FAIRMONT, W.Va. (AP) - Marion County's commissioners have frozen new hires in response to the state's budget problems.
The Times West Virginian reports that the freeze approved on Wednesday was effective immediately.
Commissioner Ernie VanGilder says the county wants to be prepared if the state's shortfall affects it.
As of Oct. 30, the West Virginia Department of Revenue says the state's general revenue collections were more than $91 million behind estimates.
Commission president Randy Elliott says he's concerned about state grant funding that county departments receive. He says the county and its departments would have to use internal funds if the grant funding isn't available.
VanGilder and Elliott said the freeze won't affect the Marion County 911 Center.
Elliott said commissioners haven't discussed how long the freeze will be in effect.