COUNTY OFFICES BACK TO 5-DAY WORKWEEKS : PUBLIC WELCOMES EXTRA CHANCE TO DO THINGS.

Byline: Kermit Pattison Daily News Staff Writer

After three years of four-day workweeks, Ventura County employees returned Friday to a conventional schedule.

``Everybody works Monday through Friday,'' said Theresa Newton of Camarillo as she stopped by the county Recorder's Office. ``They should, too.''

For the first time since 1993, the county Hall of Administration opened its doors Friday, drawing a steady stream of people even on the day after the Fourth of July holiday.

County employees said goodbye to the three-day weekends that were a cherished perk.

``It is, after all, a traditional workday,'' said Ventura County Supervisor Judy Mikels. ``I feel we should be available on those days to work with the public and any other agencies.''

Dave Lehmann of Thousand Oaks traveled across the county to do some paperwork in the County Clerk's Office for a small-claims case. He said he is glad the offices are now on a five-day schedule.

``It's fine with me,'' he said. ``It's hard for me to get down here when they're only open four days a week.''

The county shifted to a four-day workweek in 1993 to reduce employee commuting to comply with clean-air mandates. County administrators also pointed to a variety of other benefits like reduced utility expenses, sick leave and a boost in employee morale.

About 2,400 employees, roughly a third of the county work force, went to the four-day schedule. Some departments, like the courts and Sheriff's Department, remained on a normal five-day week.

But the shortened workweek drew fierce criticism from the public. Critics complained of being unable to record documents to close real estate deals, look up birth and property records and get marriage licenses.

Last spring, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted to scrap the shortened workweek and reopen Fridays beginning in July.

``Overall, it's better,'' said Ventura County Clerk and Recorder Richard Dean. ``I think there are more people who will be better-served by us being open Fridays.''

In the county Clerk's Office in the basement of the government center, Josie Pano helped customers take out marriage licenses and fictitious business name statements. Asked how she likes going to work Friday, she laughed.

``It's not bad,'' she said. ``I thought it was going to be worse.''

For others, the new schedule has its ups and downs.

``It's pretty damn rotten the first day I come down here to apply for a job they start working Fridays,'' said Loren Lockard of Oxnard.

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Photo

Photo: (color) Judy Mikels

Supports move to new schedule