The City of Saco will be running a 120-day pilot program to test new hours at Saco City Hall.

Saco City Hall is currently open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Under the suggestion of City Administrator John Bohenko, the city is trying out a temporary new schedule. Under the temporary schedule, which will run for 120 days beginning Feb. 5, City Hall will be open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday.

Under the new schedule, employees will still work a 37.5 work week and retain the same benefits, but will have their lunch time reduced from one unpaid hour a day to an unpaid half hour Monday through Thursday.

Bohenko said he talked with City Hall staff and they were all agreeable to the reduction in their lunch break. He said the proposed schedule change was “a no-cost item” to promote employee retention.

Many communities, including Biddeford, have moved to a four-day work week in their municipal offices. Bohenko said he didn’t feel comfortable at this time completely eliminating one day, but thought that a half-day on Friday would be a good way to try out a reduction in hours.

Councilor Nathan Johnston said though he could accept a 120-day pilot program, he was concerned with the reduction of City Hall hours. He said he would like to see a comprehensive analysis of what city services could be accessed online. He also suggested a how-to manual for older citizens who may need help conducting city business online, or a kiosk at City Hall at which staff could help residents access city services. Johnston also said the city could consider opening later in the evening or on Saturday mornings for people who worked but wanted to conduct business with city staff face to face.

Bohenko said a previous community he had worked with had set up a kiosk at City Hall, and it worked well. He said the city could review this and other options, including staying open until 6 p.m. one or more nights after the 120 pilot program is completed.

“This is really just to tip our toe in the water,” said Bohenko.

He asked City Council to forward him all comments they receive from the public on the temporary hour change, and all comments would be reviewed before the city made any decisions on a permanent schedule change to City Hall hours.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.

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