Shorter week possible for county workers
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/bcdr/News/64077/
BENTONVILLE — Benton County officials are considering changing county offices to a four-day workweek in an attempt to save both the county and its employees money. The proposed four-day workweek would involve opening the county offices from 7 a. m. to 6 p. m. Monday through Thursday and closing the offices on Fridays.
“ What we are looking for is to shut down one day totally, ” Benton County Judge Gary Black said. He initially presented the idea of a fourday workweek in a staff meeting on Friday, when the proposal was met with a good response.
“ We think by opening up early and closing later, it will be a chance for regular people who work from 8 to 5 to come in, ” Black said.
Judge Black plans on meeting with various county officials, including circuitcourt judges, to see if a shorter workweek will work for them. “ We will look at it, and if everybody wants to try this out, we will try it, ” Black said. “ The first thing I am looking to do is save the county money, and the second thing is to help save folks money on gas and transportation. ”
An added bonus with the possible movement to a shortened workweek is a three-day weekend for county employees.
Black believes if the proposal is successful for Benton County, area city governments could also begin moving to a four-day workweek.
There is no set date for the county to begin the shortened workweek, as it is currently only a proposal, but Judge Black does not expect a decision on the proposal to be “ dragged out. ”
County officials are currently taking feedback about the proposed four-day workweek through the county Web site at www. co. benton. ar. us.