Memorandum
Date: November 3, 2020
To: The Honorable Moke Simon, Chair, Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Carol J. Huchingson, County Administrative Officer
Subject: Consideration of Resolution Extending Friday Closures through March 3, 2021, in Light of COVID-19 and Expected Effects of the 2020-21 Flu Season
Executive Summary: (include fiscal and staffing impact narrative):
As you will recall, on August 28, 2018, your Board adopted Resolution No. 2018-118, establishing temporary alternate office hours for County offices located within and surrounding the Lake County Courthouse Building. At that time, "Friday closures" were granted due to high employee vacancy rates, generally heavy workloads and disaster impacts. Staff continued to work behind the scenes on Fridays, and Department Heads reported seeing significant workload management benefits, and few known disruptions to public service, all of which could be appropriately remedied.
Most recently, on August 4, your Board adopted Resolution 2020-103, extending temporary alternate hours through December 31, 2020. During that discussion, your Board affirmed excellent public service as a priority and expressed interest in resuming normal business hours.
In discussion October 28, your Department Heads expressed willingness to adjust and remain open five days per week, if your Board should so direct. They also reported ongoing benefits to their operations, and desire to maintain Friday Closures. While departments use the protected time differently, several have seen more effective staff meetings and training sessions, at a time when developing our workforce remains a high priority.
Another primary factor cited was concerns surrounding continuity of operations during the 2020-21 flu season, given the COVID-19 overlay. It is certain departments will face multiple staff members needing to quarantine, working from home, where possible, for simultaneous or overlapping 14-day periods. Departments are h...
Click here for full text