PALMDALE – The City of Palmdale’s administrative and business offices will be closed from Fri. Dec. 23 through Monday, Jan. 2 for a cost saving unpaid furlough, but emergency and maintenance services will still be available to residents.
City offices that will be closed for the unpaid furlough include administrative and business offices, the Palmdale Playhouse box office, South Antelope Valley Emergency Services (SAVES) and Palmdale City Library.
The estimated savings to the City are approximately $240,000.
“This is a time when generally the demand for City services is at its lowest, so it makes the most sense to have a furlough during the week after Christmas and before New Year’s Day,” said Palmdale City Manager Steve Williams. “Employees who are on the unpaid furlough schedule have the option of using their accumulated vacation hours at this time.”
Williams said employees who are called in for an emergency will be paid.
The City’s furlough does not affect local Los Angeles County Sheriff’s or Fire services.
Public works crews will also be working through the furlough to handle emergencies, including sewer overflows and roadway/right of way hazards such as downed tree limbs, downed signs and potholes, or broken sprinkler lines in City parks and landscaped areas.
“Maintenance functions such as street sweeping and park maintenance will continue during the furlough,” said Director of Public Works Mike Mischel. “In the event of emergencies residents may call our emergency number at 661-267-5338 and staff will respond.”
The Palmdale Transportation Center will remain open, providing Metrolink and Greyhound service, except on Christmas Day, Dec. 25 and New Year’s Day, Jan. 1.
Legacy Commons for Active Seniors will be open during the furlough from 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesday through Friday, to serve senior lunch. No programs will take place during the furlough. Legacy Commons will be closed the Monday following Christmas, Dec. 26, as well as the Monday following New Year’s Day, Jan. 2.
Residents who require temporary services from SAVES during the furlough are encouraged to contact Grace Resources Center at 661-940-5272.
City offices will reopen for regular business hours on Tuesday, Jan. 3.
The parks and recreation department will open to take registrations for programs beginning at 10 a.m. on Jan. 3.
The Palmdale Playhouse box office will reopen Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 3 p.m.
SAVES will open at its new location, 1002 E. Ave. Q-12, in what was formerly the Palmdale Senior Center.
(Information via press release from the City of Palmdale.)
