Legislation May Pave Way For Four-Day County Work Week

By Tammy Gray-Searles
   A bill that removes a requirement for county offices to be open Monday through Friday was approved by the Arizona Senate June 24. If approved by the House and the governor, the bill may allow Navajo County to shift to a four-day business week.
   Navajo County Manager Jimmy Jayne has indicated to the Board of Supervisors that he would like to consider a four-day work week as a cost-saving measure for the county. Since the bill has not yet been approved, no proposal has been made to the board regarding such a schedule change.
   Under current Arizona law, most county offices must provide services to citizens at least five days a week, with the exception of the sheriff’s office, which, by law, must provide enforcement services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most counties are also required to provide services from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, unless the Board of Supervisors has made a finding that closing on Saturdays would not have a significant impact on services to the public. Navajo County offices are already closed on Saturdays.
   The bill allowing four-day business weeks was proposed as a way to allow counties to save money during difficult economic times. The bill also allows counties to purchase group insurance for retirees as long as no state funds are used, and gives counties the option of trading the Columbus Day holiday for a holiday the day after Thanksgiving known as “Black Friday.”
   Under the proposal, most county offices must still remain open at least 40 hours per week, but there are no specific requirements that the 40 hours be spaced over a five-day period. No specific opening and closing times are mentioned, and there are no requirements regarding how counties meet the 40-hour provision. The proposal does note, however, that the sheriff’s office must continue to provide 24-hour law enforcement service.
   The county’s public works department is already operating on a four-day workweek schedule, with offices closed on Fridays. Jayne has not indicated to the board whether all county offices might be closed on Fridays, or if a schedule different than the one being used by public works is being considered. He did advise the board that he intends to meet with elected officials and department heads before making any decision.
   In order to be finalized and put into action, the bill must still be approved by the House and signed by the governor. With the legislature still focused on passing a budget as of press time, it also remains unclear how long it may take for the bill to pass.