City Council debates four-day work week and tuition reimbursement adjustments

The Brentwood Ways & Means Committee convened on February 6, 2025, to discuss key issues affecting city employees, including a proposed trial for a four-day workweek and the need for tuition reimbursement adjustments.

One of the primary topics was the introduction of a three-month trial for a flexible four-day workweek for eligible employees. Under this plan, employees would work four ten-hour days, with some teams adjusting their schedules to ensure coverage. However, concerns were raised about potential complications, such as how to manage holidays and ensure adequate staffing during city operations. Committee members expressed worries that this change could create disparities among staff, particularly for those in service-oriented roles who may not have the same flexibility.

Another significant discussion centered on the city’s tuition reimbursement policy. Currently, employees can receive up to $3,000 per year for three credit hours, a figure that some committee members believe is insufficient given rising tuition costs. Comparisons with other municipalities revealed that Brentwood's reimbursement is competitive but may not fully cover the costs of undergraduate courses at local institutions like the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). Suggestions were made to consider increasing this cap to better support employee education and retention.

The committee's discussions reflect ongoing efforts to balance employee needs with the operational requirements of the city. As Brentwood continues to explore modern workplace practices, the outcomes of these discussions will likely impact employee satisfaction and community service delivery in the coming months. The committee plans to revisit these topics in future meetings, aiming to align city policies with both employee welfare and public service efficiency.