The Knox County Board voted 9-3 last night in favor of setting a six-month temporary hiring freeze for all county departments.
Board Chairman Brian Friedrich commented that the board could revisit the decision when that period is up.
The decision did not come without discussion however. Various county department heads, including representatives of the Mary Davis Home, the County Nursing Home, and Landfill spoke up, saying they may not be able to comply with the regulations due to legal issues.
Board member Jeff Jefferson commented though, that it was clear the decision was coming.
“There are going to be some hardships throughout the county–probably every facet of the county will eventually be hit,” says Jefferson. “This is something long overdue, this shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. We’re steadying our finances and we know it’s not going to get better anytime soon. This will be one of many steps I’m sure we will have to take.”
Meanwhile, board members unanimously voted in new member John Hunigan. Hunigan says he hopes to continue working in support of labor workers. He is a democrat and former county clerk candidate.
