Bill to let counties have 4-day work weeks advances

By Cy Ryan

Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010 | 8:34 p.m.

CARSON CITY – Nevada counties could now have the option of keeping their offices open four days a week instead of five.

But the decision to close one day a week must be either cost-neutral or produce cost savings.

The Senate gave final approval Sunday on a 20-0 vote with one member abstaining to Assembly Bill 2, which would let county commissions decide whether to order 10-hour, four-day work weeks or other work arrangements. Those work weeks couldn't conflict with election laws, such as closing on Election Day.

The bill now goes to Gov. Jim Gibbons for his signature.

Sen. Maggie Carlton, D-Las Vegas, said she was worried about layoffs if county commissions changed work hours.

Constance Brooks, a lobbyist for Clark County, said the commission was examining the fiscal picture of the county and said there will be layoffs. But she added that “is not the intent of this bill.”

Brooks said the bill was “not to support layoffs but for more efficiency in operation.”

Sen. Bob Coffin, D-Las Vegas, who didn't vote, said he thought local governments should be able to run their own shops without the Legislature getting involved.

The Legislature earlier approved a plan to put state offices on 10-hour, four-day work weeks. But exceptions can be granted by the state Board of Examiners for state workers and the Board of Regents for employees of the Nevada System of Higher Education.

The vote to approve the bill in the Assembly was 41-0 with one member excused.