The new model is being explored as part of its ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and manage increasing financial pressures.
Like many rural councils, Murrumbidgee is facing rising costs while taking on additional responsibilities from the NSW and Federal governments, often without additional funding.
Rather than placing further burden on the community through a special rate variation - a levy on ratepayers which exceeds the set rate cap - the council is focused on improving productivity and finding more efficient ways of working.
Covering almost 7,000km², travel and logistics are a significant part of the council's operations.
Improving efficiency across such a large area is critical to long-term sustainability.
Under the proposed model, staff would continue to work their full hourly week, but across four longer days from Monday to Thursday.
Council offices, depots and libraries would be closed on Fridays.
There would be no reduction in total service hours.
The current 35 hours of weekly customer service would be delivered across four extended days, providing longer daily opening hours.
General manager John Scarce said the proposal is about working smarter while maintaining service levels.
“It's about thinking outside the box and seeing through our council's determination to never embark on a special rate variation,” Mr Scarce said.
“This is not about reducing services. It is about delivering the same level of service more efficiently and sustainably.
“Longer days mean more flexible access for residents, while also helping us better manage travel and resources across our local government area.”
The council has identified several potential benefits associated with a four-day working week.
The model is expected to deliver productivity savings of around $1.1 million per year by reducing travel time and the need for repeated site set-up.
This avoids up to 26 days annually of mobilising and demobilising plant and equipment, with work sites averaging a 160km round trip from council depots.
Another benefit is improved responsiveness and consistency in service delivery with more staff available at the same time, rather than spread across rostered days off.
Additional benefits include greater flexibility for the community when accessing council services, reduced fuel use and emissions from fewer work site trips and greater ability to attract and retain skilled workers in a competitive labour market.
Essential and key services would continue to operate as normal.
This includes water and sewer services, animal control and emergency callouts, early learning and childcare services, caravan parks and swimming pools.
Council will continue to assess the model as part of its broader commitment to long-term financial sustainability and service delivery.
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