DeKalb GA News

DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson announced a temporary freeze on new spending and hiring. This decision, issued on April 2, 2025, aims to protect critical county services and financial resources amidst uncertainties about federal funding.

The Executive Order does not affect current roles or programs included in the Board of Commissioners' approved FY2025 budget, nor will it lead to job eliminations. Budget neutral reclassifications are exempt from the order.

DeKalb County relies on approximately $346 million annually in federal funds which support essential services such as programs for seniors, the homeless, accountability courts, workforce development, and food security. These services remain high priorities for the county's administration.

“This action is about being fiscally responsible and ensuring DeKalb County is in the best position possible should any portion of our federal or state funding be reduced or eliminated,” Cochran-Johnson said. “We are not eliminating jobs or cutting services. We are planning to preserve them.”

The order directs departments under Cochran-Johnson's supervision to exercise fiscal responsibility by evaluating spending, refraining from creating new positions without written approval, submitting cost-saving strategies, proposing revenue-generating ideas, and reviewing funding for non-core programs and external events.

This proactive measure is designed to enable the county to continue meeting the needs of its most vulnerable residents while maintaining financial stability.

“Programs that feed the hungry, house the unhoused, care for seniors, and train residents for jobs must be protected,” Cochran-Johnson added. “This Executive Order is about safeguarding our ability to serve the people of DeKalb County, being fiscally responsible.”

The Executive Order is effective immediately and will remain active until further notice.