The City Council discussed implementing a four-day workweek for city hall that would create consistent customer-facing hours: Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Staff and council members said the plan aims to increase total weekly coverage (44 hours instead of the prior 42-hour pattern) while offering more predictable hours for residents and more flexible schedules for employees.

A council official said the target implementation date is Aug. 11 and that the change would not add pay but would standardize hours for customers. "7 to 6, as discussed with the clerk's unit, gets us to that 44 hours instead of 42," a city official said, adding the schedule could represent among the most expansive city-hall hours in Maine.

Council members emphasized two separate processes: (1) deciding standard business hours for the public, and (2) management-level scheduling to cover those hours with staff. Several members urged cross-training so multiple employees can handle core customer services; staff reported clerks and tax-collection teams have been cross-trained, with the utilities coordinator identified as the remaining single-person role that may need a staffing solution.

Officials acknowledged the roll-out may be "clunky" initially for single-person specialty roles but argued that ensuring customers “leave with what they came for” is the priority. Management-level staff said they will determine specific staffing rotations, and that either the city manager, deputy or other management staff will be present during operating hours.

Council discussion included clarifying that the business hours decision is separate from union negotiations and that staff will solicit input after the public schedule is set to accommodate workers' needs. No formal vote was recorded; staff said they will announce details and work with departments to develop schedules, cross-training and any minor process changes needed for the transition.