Benton County freezes recruitment efforts to protect current jobs amid funding uncertainty

Benton County has announced a partial hiring freeze taking effect soon. Recruitment has been paused for several previously posted positions to slow spending for the rest of the 2023-25 budget term. This preemptive measure is intended to prevent job loss in the 2025-27 biennial budget cycle beginning July 1, 2025.

By reducing the overall cost of the labor force, the County is protecting employees’ jobs in a challenging time for public entities. Last week OPB reported that most Oregon counties are forecasting budget deficits and cutting programs. Although Benton County is not mentioned in that reporting, it faces similar budget pressures.

“Benton County has a tremendously strong and skilled workforce, and we don’t want to lose a single person currently employed by the County,” says County Administrator Rachel McEneny. “With the uncertainty of federal and state funding that has come up in the last two months, we’re taking preventive measures to make sure our budget will continue to cover wages and benefits for our dedicated employees as the federal landscape changes.”

The lack of growth in Benton County puts additional strain on the budget. Building has stalled in much of the County, leading to lower revenues from property taxes. Revenues from document recording fees and land use and building permits are also falling short of projected amounts for the 2023-25 biennium. This results in lower projected revenues for 2025-27.

In addition to stopping recruitment for several current job openings, some planned hiring will be put on hold. Recruitment will continue for law enforcement and mandated positions.

“We recognize the challenges County workers face when there are staffing deficits,” says McEneny. “Right now, we’re working to keep people employed for the long term. Department heads are exploring adaptations and efficiency measures to maintain current service levels without straining their staff.”

The County’s financial services department is preparing the 2025-27 proposed budget document to present to the Budget Committee beginning May 27, 2025. Three days of budget hearings are scheduled. Final budget recommendations will be presented to the Board of Commissioners for adoption in June.

These meetings are open to the public, and the full proposed budget will be available for review about a week before the first meeting date.

Visit the County’s website to learn more about the budgeting process and view the 2023-25 Adopted Budget.