Plan Would Reopen City Hall on Fridays

Though projected budget figures are still a few weeks off, city officials have already set their goals for the new fiscal year that begins in July.

One goal would take city employees off the furloughed work schedules drafted several years ago in tighter financial times. City Hall will be open for business five days a week under the plan, set to take effect in September. City offices now close every Friday.

City Manager David L. Rudat said he also wants to join other cities that have launched Internet sites and to begin a newsletter for residents.

Rudat has set his own goal of fostering greater cooperation among departments.

“It’s important that we have a strong team, as financial resources are very limited,” he told City Council members at a recent meeting.

Both the city attorney’s office and the economic development department are drafting plans to lure businesses and industries.

“I anticipate hiring a new assistant city attorney with a strong redevelopment background,” said David De Berry, who starts his job as city attorney April 1.

Community and library services director Gary Wann said he wants the city to focus on the needs of teenagers, who have few public places to have fun. For all residents, he wants to refurbish parks and facilities during the next five years, including a renovation of the main library.

Almost all departments, including the police, plan to train employees to make the best use of the city’s new $500,000 computer system.