NORTH SALT LAKE — The North Salt Lake City Council recently voted to begin a trial run of a four-day work week for most city employees.
The new hours of 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, will take effect Nov. 1 and will last for six months.
"We wanted to open earlier and stay open later," said North Salt Lake Mayor Shanna Shaefermeyer.
The change from current operating hours is projected to save the city about $6,000 in utility costs in both city buildings during a year.
"Every little bit helps," Shaefermeyer said.
The test over the next six months will help city officials determine if the city can provide the same or better service to residents as it currently does.
Employees in the city's public works department will be given some leeway to schedule certain inspections on Fridays so that contractors don't get held up in their work.
The change is expected to affect about 40 employees. The test run comes on the heels of a similar test by the state of Utah to move nearly all employees to a four-day work week for a year.
Bountiful also operates on a four-day week, with a skeleton crew that works on Fridays.
— Joseph M. Dougherty