Information for Current Employees Regarding the Spring 2024 Hiring Freeze

Is my job at risk?

No. Current city employees are not at risk. This is a hiring freeze on any additional non-essential employees in the city.

Why did the City of St. Louis implement a hiring freeze?

The City implemented a hiring freeze to avoid potential layoffs in the event the state legislature curtails the City’s earning tax or in the event that pending litigation significantly diminishes returns from the earnings tax. Potential threats to the City’s budget could amount to a loss of over $109M. Additionally, with the passage of BB 146, the City estimates a loss of $10M. This financial loss could increase over time.

Are the jobs posted online subject to the hiring freeze?

No, we are still hiring for the jobs currently posted online. New positions, exempt from the hiring freeze, may be added on a case by case basis. If a position is grant funded, that information should be communicated from the Appointing Authority to their supervisor to pursue an appeal to hire.

How long will the hiring freeze be in place?

We currently do not have an end date for the hiring freeze.  The Mayor, her staff, and members of the cabinet continue to seek out strategic avenues to prevent the financial impact of this legislation and litigation including evaluating the revenue income on a quarterly basis.

Will the hiring freeze impact any potential raises?

For now, the City is adopting a conservative budget strategy and will not be considering across the board raises until the financial landscape is more stable. However, the 1.5 % step increases will stay in place.

What positions are essential?

Essential positions include dispatch positions, positions within the police department including police officers, positions supporting public safety, positions supporting the collection of trash and the maintenance of our water system. Positions supporting the airport are also exempt from the hiring freeze.

Why can’t the City use ARPA funding or Rams funding to avoid the hiring freeze?

Both these sources of money are one-time infusions of cash and not suited to addressing the long term, recurring impact of losses to the earning tax. ARPA funding is associated with pandemic relief. The Rams funding must be utilized strategically to ensure the long term financial well-being of the City.

How will this impact City operations?

Every City employee is working hard to provide services to our residents daily. The hiring freeze will limit our ability to increase additional staff at this time, however, current employees will continue to provide services to the residents.  No current employee will lose their job as a result of the hiring freeze.