Ripples

Pioneer Press Sun, 27 Apr 2008 23:33:18 -0600
Metro Region / Cities adopting hiring freezes

When homeowners and businesses tighten their belts, so do cities. ... Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire last month announced a hiring freeze. The only exceptions are for seasonal staff and critical positions, such as police officers, said Tom Garrison, the city's communications director. Maguire said at the time that the city was figuring out ways to rein in spending, given the state budget forecast and slow real estate market. He also warned that city services and programs might be affected in the future. "Residents need to know that we always protect vital city services, but that there could indeed be painful decisions ahead," he said. Cottage Grove is looking ahead, too. Potential revenue shortfalls are more of a concern in the future than 2009, said Ryan Schroeder, city administrator. "We're planning on things not turning around," he said.

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