Despite passage of a state budget Wednesday — ending a 134-day impasse in Harrisburg — Allegheny County will continue a spending and hiring freeze that was enacted in September in response to the impasse.

County spokesperson Abigail Gardner said the months-long pause on hiring of non-critical positions and discretionary spending will continue through the end of the year.

The county lost out on millions of dollars in interest that it had counted on earning. The revenue officials had planned to invest ended up being spent to keep the bills paid.

“While Allegheny County waits for roughly $150 million in state reimbursements to arrive, we recognize the county lost out on investment income over the last several months,” Ms. Gardner said.

Meanwhile, the cancellation of Christmas festivities

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