Harker Heights tests 4-day work week for some city services

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - On Oct. 6, Harker Heights will begin a six-month trial of a four-day work week for administrative city staff and services.

The new schedule will shift city employees from working five eight-hour days to four ten-hour days. Hours will be extended from 8:00 a.m through 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m through 6:00 p.m.

Harker Heights Mayor, Michael Blomquist, said the change came after the city noticed an influx of residents in need of city services in the hours before and after the city’s hours of operation.

Harker Heights Assistant City Manager, Mark Hyde, said the new schedule is attracting employees to the city.

“We’ve had new applicants that preferred a four-day work week and took that over higher pay,” Hyde said.

Scot Arey, owner of Solar CenTex, said this schedule change could affect his business.

“I wanna make sure my business doesn’t have to change to the city’s four-day schedule,” Arey said.

Arey said his business often needs to work with city inspectors. He said the new schedule could limit the business he is able to conduct on Fridays.

“That would DeFacto limit us to four workdays,” Arey said.

Mayor Blomquist said the city is willing to work with businesses to meet demand.

“If there’s something that has to happen when a normal administrative person has to be there, we’ll make sure there’s coverage that will meet that demand, I believe so,” Blomquist said.

Blomquist said the city encourages business owners and residents provide feedback on the new schedule during city council meetings.

“I would say don’t be worried because we’re going to listen to our customers,” Blomquist said.

Emergency services staff will continue to work five days a week.

The trial will last for six months, beginning on Oct. 6.

Copyright 2025 KWTX. All rights reserved.