Dade County Executive Announces Immediate Hiring Freeze as County Continues FY27 Budget Reductions

TRENTON, Ga. — Dade County Executive Don Townsend has announced an immediate countywide hiring freeze as county leaders continue efforts to reduce spending and balance the Fiscal Year 2027 budget while avoiding a property tax increase.

Townsend announced the hiring freeze during Tuesday’s budget meeting, saying county officials are committed to reducing expenses before considering an increase in the county’s millage rate.

“The people elected us to do the hard thing, but the right thing,” Townsend said. “We’re going to cut every expense we reasonably can before we ever consider raising the millage rate this year.”

The hiring freeze takes effect immediately and will remain in place until the county’s annual tax digest is completed and officials have a clearer picture of projected property tax revenues. Townsend said the county will revisit the decision once officials know the value of one mill of property tax revenue for the upcoming year.

County leaders have spent several months reviewing the FY27 budget line by line. According to Townsend, more than $600,000 has already been removed from earlier versions of the proposed budget through spending reductions and operational efficiencies.

The approved FY27 budget does not include cost-of-living raises for county employees. Townsend acknowledged the decision was difficult but said rising health insurance costs, contractual obligations, and other mandatory expenses left the county with few alternatives. County officials said employee health insurance costs alone increased by approximately $410,000 over the previous year despite negotiations that reduced what could have been an even larger increase.

Commissioners also discussed additional cost-saving measures, including eliminating take-home vehicles for some county commission-operated positions. Townsend emphasized that any changes would not apply equally across all departments, noting that sheriff’s deputies operate under the authority of the elected sheriff and that public safety remains a priority.

Townsend also acknowledged that additional personnel reductions could become necessary if further savings are needed.

“Layoffs are an unfortunate part of leadership. Nobody wants to make those decisions, but every option has to remain on the table as we continue working toward a balanced budget,” he said.

The Dade County Commission approved the FY27 budget by using approximately $200,000 from the county’s fund balance while directing staff to continue identifying additional savings. County officials expect to revisit the budget once the county’s tax digest is finalized and updated revenue projections become available.

Townsend said balancing the county’s budget is an ongoing process and reaffirmed the county’s commitment to protecting essential services while making responsible financial decisions on behalf of Dade County taxpayers.