CONNIE WOLD
CITY CLERK-TREASURER AND BELGRADE BROOTEN POLICE BOARD
CITY CLERK-TREASURER
BELGRADE (POPULATION 738)

Since starting as full-time city clerk-treasurer in 2016, the office schedule has gone through a few changes to best serve both the public and city operations. For several years, office hours were Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. However, longer days were often necessary to keep up with paperwork, meetings, and resident requests.

Adjusting the schedule

In spring 2024, I took a fresh look at the schedule to improve service and create a little more balance. After researching what other cities of similar size were doing, especially those with one-person offices, I presented a revised 40-hour per week plan to the mayor. With her approval, the city decided to try out the new summer hours.

The new schedule runs Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday and Friday from 7 a.m. to noon. These hours have worked out well for both the public and me. Continuing to open early and staying later three days a week gives residents more flexibility to stop by, pay bills, or pick up forms. The longer days also allow time to complete larger projects without interruption.

Accessibility and convenience

For added flexibility, the city maintains a 24/7 dropbox outside the office door, and most forms are available on the city website. I also have remote access and call forwarding to the city cell phone, which helps ensure that messages and needs are addressed promptly, even when the office is closed.

The Public Works Department, with two full-time employees, follows a similar summer schedule from May through October — Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 7 to 11 a.m. Their regular schedule runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The overlap between departments has made coordination easier and service to residents more consistent.

Looking ahead

Both of our departments would like to keep the summer schedule all year long to remain consistent with staffing and the departments. The City Council values having someone available every weekday, and eventually we’d like to add a parttime staff member to cover office hours and ensure a smooth transition when the time comes for my retirement.

ANGELA PHILIPP
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
THIEF RIVER FALLS (POPULATION 8,749)

The City of Thief River Falls implemented summer hours in 2014. Initially, those hours ran from mid-May through the Friday before Labor Day, with City Hall open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 7 a.m. to noon. For the rest of the year, the schedule returned to Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The summer hours totaled 41 hours a week, which required adjustments because union contracts limited hourly employees to 40 hours per week.

Making it official

In the past, the city administrator brought a summer hours request to the Administrative Committee and City Council each year for approval. As of 2024, the city made summer hours permanent, running from Memorial Day through Labor Day. During that period, the city’s official hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday from 7 a.m. to noon. The regular schedule of Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., applies for the remainder of the year.

In 2024, administration also proposed making summer hours permanent year-round, but the request did not move forward due to scheduling challenges for parents with school-age children.

Keeping residents informed

Residents are reminded of summer hours before Memorial Day through notices on their utility bills, social media posts, and signage on the entrance doors of City Hall.

Positive results

Overall, summer hours have provided multiple benefits for both city staff and residents. Employees enjoy longer weekends, use less vacation and sick leave, and the city saves on overtime costs. The extended weekday hours also offer residents an additional hour of service in the morning. Opening at 7 a.m. gives community members more opportunities to take care of business, such as paying utility bills, before heading into work.

Although feedback has been positive, residents needed some time to adjust at first. The permanent schedule and clear start and end dates tied to holidays have made it easier for everyone to remember year after year.

A win-win approach

City employees look forward to summer hours each year, and the city strives to accommodate those with conflicting schedules, so everyone has an opportunity to participate and benefit from them. Summer hours have helped strengthen employee morale while continuing to meet the community’s service needs.