Some cities in Florida have voted in favor of a four-day workweek, primarily as a cost-savings measure, but Parkland officials do not think the idea suits the city.

“Switching over to a four-day week will have a positive effect on the environment,” said Barbara Hastings, city finance and administrative services director. “It will decrease the city’s electric bill by $12,000. It will also increase employee productivity. There will be less absenteeism.”

Vice Mayor Jared Moskowitz said a savings of $12,000 was not sufficient to justify changing over to a four-day week. “I was willing to let economics dictate my decision, but we are not saving much. I don’t see it as a good policy.”

Mayor Michael Udine said Parkland did not have the employee base to warrant a change. “It’s a good concept," he said. "I can understand bigger cities doing it. Coconut Creek has a significant number of employees. I don’t think we should be doing it.”

Margate city administrative offices will work only four days a week starting Sept. 29 while Coconut Creek switched over about a year ago.

Read the full article in the Sept. 4 issue of the Coral Springs Forum. Arun can be reached at 954-574-5339.