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One of the items on this week’s Board of Selectmen meeting is “Report, Discussion, and Possible Action on 4-Day Work Week.” As you know, electric and fuel costs are rising faster than any of us can possibly keep up with. Every Connecticut town is being challenged to find ways to contain costs while providing services to our residents.
At our last meeting, the Board of Selectmen directed me to explore a 4-day work week for our staff – both pros and cons. Tonight (Thursday), I will be presenting the information I’ve gathered with a recommendation to test a 4-day work week during the month of August. This test period would allow us to explore various methods of ensuring high service levels, while cutting expenses. It will also provide initial data for a cost/benefit analysis for future consideration of a shortened work week and/or other alternatives. Hours worked per week would remain the same; however extended hours would provide you with additional opportunities to access Town Hall staff during your own non-working hours.
As you can imagine, there are a myriad of details to work through should the Board of Selectmen approve the recommendation or any variation thereof. We have been and continue to develop lists of those details and will work with residents, staff, and the unions to address all related items.
Most important however is “what do you think?” Is closing Town Hall either on a Monday or Friday and extending hours the remaining days something you’d support? Do you have other suggestions? Any major concerns? Email me at selectman@colchesterct.gov and let me know your thoughts. Or, better yet, attend the Board of Selectmen meeting on Thursday night in Room 1 in Town Hall. The Commission/Board Chair meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. and the Board of Selectman meeting follows immediately afterward (approximately 7:45 p.m.). We’d love to hear your thoughts.
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