DeKalb County CEO issues executive order to ensure fiscal responsibility amid federal funding uncertainty

Story Update: Watch video of the April 5, 2025 press conference

DEKALB COUNTY, GA- DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has issued an executive order implementing a temporary freeze on new spending and hiring. The order, she said during a press conference held on today, aims to safeguard critical county services and financial resources amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding federal funding.

The Executive Order, signed April 2, does not impact existing roles or programs already approved in the FY2025 budget by the Board of Commissioners. No current positions will be eliminated because of this order. Budget neutral reclassifications are excluded., the CEO stated.

“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,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “We are not eliminating jobs or cutting services. We are planning to preserve them.”

DeKalb County currently receives approximately $346 million in federal funds annually, which support essential programs for seniors, the unhoused, accountability court, workforce development, and food security. These vital services remain a top priority for the administration.

Under the Executive Order, departments under the CEO’s supervision are directed to:

• Exercise fiscal responsibility in evaluating spending.
• Refrain from creating new positions without the CEO’s written approval.
• Submit cost-savings strategies and revenue-generating proposals.
• Review and potentially scale back funding for non-core programs and external events.

This proactive approach is part of a broader effort to ensure the County can continue to meet 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,” added Cochran-Johnson. “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 in place until further notice.