Selectmen Discuss Pushing Up New Town Hall Hours

The town government is exploring the possibility of extending a new set of hours for the town hall.

The Board of Selectman decided, in a February meeting, that the town hall would be open during evening hours on Tuesdays and would close early on Fridays. The hours would be effective from June through August, and the board would decide at that point if the experiment was successful.

Selectman Robert Leclair asked at the board's last meeting that the town consider a more rapid implementation of the plan.

"I don't think [June through August] is enough time to evaluate the program," he said. "I think we should extend it."

Leclair suggested starting the program on April 1.

Town Administrator William Ketcham, though, said that start date would add complexity to the program.

"When Mr. Lecliar brought this up to me, I pointed out that it would require some negotiation and discussion with the town hall union," he said. "Their labor contract permits a change in the work week from five days to four, but only between Memorial Day and Labor Day."

Ketcham said he would engage in those discussions, if the board decided to move forward.

Selectman Bob Cohen stressed the importance of informing and getting the approval of the town's other boards and departments.

Ketcham said he would circulate a memorandum to that effect. He said he would be willing to accept April 1 as a target date, with the understanding that the labor situation makes a guarantee impossible.

The board voted unanimously to try the extension.