By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

CASCO — Following in the footsteps of many other municipalities, the Town of Casco may change its office hours to accommodate a four-day work week for employees.

Last week, Casco Town Manager Anthony Ward brought up the topic, saying it is something that will definitely be on the agenda again.

“It is a trend that is going on across country for employee retention,” Ward said.

He presented the idea during the Casco Board of Selectmen meeting.

He said staff approached him about the workweek change. He estimated that between 90 and 95 percent of staff would prefer to work four 10-hour shifts.

“This is the initial dialogue. If board is interested, we can get more details, options of what hours to do,” he said.

Chairman Scott Avery talked about how during the pandemic, his employer Dielectric, offered factory workers a four-day work week options. 

“All of us in the factory went to the four 10s. I really enjoy that schedule,” he said.

Resident Trevor Tidd stepped to the microphone to cite a benefit of the proposed schedule. 

“It would allow people who work late to get to the town office,” he said

Most days, the town hall would open to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Ward said. The town office hours could include one day when the office is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., he said.

“It would still be a 40-hour work week. We won’t shorten them like some towns have done to a 32-hour work week,” Ward said.

“There are some employees who don’t want it to change. It won’t be mandatory everyone to work four 10s,” he said.

The office would open to the public for 10 hours during the four days, but other departments could work 8-hour days instead, Ward said.