Cle Elum city officials are scheduled to consider a pause on new hiring at Tuesday’s City Council meeting as the city works through bankruptcy proceedings. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, and also includes a public hearing on the preliminary 2027 budget, with sewer, water and garbage rates up for consideration for next year.
The council is considering a proposed moratorium on new hires, according to the Daily Record. Under the proposal, departments would stop recruiting for new positions and end outstanding offers for newly created positions funded in this year’s or future budgets.
The proposal would also prevent the creation of positions not already authorized and the addition of ongoing roles that would expand the workforce, the outlet reports. A staff report cited by the paper presents the pause as a way to manage spending and preserve the city’s financial resources.
Essential Roles Could Still Be Filled
The proposal isn't an across-the-board lockdown. The resolution would still allow the city to fill essential positions vacated through retirement, resignation, termination or other separation, according to the Daily Record's reporting. The mayor would consult department heads and attorneys to determine whether filling a given vacancy is essential for city services, public safety or emergencies, per the same account.
The Daily Record describes the proposal as a pause on workforce growth, not a directive to cut existing staff. Its account says the essential-position exception would apply unless the council and mayor decide there is a need to reduce the workforce.
Bankruptcy Backdrop Shapes the Decision
The staff report links the proposed pause to the city’s financial constraints and obligations related to bankruptcy proceedings and legal matters, the Daily Record reports. The city’s expenditures exceeded revenues by more than $2.9 million last year, with a shortfall of $333,113 this year. The declaration also reported $4.8 million in outstanding debt from loans dating back to 2018.
The federal court-record listing at GovInfo identifies “25-1128 - City of Cle Elum” in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Washington but provides no further case details.
What the bankruptcy and audit records show
According to the City of Cle Elum’s bankruptcy case website, the city filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 9 on June 24, 2025. The GovInfo listing identifies the case but does not provide further details about the relief sought or the case’s current status. A Washington State Auditor’s finding says the city’s financial condition puts it at risk of being unable to meet future obligations or provide services at current levels. It reports a judgment of $22,230,175, increased by $2,316,459 in attorney fees and interest, and notes that the city filed for bankruptcy.
Budget and Rate Decisions Also on the Table
Beyond the hiring question, Tuesday's meeting includes a public hearing on the preliminary 2027 budget, giving residents a chance to weigh in before the spending plan is finalized. Council members are also expected to take up next year's base rates for sewer and water customers, as well as a proposed garbage rate increase for 2027, according to the meeting agenda described in the Daily Record's reporting.
Whether the council ultimately adopts the hiring freeze, and how the budget and rate discussions play out, remains to be seen as Tuesday's meeting unfolds.
