In Their Words: County council approves three-month hiring freeze and requests report looking for cost savings

Northumberland County council approved a 6.12 percent increase in taxes, which is $92 more for the average homeowner. Staffing levels were scrutinized during the debate. As of Dec. 4, there were 91 vacancies, including seasonal and summer student jobs. Without the student jobs, 68 positions need to be filled, council heard in a verbal report. This represents about $1.29 million in total. Some positions are partially funded by revenue from other levels of government or other sources, council was told. A hiring freeze was approved for the next three months, along with a request for a staff report. A special council meeting will be held to review the report and look for cost savings. The vast majority of these positions are considered essential, with only some good workers and seasonal jobs categorized as non-essential. The province legislates some essential positions that must be filled to meet standards. This would include positions like those at the Golden Plough Lodge. Others are considered essential by the county administration to meet service levels. This episode of In Their Words captures the discussion as politicians attempt to lower the tax levy and reduce the budget while others argue the need to maintain legislated staffing levels to meet provincial requirements. Find out where your mayor stood on this issue. In Their Words is a feature that allows people to listen to what is going on at the various councils within Northumberland. No spin. No opinions. No one is telling you what to think. Just what was said. It is a chance you might not have otherwise to hear directly from your elected representatives. I hope you find it useful and informative.