Change in local government workweek would follow state lead

Tooele County officials are considering switching to a four-day workweek, following the example set by state government recently.

Tooele County Commissioner Jerry Hurst said the commission and county department heads will have a meeting this month to discuss the switch.

“Most of the people we’ve talked to are in favor of it, but there are some people who have brought up concerns like child-care matters, as well as the fact that Friday may be the only day that people can do things like get their license plate stickers, get building permits, go to the recorder’s office, and take care of tax matters,” Hurst said. “However, because we’ll be open later, we should be able to accommodate those who need more time to get their business done.”

Utah became the first state in the country to close government offices on Fridays when Gov. Jon Huntsman put a new schedule for state employees into effect last Monday. Huntsman ordered roughly 17,000 of the state’s 24,000 executive branch employees to begin working four days a week, 10 hours a day. The move is intended to cut energy costs by as much as 20 percent by turning off lights, heat and air conditioning on Fridays in 1,000 of 3,000 government buildings. State liquor stores, colleges, courts and veterans nursing homes are among the exceptions to the Fridays-off schedule.

Hurst said the most likely new schedule for county employees would be Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. He also believes employees will be more likely to work harder with a four-day workweek.

“Productivity had been a concern before, but studies have shown that employees are actually more productive when they work four 10-hour days a week,” he said. “It would also save money in utilities for the county because we would get to shut lights off and turn the heat or air conditioner off for one day.”

Hurst also said the Friday-off schedule would give a break to commuters and county workers who travel far while on the job.

“Workers who have to travel all over the county, such as to places like Wendover, would also be able to save gas by not driving as far on Friday,” Hurst said.

The county’s two largest cities, Tooele and Grantsville, don’t seem likely to adopt the four-day workweek anytime soon.

Kami Perkins, human resources director for Tooele City, said the city will most likely not switch over to a 4-10 schedule, primarily for the convenience of city residents.

“We believe that the best way we’re able to meet the needs of the community is by staying open five days week,” she said. “We want to keep the interest and needs of Tooele City and the local public at the forefront, so with that in mind, we have no plans to adjust our schedule. We believe that their needs should come first and determine our work schedule.”

Rachel Wright, Grantsville City recorder, said Grantsville is also not considering switching schedules right now.

“We don’t have anything in the works regarding the 4-10, so right now we’re pretty much just sticking to our five-day-a-week, 9-to-5 schedule,” she said.

Debbie Winn, executive director for the Tooele County Chamber of Commerce, said the change would be good for those who work out of the area and are looking to save gas and miles on their vehicle.

“My own personal opinion is that for people who drive far distances from Tooele to Salt Lake or Salt Lake to Tooele, a four-day workweek makes sense with the way gas prices are,” she said. “I’m excited that people get to do it and have a three-day weekend. It’s also a great way for a businesses to save money on electricity, heating and air. We have to change with the times and look to cut costs and save money.”

Hurst said the new workweek schedule is still up in the air for now.

“Our goal is to do what’s most convenient for everyone,” Hurst said. “The commission still wants input from county employees to hear what they think, and we still have to weigh out all the advantages and disadvantages. My feeling is that most people are in favor of it, but I don’t want to make any predictions just yet.”

Doug Radunich: dougrad@tooeletranscript.com