Alex Dalton

Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. issued an executive order Aug. 11 barring city departments, boards, commissions and agencies from hiring new employees "until further notice."

The mayor cited a looming revenue shortfall prompted by Senate Enrolled Act 1, a Republican-backed property tax reform bill that was signed by Indiana Governor Mike Braun in April. McDermott told The Times that the city expects an annual revenue loss of roughly $8 million, but that the exact figure remains unclear.

The executive order carves out an exemption for employees whose jobs are necessary for the functioning of city government. McDermott also said that over a dozen police and fire personnel currently undergoing training will still be given permanent positions in their respective departments a

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