In response to current economic conditions, City Hall and the City Corporation Yard will be closed to the public on Fridays beginning May 27, 2011. In order to minimize the public inconvenience, beginning June 6, City Hall will remain open until 5:30, Monday through Thursday. At this time, the Police Department offices will remain open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The City of Lakeport has reached an agreement with its management employees and the Lakeport Employees Association for a work furlough plan in order to reduce expenses through the end of the next fiscal year (June 30, 2012). The plan will require each full-time employee to be furloughed for 14 unpaid days. This, along with other concessions, is expected to save the City $126,313.
Over the past three years, due to a hiring freeze and unfilled vacancies from retirements and attrition, there has been a significant reduction in staffing for the City of Lakeport. Current staff has had to take on greater responsibilities while shouldering cuts to their pay and benefits. The proposed closures are meant to allow staff to operate the City as efficiently as possible with the current staff available.
Certain crucial city services will be maintained during closures. Police patrols will still be active and police officers will continue to be on duty to respond to calls for service. All other city staff will also be available for emergencies the same as they are on any weekend or holiday when City Hall is closed.
Utility bills cannot be paid in person at City Hall on Fridays; however, customers can leave their payments in the drop box which is located at the Park Street entrance to City Hall. Customers also have the option of signing up for Easy-Pay, which allows for automatic withdraw from a checking account on a monthly basis to pay the utility bill. Any customer who wishes to take advantage of this program should call the Utility Billing Department at 263‑5615, Ext. 10 or 18. Utility services will not be started or shut off on Fridays.