The Buena Vista County Board of Supervisors has signed off on another season of four‑day work weeks for the Secondary Road Department—but only after a half-hour debate Tuesday morning about daylight, staffing, public access, and how the schedule compares to surrounding counties. The final vote was 4–1, with Friday office hours added as a compromise.
County Engineer Bret Wilkinson laid out the proposal: four 10‑hour days from April 6 through Oct. 2, the same six‑month stretch the county has used the last two years. He told supervisors the department has explored multiple ways to keep the office open on Fridays, but so far, no one on staff has volunteered for a rotation.
Supervisors spent much of the agenda item working through the practical realities of the schedule—from how early crews can safely start in April to how often motor graders run routes in the summer, and how other nearby counties handle similar setups. Wilkinson said the longer days help crews finish jobs without returning the next morning, and he noted that many counties use 4-10s for road crews.
However, Board Chair Paul Merten said Buena Vista stands alone in one key area—its office presence, or lack thereof on Fridays.
That comparison to neighboring counties became a turning point in the discussion. Supervisors agreed the 4‑10 schedule works well for road crews, but public access on Fridays has been a sticking point for years.
Supervisor Dan Hartman, who ultimately voted in favor, said the only way to know whether Friday coverage is necessary—or even useful—is to test it.
Hartman said he’s heard from both sides: residents frustrated by a closed office, and employees who prefer longer days because it reduces hauling and lets them finish projects in one stretch.
Supervisor Kathy Croker also backed the plan. She said she understands the different demands placed on road crews throughout the year and doesn’t object to adjusting hours when it makes operational sense.
Croker added that while the board can set expectations, the department’s leadership should guide the details.
The board also discussed whether the schedule should run five months instead of six, and how holiday weeks affect staffing, but agreed to keep the six‑month window and require Friday office presence for “eight hours or less.” The motion was made by Supervisor Kelly Snyder and seconded by Supervisor Rhonda Riggenberg.
Merten cast the lone “no” vote, citing ongoing concerns about public accessibility.
After the vote, Wilkinson said the department can make adjustments if needed.
The new schedule begins April 6.
