By Laurie Watt 

The worldwide economic downturn has chilled Barrie to implement an immediate hiring freeze.

Barrie CAO Jon Babulic announced the move Monday.

“The economic situation is quite uncertain and we are in the midst of a budget cycle for 2009. We have 41 vacancies and I thought it prudent not to fill those unless it was absolutely essential,” he said.

Not filling 40 positions will save Barrie about $2 million, he estimated.

“The intent is to make sure we hire the right ones. Let’s hire the ones we need to do snow removal rather than the recreation instructor whose program would be cut (during the upcoming budget talks). The commitment to CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees) to hire three will be honoured.”

He added offers made prior to last Friday will also be honoured; combined, the CUPE and outstanding offers total seven, and he did not include them in the 41.

“With the current state of the economy and the uncertainty that exists, I am supportive of this move by the CAO. It’s a responsible approach that in the short term will limit some of our exposure to the downturn by controlling city costs,” said Ward 7 Coun. John Brassard, who also chairs the city’s Community Services Committee.

“Current service levels and programs should not be impacted by the hiring freeze, but I’m sure that council will continue to monitor the state of the economy and its impact on the city with special attention as we head into the 2009 budget and business-plan cycle