Town Hall Could Be Open Five Days [Poll]

If you have business to conduct at the , you'd better get it done on Thursday night or you will wait until Monday morning.

That's because Oxford's Town Hall is closed on Fridays, but that could change if First Selectman George Temple has his way.

Temple sent a letter to Town Hall clerical workers last week telling them of his plans for change. Per their contract with the town, the clerical workers need a month notice of any changes to the work schedule. Temple gave them three months because he didn't want to affect vacations this summer. 

Town Hall has been open just four days since it was built in the 1970s, according to town records. Temple said the change is being made to "bring Oxford into the 21st Century." He said it won't cost the town anything to make this move as workers will spread their hours over a longer period. And, he said, he doesn't expect resistance from employee unions. 

Jessica Pennell, president of the local clerical union, said she appreciates the advance notice. She said she will reach out to her regional union representative to discuss the changes and see how the union wants to proceed.

If the changes take effect, Town Hall would be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays. Currently, it is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays.