City of Edmonds Implements Hiring Freeze

Edmonds Mayor Mike Cooper has implemented a city hiring freeze that will last until the end of this year.

The measure is an attempt to address this year's projected budget shortfall. Reports show that the city may spend up to $300,000 over the allotted budget for 2011.

“With unemployment over nine percent, city government must use caution and be responsible with our citizen’s tax dollars,” Cooper said.

In a memo, Cooper said that Edmonds residents will likely see service reductions as a result of the hiring freeze. The city won't fill empty positions at the police department, parks, public works, development services, and the city clerk's office.