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Adopt a resolution changing the County Clerk’s previously approved public service counter hours from 8:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. and authorizing the County Clerk to have the option to reduce the counter hours to 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. as needed to address uncertain working conditions
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution changing the County Clerk’s previously approved public service counter hours from 8:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. and authorizing the County Clerk to have the option to reduce the counter hours to 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. as needed to address uncertain working conditions.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Pursuant to Solano County Code Section 2-01 authorized by Government Code Section 24260, the Board established that all county offices and departments shall remain open for the transaction of business in the county continuously from 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. of each day except Saturdays, Sundays, legal holidays and declared holidays.
On January 22, 1991, the Board adopted Resolution No. 91-10 which established public service counter hours for the County Clerk division from 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. to 8:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. The approval was in recognition to the unique business activities related to the work of the County Clerk.
Technology changes since 1991 have allowed the County Clerk to provide services in ways not envisioned when the business hours were established. This includes the ability of the public to complete and submit various documents and information electronically as opposed to in person.
The Treasurer-Tax Collector-County Clerk Department (Department) has requested authorization from the County Administrator to implement a 9-80 flexible employee staffing schedule. Once implemented, the new schedule, coupled with the aforementioned technological changes and efficiencies, should allow the County Clerk to offer public services at additional times without incurring additional budgetary expenses. The new schedule allows the County Clerk to provide longer public service counter hours which is 8:00 - 5:00 P.M.
The attached resolution is intended to allow the County Clerk to optimize the provision of public services by adjusting public counter, phone, and other communication channel hours as staffing and technology changes are implemented going forward. It is also intended to revise the previously adopted Resolution No. 91 -10.
Given the budgetary constraints, limited staffing resources, and cyclical nature of the work within the Department, it may prove unfeasible to maintain a 9-80 alternative work schedule while still providing exemplary public service. To address these uncertain working conditions, the County Clerk requests the ability to have the option to reduce the public service counter hours to 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no anticipated financial impact from the adoption of this resolution. Staffing levels are anticipated to remain constant; with some additional public service availability as flexible work schedules are implemented.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors could elect not to authorize the County Clerk to adjust public service hours. This is not recommended as it will prevent the County Clerk from providing the optimal level of public service.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Department consulted with the Human Resources Department, County Counsel and the County Administrator’s Office with regard to the anticipated changes.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION