The state’s judicial system will impose a hiring freeze this week, a move that follows a similar freeze announced last week by Gov. Bill Ritter.
The judicial branch would not have to cut spending by order of the governor or lawmakers, and judicial officials undertook the action voluntarily.
“As one of the three co-equal branches of government, we are always mindful of the need to ensure taxpayers’ funds are used in the most effective and efficient manner possible,” Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey said. “Careful stewardship of those funds, particularly with thought to the future, becomes even more important in these difficult economic times.”
Under the hiring freeze, judicial- branch officials can approve a hire only if a candidate had accepted a position by Friday. The freeze does not apply to jobs that are crucial for safety or operation of the courts.
Officials could not say how many positions might be affected by the freeze.
Ritter announced a hiring freeze last week following news that the state could finish the current budget year with nearly $100 million less than originally forecast.
Tim Hoover: 303-954-1626 or thoover@denverpost.com
