More Services for Taxpayers' Dollar, Councilman Says

To The Editor, 

At a time when taxes are high and making ends meet is a challenge to all, the Council continues to look for ways to save taxpayer money.

One example is the recent plan to change the municipal building office hours.

Around two years ago, the Council explored a way to accommodate the hundreds of residents that use the municipal building every month by offering more convenient hours. Maintaining the regular schedule of Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. did not offer much flexibility or convenience to residents who work in the city or for those who simply could not get to the building before the early closing times.

While careful to avoid extra cost to taxpayers, Council considered moving to a four day work week while extending the daily hours that municipal services were being offered. It was also Council's hope that closing the municipal building for one day would create a favorable impact on the environment while providing additional savings in utility costs at the Municipal building by not being open on Friday. The move also benefited library patrons by opening up additional parking spots in the Municipal lot.

After a trial period and after taking into account resident feedback, our Town Manager improved on the four day work week and created a five day work week with extended hours. By reorganizing employee schedules, the Manager was able to craft a new work schedule that allows Teaneck residents to "have its cake and eat it too."  

The Municipal building is now open Monday 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., Tuesday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. This totals 48 hours, compared to 40 hours at the old schedule. Most importantly, these new hours do not require additional employees or pay and do not increase costs.

Elie Y. Katz
The writer is a Teaneck councilman, and former mayor of the township.