PORTAGE, Ind. (AP) _ The mayor of Portage has caught police and fire leaders by surprise by ordering a hiring freeze for the departments until the city’s revenue picture is clearer.
 
  The Times in Munster reports that the police and fire merit boards were moving forward with plans to hire additional staff when they were told to stop because of financial issues.
 
  Mayor James Snyder says he ordered the hiring freeze until the city knows how much money it will receive in its June tax draw.
 
  City Council President Sue Lynch says the budget includes money for the additional hires.
 
  Snyder says he’s concerned about the impact of a U.S. Steel property tax appeal and wants to make sure the city has the money available to pay the additional employees before hiring them.