The Pagosa Springs Town Hall will have new operating hours beginning Monday, Aug. 9, according to Town Manager David Harris.
The new operating hours will be Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This is a change from the previous operating hours of Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Harris explained that there was a statewide survey sent out among city managers, and those who responded “modified their hours to something other than the traditional Monday through Friday, eight to five.”
According to a statement put out by the town, that survey was sent out to 38 communities, with 17 organizations indicating they are closed for either a portion or all day on Fridays.
Harris noted that the communities of Salida, Monte Vista and Rico all have reduced office hours on Fridays.
“Many elected officials have closed their offices completely on Friday,” he added.
Harris explained the decision to reduce office hours on Fridays is based on meeting the demand for the community, noting, “we would have definitely maintained office hours” if the demand was there.
Harris explained that special appointments can be made for citizens who may only be available to meet after hours, adding that he has met with people on Friday evening and on Saturdays.
Additionally, Harris explained that staff is still working 40 hours per week, but the adjusted hours allows for team leaders to adjust their schedules and have more flexibility.
According to the statement released by the town, the decision to change office hours “comes after a four-month study of traffic and business needs to our facilities, which showed that it was a rare occurrence for anyone to visit Town Hall on Friday afternoons.”
Harris also mentioned that the study found that, “Friday afternoon was very quiet, and almost a ghost town.”
According to data from the four-month long study conducted by the town, the average number of weekly visitors at Town Hall for March was 60.95, with an average of 6.2 visitors on Fridays. April had an average number of 62.05 weekly visitors, with an average of eight visitors on Fridays. May had an average of 76.2 weekly visitors, with an average of 8.8 visitors on Fridays. June had an average of 52.75 weekly visitors, with an average of six visitors on Fridays.
Harris is quoted in the town’s statement as saying, “we made the decision to close Town Hall and the Community Center at 11:30 a.m. on Friday’s to enhance work-life balance for City employees,” and, “The Town remains committed to maintaining a high level of customer service and we are dedicated to ensuring the community’s needs continue to be addressed in a timely manner.”
The statement also explains that town council and staff believe the reduction in office hours on Fridays will not have an effect on the town’s ability to serve the community.
clayton@pagosasun.com
