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Oneida County committee weighs four-day winter workweek after cost review
Summary
County highway staff presented a four-year comparison showing a four-day winter workweek would raise overtime by about 4%—roughly $9,000 on average—but could save nearly $15,000 in mobilization costs. The committee asked the finance director to vet the analysis; no formal schedule change was approved.
Oneida County Highway Department staff presented a four-year analysis of winter maintenance showing that moving to a four-day workweek would modestly increase overtime costs but could reduce mobilization expenses.
Dan Gleason, Highway Department staff, told the committee the comparison between working a five-day winter schedule and a four-day schedule found the 4-day option produces about a 4% increase in overtime, which he estimated would add roughly $9,000 in labor cost on average. Gleason said those additional labor costs are partially offset by an estimated $15,000 in mobilization savings, which arise from concentrating crews and reducing repeated mobilizations.
Ben Rich, Highway Commissioner, and committee members discussed trade-offs between continuity, employee satisfaction and cost. Member Bob Almekinder warned that unhappy employees can increase turnover and argued that retaining staff yields operational efficiencies. Chair Ted Cushing said he favored a four-day schedule without requiring flexible scheduling; Dan Hess said he was open to four days but preferred flexibility (for example, scheduling Tuesday through Friday).
Gleason asked that the finance director review his methodology before the committee makes a final decision. The committee did not take a formal vote to change the winter workweek at this meeting.
Why it matters: Winter staffing and schedule choices affect labor costs, emergency response and long-term retention for county road maintenance. The committee’s direction to have the finance director vet the analysis keeps the issue active for future meetings.
