Modifications to the customer service area of the city’s finance department have been completed to enhance both customer comfort and security. The service counter has been lowered and padded chairs have been provided to the public while they register their vehicles, make tax payments or transact other business with the city. The lowered counter has also provided finance department employees with more ergonomically correct work stations.
Tempered glass partitions have also been installed to address security concerns. Significant amounts of business are transacted at the finance department and the area’s openness did not provide adequate levels of security, given the nature of the business being conducted.
Initial public reaction to these changes has been mixed, with the more comfortable seating being appreciated but some reservations being voiced regarding the less personal environment created by the security glass.
“While we don’t like to do anything that diminishes the ‘small town’ feel of our city hall, the need for enhanced security in our finance department is an unfortunate sign of the times,” said Mayor Bruce Chuluda. “That is why we wanted to provide improvements for both customer comfort and security as components of this project.”
The improvements were completed by the building maintenance department, which provides repairs and custodial services for all municipal and school buildings. The $2,600 cost of the renovation project was funded through the city hall maintenance budget.
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