Quartzsite council debates holiday schedule and town‑hall coverage under four‑day workweek

Council members reviewed proposed changes to the town’s holiday policy and discussed operational impacts of the four‑day workweek on public access to town services.

Transit staff requested the historical arrangement that transit work Columbus Day and take the Friday after Thanksgiving; council members agreed that small departments with five‑day schedules should be accommodated without disrupting the overall budget. Several members raised concerns that generous council‑approved holidays and a four‑day employee schedule produce recurring three‑day weeks that reduce town‑hall availability for residents. One member suggested eliminating some of the nonfederal perks (for example, employee birthdays or council‑approved days) or using them as optional vacation days so the front counter remains staffed.

Members discussed practical solutions including cross‑training, hiring part‑time front‑desk coverage and staggering staff schedules so town hall remains open during critical hours. No changes were adopted; staff will consider edits to the holiday policy and return with draft language and any budget implications.

Why this matters: Town‑hall access and continuity of public services are operational priorities; the council must balance employee perks with resident‑facing availability.

Next steps: Staff to draft revisions that preserve operational coverage and return with budget and staffing options.