Puslinch taxpayers hoping to conduct some business with the township will now have the lunch hour to do so.
“I really think we’re using a system that’s past its time,” Mayor Dennis Lever said of the current practice of closing the township office between 12 and 1pm.
Councillor Ken Roth broached the subject last week, telling council that while he was campaigning he heard a lot of residents complain about staff closing the office for lunch. He noted even for those who work in the municipality, the practice leaves them with no time to take care of township business, unless they take time off work.
Clerk Brenda Law said the township doesn’t receive a lot of calls over that hour, but that may be because people know the office is closed. She said although staff would prefer a half hour lunch, it may be easier to leave things as they are.
Law explained if council wants the office open from 9am to 5pm they will have to pay staff an extra half hour daily because staff are not paid for the current 60 minute lunch and work 35 hours per week.
Roth wondered why lunches couldn’t be staggered so there is always a “skeleton” staff in the building.
“I don’t think it’s a big problem,” he said. “We’re here to serve the public.”
Councillor Jerry Schmidt said he’s not sure what will be gained from the change, as people might be even more aggravated if the office is open but the person they wish to speak with is on lunch.
Councillor Wayne Stokley said staff could at least operate the phones and answer general inquiries from 12 to 1pm, and if someone needs a particular service they may have to come back.
Lever said he also heard concerns from residents about closing the office and he feels it should be open continuously from 9am to 5pm.
Council voted to keep the office open all day, starting in February.
