COUNTY News:

County Responds To Queries About Hiring Freeze

Spokeswoman Julie Habiger responded this morning to queries about whether Los Alamos County has enacted a hiring freeze. The questions arose after a press release addressing a specific upcoming vacancy in the County Manager’s office stated that vacant positions were being considered as part of budget development for the upcoming fiscal year.

“The ‘vacant positions’ statement in the press release was made in the context of budgets going into effect when the new fiscal year begins on July 1. This is a typical part of our budget process based on the timing of the budget and meetings with the departments between February and March,” Habiger said. “For example, a department director might identify a vacancy that will arise because of forecasted staff retirements or to address other organizational requests or needs that are being considered when planning for the FY18 budget.”

Habiger emphasized that the County is still hiring, and qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. County positions currently open for recruitment are posted on the County’s website at: http://www.losalamosnm.us/jobs/Pages/Joblistings.aspx

March 31 publication of the proposed fiscal year budget is a County Charter requirement. Budget hearings with the County Council will begin April 17 and the Council then has the opportunity to make further revisions to the budget recommended by the County Manager before adopting a budget for FY18. Budget hearings are open to the public and citizens are welcome to attend and give the Council feedback. Budget adoption typically occurs in late April or early May.