The Buena Vista County Board of Supervisors spent part of its weekly meeting yesterday morning reviewing the schedule for the Secondary Road Department, as County Engineer Bret Wilkinson presented a report on the four‑day work week that is currently in place.
For the past five years, the department has operated on four 10‑hour days during the summer. Initially, the schedule ran three months, but in the last two years it was extended to six months. That expansion has raised concerns about office coverage, particularly on Fridays when the office is closed.
Board Chair Paul Merten noted that while most of the department’s work does not involve direct public contact, office staff are critical in coordinating with road crews.
Supervisors suggested rotating office staff to keep the office open on Fridays, but Wilkinson emphasized that even without office coverage, his crews remain on call and respond as needed to emergencies.
Board members also questioned whether six months of four‑day weeks is too long, suggesting a shorter schedule could be considered. Wilkinson noted that surrounding counties generally keep offices staffed five days a week, and Buena Vista is the only one without Friday coverage.
The current schedule runs from early April through early October, covering three holidays with adjusted hours. Wilkinson said the office hours mirror the road crews—6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the four‑day schedule, and 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter.
Staffing has also been a factor, with several new hires in recent years and more interviews planned this week.
No final decision was made yesterday. Supervisors asked Wilkinson to take their concerns back to staff and return with recommendations, particularly on maintaining office coverage and reconsidering the length of the four‑day schedule.
