The City of Poulsbo has instituted new and somewhat controversial operating hours for its new city hall at 200 NE Moe Street. All departments situated in the building, including the building, planning, engineering, finance, public works and city clerk departments, will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Each department previously operated on its own time schedule.

The change has undergone considerable discussion among department heads and City Council members in recent months. Some council members believe city hall should remain open until 5 p.m. as a reflection of standard business practice and to increase availability to public.

“I still feel that it would be the best thing to have city hall available for public business from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” said Councilman Jeff Bauman, who voted against the new set of hours.

Mayor Becky Erickson said a recent reduction in staff has left fewer employees to man city hall, and closing at 4:30 p.m. will help avoid overtime.

The city also offers online options for utility payments.

The municipal court will close for lunch from 12:15-1:15 p.m. because of decreased staffing.

Parks and Recreation, not located in the new city hall, will operate from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays. The Poulsbo Police Department, also located separately, will operate from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.