Shorter week possible for county workers
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008
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.
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