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CITY OF BAYPORT 294 NORTH THIRD STREET BAYPORT, MINNESOTA 55003 PHONE 651 - 275 -4404 FAx 651 - 275 -4411 Date: September 30, 2008 To: Mayor and City Council From: City Administrator Michael McGuire Subject: Review of City Hall Business Hours Background Since Memorial Day, City Hall business hours have been Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. -5:00 p.m., and Friday, 7:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. These hours worked favorably for the employees to help extend their weekends, but also for the public because of the earlier opening and later closing of City Hall. These hours were originally scheduled to end on Labor Day but were extended by the City Council through October 31 St, so we could consider these and other options for hours. Discussion During this past year, many cities and businesses have gone to a four -day workweek and many others are considering it. (Please refer to attached articles.) The State of Utah has also gone to a four -day workweek. We have examined the benefits to the city, its employees, and our customers. They are: A 20% reduction in commuting costs for our employees (approximately $60.00 per day) Approximately 10% reduction in City Hall electric and gas usage More convenient hours for our customers /citizens, in that they can stop at City Hall on the way to or way home from work In addition to the above proposal, I think the city should consider allowing employees to work 36 hours per week, rather than 40 hours, as their workload permits. Under this scenario, employees would continue to receive full benefits, but have their pay reduced/ prorated, based on actual hours worked, not to exceed 40. This could result in a 10% reduction in office salaries (up to $30,000.00 per year). Recommendation I recommend that the City Council establish City Hall business hours Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on a trial basis through October 1, 2009, and that City Hall office employees be allowed to work between 36 to 40 hours per week, as their workload permits, and their wages be adjusted accordingly.