Recorder's Office shifts hours to save gas

LIMA - The sight of $4-a-gallon gas at local pumps has prompted one county office to make some unique changes.

As of May 27, employees at the Allen County Recorder's Office will get an extra day off each week. The eight employees will work four, 10-hour days each week, rotating days off to allow them to stay home and save some gas money.

"We just had to do something. My employees are no different than anyone else. They're looking at these gas prices and starting to panic, so we decided to do this," said Recorder Mona Losh.

The idea came to Losh on Tuesday, shortly after discovering gas had spiked close to $4 a gallon. Staff members live as far away as Lafayette and Spencerville, meaning the drive to work is costing more, but the paychecks are staying the same. She approached her staff about it Wednesday morning and the idea was a hit.

"They were thrilled with the idea. It's not a whole lot, but one day of parking their car might help them," Losh said.

The change will actually increase office hours from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Payroll will stay the same and Losh will work the same hours she always had.

"I can't pay them more, but I just feel like something has to be done. They come in, work their tails off for you every day. I've got some of them who have worked here 17 years," Losh said. "I'm here 7 to 5 anyway, so it doesn't make any difference to me, and it's not costing the taxpayers a dime and we're actually adding hours. It's a win for everyone."

Commissioner Dan Reiff said the change in the Recorder's Office is an example of the sort of ingenuity needed in tough times.

"I can't say I have a problem with it as long as it doesn't change the quality of service. If you can do something to assist the employees make ends meet you should," Reiff said. "I think it's mandatory that we do whatever we can to help lighten the burden as long as we don't lighten service, too."

Employees in the Recorder's Office have volunteered to pick up the extra workload to cover for missing workers, Losh said. Customers likely won't notice the difference, except for a slightly happier staff.

"The customers get a longer workday, which they like, and the staff is happier. I'm hoping this helps everybody out a little,' Losh said.