BANGOR - State government is under a new hiring freeze that is being called a warning to state employees that an unidentified number of positions will be cut on July 1, officials confirmed Friday.

With no publicity, Gov. John Baldacci signed the "special budget and expenditure order" on Nov. 24, the day before Thanksgiving, and essentially told state agencies that only vacant positions vital to the state's health, safety and welfare will be filled through June 30, when the current budget cycle ends.