Council agrees to continue temporary pause on filling vacant positions until Sept. 1

Council discussed whether to continue a temporary pause on filling vacant positions as a way to address the budget imbalance. Richard said the original plan was to wait until Sept. 1; several council members (Amanda, Scott, Steve, Felix) indicated they supported maintaining that pause and asked staff to monitor programs and contractual services for cost savings.

Louis confirmed the proposed budget includes a 2.5% salary increase for employees. Council members emphasized the need to work with department heads to understand operations before permanently removing positions; they asked staff to provide headcounts and role descriptions where helpful. The council’s direction was to continue the pause and return to the issue if circumstances change.