Kittitas County commissioners imposed an immediate hiring freeze Tuesday, Oct. 13, covering positions funded by the county’s general fund and other county funds. The freeze applies across county departments and offices. County officials may not create new positions or post, recruit for, interview for or fill vacant ones. The pause covers full-time, part-time, temporary, seasonal and contract jobs. Promotions into vacancies, reclassifications and position upgrades are also suspended. Commissioner Wachsmith said the county must continue delivering services while carefully managing public money. Officials said the freeze is intended to preserve services and protect the county’s financial position amid uncertain economic conditions. Current employees will not be affected: their employment, scheduled hours, pay rates and benefits will remain unchanged, according to the county. Departments may use reassignments, temporary duties or other coverage arrangements to maintain service, with department heads communicating any changes to staff. Exceptions require advance written approval from the Board of County Commissioners. They may be granted for essential public-safety roles, including sworn law enforcement, corrections, emergency communications and emergency management, when a vacancy poses an immediate safety risk or threatens the county’s ability to meet legal obligations. The board may also approve positions needed to maintain a service the county is legally required to provide, or jobs fully funded by an outside grant or contract when the funding terms require the position and it creates no net cost to the county. The freeze has no set end date. Commissioners said they will review it regularly and lift it by written notice when they determine the county’s financial condition allows.