MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. — It just got a little easier for Maryland Heights residents to take care of essential business at the city's government center. The center is adopting a new, extended operation schedule that's aimed at making city services more accessible and convenient.
Previously, the center was open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., creating some difficulty for traditional 9-to-5 workers. Starting Jan. 2, the government offices will now be open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., according to a news release from the City of Maryland Heights.
The new schedule will give residents and business owners an extra two hours each day to take care of essential business like notarizations, permit applications and scheduling inspections.
To extend its operation hours, the city has implemented a four-day work week for its civilian staff. Instead of having all staff working five eight-hour shifts a week, workers will be staggered and work four 10-hour shifts.
"We are thrilled to start this journey, as our research indicates that Maryland Heights is the first municipality in Missouri to implement this new schedule, extending our service hours," City Administrator Tracey Anderson said in a statement. "This change not only allows us to provide enhanced services to our residents and businesses but also demonstrates our commitment to creating more accessibility for the community."
According to the release, the city will undergo a six-month testing period of the new schedule before adopting the change permanently. The trial period will end on July 1, and the new schedule's effectiveness will be reviewed annually to ensure continued success.
"What can be seen from agencies who have accomplished this in the past is that while some employees will have to initially make adjustments with childcare and extracurricular activities, the 4/10 schedule ends up being extremely popular once introduced," Human Resources Manager Melissa Weiss said in a statement.
The Maryland Heights Government Center is located at 11911 Dorsett Road. The center houses the following departments: City Administration, City Clerk's Office, Finance, Community Development and Public Works.
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