APOPKA, Fla. – The City of Apopka is hitting pause on hiring for vacant city positions, at least for a few months, while officials review city needs and responsibilities.
This also comes amid concerns about hiring and the possibility of raising property taxes.
The city released a public notice about the hiring freeze on Wednesday.
The notice says the freeze will remain in place through Oct. 1 and is part of a “broader review of how City government is structured and how we can best position our employees and departments to serve our growing community as efficiently as possible.”
The city will also review responsibilities, leadership and reporting structures in the government’s departments.
The city says the only exception to the hiring freeze will be the search for a community development director.
The hiring freeze comes as Apopka considers a millage rate increase on property taxes that could go to 32%. The city says the money is needed to shore up struggling infrastructure. However, at least one city commissioner and some residents question the property tax increase amid the recent hiring of several city officials with large salaries.
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“$300,000 salary for a Chief of Staff — let that sink in,” one resident told commissioners at a city council meeting last month.
The hiring freeze also comes amid local government concerns about Florida Amendment 3, the constitutional amendment that will radically cut back property taxes if approved by voters in November. At least 60% of voters are needed to pass the amendment.