Washington County Commissioners approved new operating hours for the Washington County Road Department during their Thursday, March 10 meeting.
Public Works Supervisor Gary Waller initially discussed the proposed changes during the Commissioners’ workshop on Tuesday, March 8, explaining that with fuel prices rising, it would be financially beneficial to transition from crews working eight-hour shifts, five days per week to crews working 10-hour shifts for four days each week.
County Administrator Dustin Peebles stated that he [Peebles] and Public Works Supervisor Waller looked at the operating hours for other Road Departments throughout the state.
“Many of the counties throughout the state have gone to the 10-hour shifts for four days each week,” said County Administrator Peebles.
In addition, County Administrator Peebles explained that the rising fuel prices prompted the discussion.
“With gas going up, that’s one day our trucks aren’t having to go out to the worksite,” said County Administrator Peebles. He added, “And when they do go out to the worksites during the week, they’re out there for longer.”
County Administrator Peebles went on to say that the decision could also prove beneficial for the Road Department employees because it eliminates one day of driving to and from work in their personal vehicles.
“I think this will save us a good bit of money as time goes on,” said County Administrator Peebles.
According to County Administrator Peebles, the employees at the Road Department were asked their opinion on this matter. It was noted that only three or four of the employees out of the 30 total employees were against the change.
“We’re trying to save anything we can,” said Chairman Horace Daniel.
Commissioners voted to change the operating days at the Washington County Road Department to Tuesdays-Fridays.