Aurora to freeze employee hiring

The city of Aurora has instituted a hiring freeze that takes effect immediately, officials said Wednesday.

Spokeswoman Amy Roth said the freeze resulted from decreases in many city revenue sources, especially the real estate transfer tax.

Roth said department heads also have been told to limit spending on employee training, travel and conference costs. The freeze, she said, is expected to eliminate the need for any city layoffs.

Exempt from the freeze are any positions that are typically first responders and emergency personnel.

"If police or fire need to fill a void, they're going to be allowed to do that," Roth said. "They are the exception."

Roth said Mayor Tom Weisner has scheduled meetings with city departments and directors to further explain the cost-saving move.

"I don't think (the freeze) will surprise anyone," she said. "But I expect he'll also be telling everyone to look for more expenses that can be cut."