CHINA GROVE — Residents who have business at town hall will have one fewer day during the week to get it done. But they’ll have a little more time on the days it’s open.
For the rest of the summer and into the fall, town hall will be open 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. It will be closed Friday. Public works employees will be on the same schedule.
Town officials say they’re making the changes — which take effect Monday — in an effort to reduce costs and remain efficient.
“We are trying it now through the end of October. If it’s successful, we will do it again next year,” said Town Manager Ken Deal.
Deal said it’s too early to determine how much money the change could save the town. Town hall hours are typically 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Starting their day earlier will also allow public works employees to do the most work in cooler weather. Deal said hours can be adjusted if the need arises.
The town manager said he doesn’t think the amended hours will be a problem, since few people need to go to town hall. There is a drop box at town hall for utility payments, and since Salisbury-Rowan Utilities handles water and sewer for the town, customers can also pay their bills in Salisbury.
Town hall staff is also preparing for its upcoming open house event July 14 from 2-4 p.m. Residents will have an opportunity to tour the fire station and town hall, including council chambers. The board held its first meeting in council chambers in March, while final construction took place on the building. The construction project was done in multiple phases, including relocating the police department to Swink Street, where town hall was formerly located. The fire department was expanded and moved to the left of the building, while town hall was moved to the right. China Grove town hall is located at 333 North Main St.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253. Twitter: www.twitter.com/salpostpotts Facebook: www.facebook.com/Shavonne.SalisburyPost.