Commissioner McCann Proposes Hiring Freeze as Manatee County Faces Budget Season

As Manatee County enters its annual budget season, Commissioner Bob McCann is expected to propose a temporary hiring freeze during the Board of County Commissioners meeting on June 3, citing economic uncertainty and a need for fiscal discipline.

In a memo attached to the meeting agenda, McCann argues that a hiring freeze could boost efficiency and reduce government spending by prioritizing the optimization of existing staff. The proposal comes as Manatee County maintains a workforce of more than 2,400 employees, with 40 job openings listed on its government website as of May 30.

The draft resolution included in McCann’s memo outlines that the freeze would only apply to non-essential positions, excluding critical roles such as those in public safety, emergency response, and essential operations. County departments would be able to request exemptions, which a majority of the commission must approve. The policy would be reviewed periodically to assess any financial savings and operational improvements.

McCann’s proposal is being introduced just as the county prepares for a months-long budget process. On June 9, the county administrator will present a proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, with public hearings scheduled in September. Last year’s county budget totaled $3.2 billion.

The hiring freeze also aligns with broader governmental trends. Earlier this year, Governor Ron DeSantis launched the Florida State Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) task force, aimed at reducing bureaucracy, auditing local governments, and returning surplus funds. The state initiative mirrors a similar federal move by President Donald Trump, who established a Department of Government Efficiency in January.

According to McCann, the county’s hiring freeze would be a temporary but strategic measure to ensure fiscal responsibility during the economic downturn. The resolution notes that it would remain in effect until conditions improve and a reassessment indicates hiring can resume without creating financial strain.

McCann has previously advocated for major policy shifts, including a proposed building moratorium earlier this year. The hiring freeze proposal adds another point of debate as commissioners begin shaping next year’s budget, which must be finalized before the fiscal year begins on October 1.