Windsor Locks Changes Town Hall Hours

WINDSOR LOCKS, CT — Town Hall offices will close on Fridays under a new schedule taking effect Nov. 8, with longer hours earlier in the week. The change follows a difficult budget season and questions from residents about savings and access to services.

According to the town's Oct. 22 announcement, offices will open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday.

First Selectman Jonathan W. Savino said the schedule is intended to help working residents who need services after 4 p.m. The town reported limited Friday traffic and said closing offices that day should reduce utility and other operating costs.

Residents Question Access And Savings

At the Oct. 20 Board of Selectmen meeting, one resident questioned the financial benefit and lack of public input. Finance board member Mike Ciarcia asked for specific savings, while another resident opposed losing Friday access, according to meeting minutes.

Another resident questioned how closing Fridays while maintaining weekly pay would save the town money.

Residents also asked how Friday closures would affect funeral documents and marriage licenses. One speaker said he did not object to closing Fridays but wanted employees' weekly hours preserved.

A town payroll clerk supported the change, citing light Friday traffic and online services.

Budget Pressure Behind The Change

Hourly Town Hall employees will continue working 35 hours a week on a compressed schedule, according to the announcement. Some positions had already been reduced from 40 to 35 hours through budget cuts.

“Following seven budget referendums, the Town has a responsibility to continue identifying opportunities for savings,” the announcement states.

As Patch previously reported, the $64,086,850 operating budget passed 705-704 after a recount in August, ending the town's seventh referendum on the 2026-27 spending plan.

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Cannon Seeks A Trial Period

Selectman Jim Cannon questioned savings and requested a 90-day trial period in the memorandum of understanding. Savino said he would not sign until that provision was added and described the change as “not etched in stone,” according to the Oct. 20 minutes.

The Oct. 22 announcement calls the schedule permanent; the reviewed minutes do not establish that the agreement was subsequently signed.

The announcement does not provide a dollar estimate for the expected utility or operating savings. It also identifies employee retention as a potential benefit and cites other Connecticut towns with four-day schedules.

Friday Programs Will Continue

Former First Selectman Paul Harrington also submitted a letter urging officials to protect Friday after-school care. He said he was open to exploring different schedules but wanted families' needs considered.

The town's announcement says existing after-school and recreation programs will continue on their current schedules, including Fridays.

Residents can also pay taxes, look up property assessments and property record cards, apply for building permits and conduct other business online through the town website.

Town Hall is at 50 Church St. The main phone number is 860-292-8696.

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