Rohnert Park City Hall Reopens Fridays

Beginning Aug. 1 Rohnert Park City Hall will reopen to the public on Fridays — more than a year after then City Manager Dan Schwarz shuttered city offices for staff furloughs.  

"We are pleased to again provide full-time service to our residents and businesses," City Manager Gabe Gonzalez said in a news release. 

The citywide furloughs, which went into effect in March 2010, saved the city $900,000 in payroll expenses according to a memo from Schwarz, and was OK'd during public employee contract negotiations.

"The decision was made by Dan Schwarz to try to save the city money," said Mayor Gina Belforte. "Our goal has always been to try to reopen, it's our job to serve the public."

Though City Hall has been closed Fridays for the last year, employees often took furlough days on other weekdays, and worked Fridays. 

"The furloughs saved money, but people were still working on Fridays to get hours in and stay caught up on work," councilmember Pam Stafford said.

Stafford said it's absolutely a good thing City Hall is reopening.

"I think it’s important for the city to have that access," she said.

Councilmember Amy Ahanotu agreed. 

"Opening Fridays will provide tax payers with the level of service they expect," Ahanotu said. "It's especially good for businesses operating Monday through Friday."