Dude, Would Anyone Notice a Difference?
If Town Hall was opened 2 days a week, would anyone even notice?
State, Local Officials Eschew Idea of Four-Day Work Weeks by BRIAN TROMPETER, Staff Writer (Created: Tuesday, July 15, 2008 7:39 AM EDT)Virginia state and local officials say they're saving money and reducing pollution with teleworking and flexible schedules for employees, but do not plan to institute four-day work weeks anytime soon.
Utah this summer will become the first state to mandate that state-government employees work four-day weeks, according to a recent article in USA Today.
In Virginia, Gov. Kaine's office this week will announce changes to the state's teleworking system, said Delacey Skinner, a spokesman for the governor.
“The policy will allow managers and supervisors to determine policy for eligible [employees],” she said.
Some independent agencies in the state government are considering four-day employee work weeks, but government leaders insist that these agencies' customer-service offices be staffed five days per week, Skinner said.
Fairfax County officials are not considering any proposals for four-day work weeks, but do support an aggressive telework program, said Jeremy Lasich, a county spokesman.
“About 1,300 employees telework now and about 4,000 people have computer access from home, so they can work from home, if needed,” he said.
The town of Vienna's government also is not considering four-day weeks, said Nancy McMahon, administrative services director.
“Our residents are used to our being very, very accessible,” she said. “We can't flex-time the sanitation drivers.”
Vienna has offered a flex-time program for many years, implemented on a case-by-case basis. Employees usually are the ones who initiate such schedules, McMahon said.
“Out of 185 employees, I'm guessing that maybe at most 40 would work a traditional 9-to-5 schedule,” she said. “Town Hall is the only [location] that works a standard shift. It's really only suited for office personnel. [Police] patrol cars have to roll 24 hours per day.”
Vienna's government two months ago formed a “Green Team,” drawing from employees in every department, to examine materials used by the town and find ways to realize further energy savings. The group's report should be ready sometime this fall, McMahon said.
Comments
I don't understnad why the Sun Gazette still has not published the biggest news from Vienna last week -- the sexual abuse of three girls by illegal aliens.
You'd think that they would want to get the word out in case other children were abused.
Guess they don't care enough about the kids to do that.
Posted by: How about news we can use? | July 15, 2008 04:54 PM
As far I can tell the Connection was the only local to pick-up on the story:
http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/paper.asp?paper=73
It was also on NBC4 & WJLA7 websites.
Regarding the work week has anyone done the math? The town has 185 employees? Having missed placed my 2007 ToV budget, anyone know the payroll $$$? I was under the impression the whole 4 day work week was a proposal to save both the government employees and State government money being spent on gas/diesel fuel. More than likely the VTC will vote to expend some of your tax money for a consultant to study the feasibility of the 4 day work week. Man, how about that $20K laser show?
Posted by: All-the-news-that-is-news | July 15, 2008 05:38 PM
From the desk of Jane:
Repeat after me,
"If you don't acknowledge it, it doesn't exist'!
Would you please get that through your heads!!
Can't we all just get along?
Geesh
Jane
Posted by: truth or dare | July 15, 2008 06:28 PM
“Our residents are used to our being very, very accessible”
Riiiiiiiiiiiiiight...because the Town of Vienna just happens to have the most convenient hours around!!!
Did anyone actually go see the laser show? I was enjoying the ocean front fireworks down here, so could someone enlighten me as to how lame the "show" was?
Posted by: Minerva | July 15, 2008 09:05 PM
Yes, they'll hire a consultant and they'll disagree with the report, so nothing will be implemented. That's the Vienna way.
Posted by: anne smith | July 15, 2008 11:00 PM
This just in…
Council Meeting
MINUTES
Town of Vienna, Virginia
05/12/2008 -- 8:00 p.m.
( Date Posted: July 11, 2008)
Minutes
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 12, 2008
Councilwoman Cole offered congratulatory remarks to Mayor Seeman and Council Members Kelleher and Polychrones on their reelection to the Town Council.
Councilwoman Kelleher offered her congratulations to Mayor Seeman, Council Members Cole and Polychrones upon their reelection to the Town Council.
Councilman Polychrones also expressed his congratulations to Mayor Seeman, Councilwoman Cole and Councilwoman Kelleher on their reelection to the Town Council.
Councilman Lovelace, along with Councilman Dellinger and Councilwoman Robinson, expressed their pride in those who had been reelected to the Town Council.
VTC; quite the admiration society
Posted by: Vienna's apathy | July 17, 2008 09:58 AM
Council Meeting
MINUTES
Town of Vienna, Virginia
05/19/2008 -- 8:00 p.m.
( Date Posted: July 11, 2008 )
Minutes
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
May 19, 2008
TOWN OF VIENNA PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008-2009
Mr. Schoeberlein stated the Budget that is before Council is based on a real estate tax rate of 20.01 cents (an increase of .95 cents from the Fiscal Year 2007-2008 rate. The total Town budget is $29,467,365, an increase of $377,155 or 1.37%
Mayor Seeman called for anyone present desiring to speak on the proposed 2008-09 Budget. Noted for the record there were none.
$30m/15,000 residents = $2,000/resident, $2,000/365 days = $5.48/day from each resident to run Vienna
Posted by: VTC request your deposit at Town Hall | July 17, 2008 10:15 AM
Council Meeting MINUTES
Town of Vienna, Virginia
06/02/2008 -- 8:00 p.m.
( Date Posted: July 11, 2008 )
It was moved that this item be placed on the regular Council Meeting Agenda of June 16, 2008 for determination and adoption, and the Town Clerk is directed to advertise Notices of Intent to Adopt.
Motion: Robinson
Second: Cole
Motion carried: 5/2
Voting Aye: Cole, Dellinger, Lovelace, Robinson, Mayor Seeman
Voting Nay: Kelleher, Polychrones
It was moved as a Substitute Motion to extend the one cent meals tax until December 31, 2008 that would allow the staff sufficient time to provide the appropriate figures regarding the water and sewer system and a more informed decision could be determined regarding the one cent tax.
Motion: Polychrones
Second: Dellinger
Motion fails: 5/2
Voting Aye: Kelleher, Polychrones
Voting Nay: Cole, Dellinger, Lovelace, Robinson, Mayor Seeman
The Public Hearing adjourned at 10:45 P.M.
The Gang-of-5 (Maud Squad in-action). I like the second one where council member Dellinger seconds the motion and then votes against it.
Posted by: The Nays have-it | July 17, 2008 02:06 PM