Mesa County announces temporary hiring freeze amid revenue shortfalls
Administrator Todd Hollenbeck announced today that Mesa County has implemented a temporary hiring freeze, effective Aug. 12, as part of its ongoing efforts to preserve current employees, protect essential services and prepare for the impacts of statewide budget challenges.
On Aug. 6, Gov. Jared Polis issued Executive Order D 2025 009 in response to a projected $783 million shortfall in the State of Colorado’s already reduced budget, driven largely by federal changes under H.R. 1. Because Mesa County administers many programs funded by federal and state dollars, shifts at either level result in greater local impacts.
“Our leadership team began preparing for potential budget impacts well before the Governor’s Executive Order,” Mesa County Administrator Todd Hollenbeck said. “This hiring freeze is another step to protect the workforce we have today and to ensure we can continue delivering services residents rely on.”
Earlier this summer, Mesa County launched the 2026 budget process and requested a 10% reduction from all departments due to projected revenue shortfalls. To support departments in this effort, the County offered a Voluntary Staff Reduction Program. Ten employees chose to participate, helping reduce costs while minimizing disruptions to services.
Under the hiring freeze:
- No new job postings, promotions or requisitions will be issued at this time.
- Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis for positions deemed critical to public safety or essential to operations.
“We know this decision affects plans and workloads, and we do not make it lightly,” Hollenbeck added. “Our goal is to retain the employees we have today and act early to avoid more severe and disruptive cuts in the future. Mesa County remains committed to responsible fiscal stewardship and to protecting the services that matter most to our residents.”
