Harper Woods

Harper Woods closes offices on Fridays

By April Lehmbeck
C & G Staff Writer

The city is trying something new this summer in the name of efficiency by closing city offices to the public on Fridays starting June 22.

The idea is to give employees time to do work like data processing or paperwork that they might not have time to fit in when taking care of residents who are stopping by to pay bills or ask questions.

Offices that will be closed on Fridays are water, building, tax, clerk, city manager and assessing, but other offices like the court will be open.

“It’s being tried mainly on a trial basis,” Mayor Ken Poynter said. “It’s so that personnel can play catch-up.”

Although some communities close offices one day a week as a money-saving technique, Harper Woods employees, besides part-time staff, will be in the office working.

Harper Woods has pared down its staff over the years through attrition, so they are working with less people to do the same amount of work. They are hoping this helps by giving them some extra time to complete that work.

“It’s an effort to become more efficient,” Acting City Manager Randolph Skotarczyk said.

Yet, that doesn’t mean the city isn’t still looking for more ways to save money.

They are always looking for ways to cut costs as well, Skotarczyk said.

This four-day City Hall schedule will be reviewed as they go this summer to make sure it is working in the best interest of the residents and staff with adjustments as needed, he said.
 

You can reach C & G Staff Writer April Lehmbeck at alehmbeck@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1043.