2009
Story Updated:
Sep 29, 2009
After months of working under a hiring freeze, many county officials were tired of being left out in the cold.
Today with a new budget year beginning in October, they went before Commissioners asking for relief.
"In the general order that was written in the judge's budget it appears there was not going to be a hiring freeze whatsoever."
County Tax Assessor Patricia Barrera and other county officials went to ask for clarification from Commissioners Court.
After debating back and fourth, County Judge Danny Valdez moved to lift the hiring freeze but the motion failed.
Keko Martinez voted against it.
"We can make an analysis of the revenues that are coming in to see whether or not is feasible to lift the freeze or transferring funds."
But some protested after confusion since the new budget and a new fiscal year are days away.
"Is the freeze still in effect and the answer that I got was no." Webb County Attorney Ana Laura Cavazos told Pro 8 News.
" We are beginning a new fiscal year. Budget comes in brand new in October first and I think that we should have a bit of leeway. We should have the option," Webb County clerk Margie Ibarra said.
The option to fill up positions that have been vacant for months is something that department heads and elected officials say is crucial for their everyday operations.
"Personally I think it is being fiscally responsible. It’s a pain, but we'll tolerate it and we are just happy we are starting a new budget."
Meanwhile Commissioners voted to allow some hiring for some positions but only with their approval.
"I understand that the economy based on national figures has been turned around and we are hoping that it will."
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