The municipality is extending the hours of operation at its offices on Sideroad 16, south of Drayton.
But staff will not be working additional hours. In fact, in a separate council decision, township employees will get more time off this year than in 2008.
Effective March 1, the township office is open from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday; a change from the current 9am to 5pm. Staff will rotate hours to cover the extra five hours a week.
“I think it’s great. It serves the public better,” said councillor Mike Downey. Council agreed and approved the plan.
Earlier, council declared Family Day (Feb. 16) as a paid holiday for employees.
Sinnamon offered council three options: add Family Day to the current list of 11 staff holidays; do not add it at all; or add the new holiday but remove either Easter Monday, Civic Holiday, or Remembrance Day.
“[Nov. 11] is probably one of the few days that’s appreciated as a holiday by the general public,” said Mayor John Green. “But if there was going to be a work day, I suggest that be it.”
Councillor Jim Curry favoured closing the township office for a time to allow staff to attend a service. Green had no problem granting time off, if staff attends a service.
Sinnamon said staff prefers an additional holiday (12 days), but if not possible they would prefer to keep things the way they are. But, if Family Day replaces another holiday, they would prefer it to be Remembrance Day.
Council added Family Day to the list of paid holidays, removed Remembrance Day and granted staff 1.5 hours off on Nov. 11 to attend a service.
