City to Workers: Take a Load Off

Go ahead, take the rest of the day off.

Monday is no holiday for some city workers, one of three city furlough days that are designed to save the city money and shore up it's ailing budget.

Police, fire departments and other emergency services aren't affected.

But there won't be regular garbage-pickup service Monday and there won't be any street sweeping.

Most city offices are closed. That includes public libraries and City Hall, and no city workers will be drawing a paycheck. The people who pay are also taking the day off.

As part of the 2009 budget, three reduced-service days were planned for 2009. The City Council recently approved moving one of the days from New Year's Eve to Aug. 17.

The day after Thanksgiving and the day before Christmas will also be reduced-services days, but due to their holiday placements will likely be less inconvenient.

Officials say the reduced-service days should save more than $8 million.