County Executive Melissa Agard Announces Intention to Implement Hiring Freeze Following Trump Shutdown
October 01, 2025
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-800-1127
County Executive
DANE COUNTY – Dane County Executive Melissa Agard today announced that she will go to the October 23rd Dane County Board Meeting to lay out her plan to implement a hiring freeze, citing both the disruption in Washington and Dane County’s own significant budget challenges.
“The Trump Shutdown will harm families, workers, and communities across the country, and Dane County is not immune,” Agard said. “The political chaos in Washington has thrown a cloud of uncertainty over our local budget. We cannot ignore the risk of disrupted federal funding and the ripple effects that will be felt in our community.”
Dane County entered the 2026 budget process facing a $31 million structural deficit due to rising costs and stagnant revenues. The federal shutdown adds another layer of unpredictability, complicating planning for essential county services.
“Even before this shutdown, we were staring down difficult fiscal realities. Costs for services and infrastructure continue to climb, while revenues remain flat. Now, with federal dysfunction creating additional uncertainty, it would be reckless to continue with business as usual,” Agard said.
The hiring freeze will apply to all non-essential vacancies, with exemptions for positions critical to public safety and frontline service delivery.
“This is not a decision I take lightly,” Agard added. “I know the people of Dane County depend on us to deliver essential services, and I am committed to protecting those. But in this moment of fiscal stress and national uncertainty, this is the most responsible path forward.”
Agard will present her 2026 Executive Budget later today. She emphasized that while the shutdown and structural deficit create real challenges, Dane County will continue to prioritize stability and service to residents.
“Dane County has faced tough moments before, and we’ve always come through stronger,” Agard said. “We will do it again by being honest about our challenges, disciplined in our decisions, and focused on what matters most: the people we serve.”