PALMDALE – The City of Palmdale’s administrative and business offices will be closed from Friday Dec. 21 through Tuesday, Jan. 1 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.
Public works crews will be working through the furlough to handle any emergencies that may arise. Emergencies include sewer overflows, roadway/right of way hazards including downed tree limbs, downed signs and potholes, or broken sprinkler lines in City parks and landscaped areas. To report emergencies after hours, weekends or on holidays, residents may call 661-267-5338.
The unpaid work furlough was one of the many cost cutting measures the City enacted when the economy took a downturn. The estimated savings to the City are approximately $240,000.
“The week between Christmas and New Year is a time when demand for City services is at its lowest, so it makes the most sense to have a furlough during this time,” said Palmdale City Manager Dave Childs.
“Employees who are on the unpaid furlough schedule have the option of using their accumulated vacation hours at this time. Employees who are called in for an emergency will be paid,” Childs said.
There will be a number of public works and parks and recreation functions still continuing.
“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 661-266-3195 and staff will respond.”
The City’s furlough does not affect local Los Angeles County Sheriff’s or Fire services.
City offices will reopen for regular business hours, 7:30 am to 6 pm, on Wednesday, January 2.
The parks and recreation department will open to take registrations for programs beginning at 10 am on January 2. Online registration will also begin at 10 am on Wednesday, Jan. 2.
The Palmdale Playhouse box office will reopen Wednesday, Jan. 2 at 3 pm. Regular box office hours are Monday through Thursday from 3 to 7 pm and two hours before regularly scheduled shows. Tickets may be purchased 24 hours a day online at www.cityofpalmdale.org/playhouse.
The Volunteer Program at the City Maintenance Center will be closed during the furlough week and will reopen on Wednesday, Jan. 2 at 6 am.
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 am to 12 noon, Tuesday through Friday, to serve senior lunch. No programs will take place during the furlough.
The Chimbole Cultural Center will be closed during the furlough and open on Wednesday, Jan. 2 at 12 noon.
Residents who require temporary services from SAVES during the furlough are encouraged to contact Grace Resources Center, located at 45134 N. Sierra Hwy. in Lancaster. The phone number for Grace Resources is 661-940-5272 and their hours of operation are 9 am to 5 pm.
SAVES will reopen on Monday, Jan. 7 at 7:30 am.
Although the City’s parks and recreation offices will be closed, residents may view upcoming programs and register for them online at www.cityofpalmdale.org/playpalmdale.
Palmdale City Library customers will have no items due during the furlough. Books and other material can still be returned, however, in the bookdrops located on Sierra Highway behind the Library building. All of the Library’s free online services will be available.
Parking and administrative citations may be paid online at www.cityofpalmdale.org during the furlough, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Citations may also be paid or disputed by phone by calling 866-420-2894, Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm.
During the furlough, tow releases may be paid at the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station at 750 East Avenue Q in Palmdale.
Lancaster Office Holiday Closures
In recognition of Christmas, City of Lancaster offices will be closed Monday, December 24 and Tuesday, December 25.
City offices will also be closed Monday, December 31 and Tuesday, January 1, in recognition of New Years.
All other days will remain normal hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday – Thursday, and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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dumbandblind says
Had the City of Palmdale not have Dry Town, more staff would still be employed.
Palmdale_Steve says
Because nothing says “we care more” than more city workers at the trough.