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Editorial: Clarkdale, Jerome should take a hint from Camp Verde on 4-day work week


Jackie Baker
8/4/2012 1:09:00 PM

 Jackie Baker has always believed in hard work.

So it’s no surprise that the current municipal government trend of four-day work weeks would rub her the wrong way.

The move to four-day work weeks began a few years back when declining revenues forced municipal government officials to find new ways to balance the city hall checkbook. Closing shop on Fridays was among the checklist items that would curb spending.

It was also something that immediately became quite popular in the Verde Valley. Hey, who’s going to say no to a three-day weekend, every single weekend. Cottonwood was the only area municipality that bucked the trend of the four-day work week.

Now, a few years later, with the revenue picture looking a little better every month, maybe it’s time for more local municipalities to rejoin the real world and open up the shop Monday through Friday.

In Camp Verde’s case, the step back to reality calls for an abbreviated Friday. The new Camp Verde Town Hall hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. of Fridays. It’s not exactly what Jackie Baker wanted, but it’s a compromise she can live with.

Based on the sales tax reports we publish each month, if Camp Verde can now afford to keep town hall open Monday through Friday, Clarkdale and Jerome most certainly can. The increase in revenue flow to Clarkdale and Jerome over the past two years is certainly better than that experienced in Camp Verde.

Jackie Baker, thanks for stepping up and voicing a concern and pressing an issue that probably didn’t win you many friends at town hall. You did the right thing.


 

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