Wallowa County commission enacts county-wide hiring freeze, allows corrections and sheriff lists to continue

The Wallowa County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Dec. 23 to approve a county-wide hiring freeze intended to reduce spending and preserve reserves as staff develop exception requests. The freeze takes effect Dec. 23, 2024, and covers all departments and offices, with an administrative process for exception requests.

County Human Resources Director Josh Griffith told the board that departments may request authority to recruit by submitting a written exception form outlining funding sources, whether the position can be filled internally, anticipated impacts if the position remains vacant and alternatives for savings. Griffith said existing conditional offers that were already extended would be honored, but new postings would be pulled and require board review before re-advertising.

Commissioners and department representatives discussed operational tradeoffs during a lengthy debate. Law-enforcement and corrections officials urged that testing and eligibility-list processes continue so the county retains certified candidate lists for sergeant and corrections positions; commissioners agreed to allow correction and sergeant testing and use of existing eligibility lists to proceed while the freeze stands. County staff reported there were 25 open positions without offers that will be frozen immediately.

The motion approving the hiring-freeze proposal as modified—explicitly allowing corrections/jail and sheriff eligibility lists and related testing to continue—passed 3 to 0. The board directed that departments use the new exception form so commissioners can evaluate critical hires by funding source and operational need.

The hiring-freeze vote follows ongoing budget discussions and public comments urging restraint in spending. County officials said the freeze is one tool among others to manage unfavorable revenue trends and rising costs while protecting core services.

What happens next: Departments that seek to fill vacancies must submit the completed exception form; HR will verify funding and return requests to the board for approval. The board did not set an automatic end date for the freeze and left exceptions to its review.