Press Release

Patterson Comes to the Aid of County Employees Hit Hard by Rising Gasoline Prices

Pontiac, MI, May 22, 2008 Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson announced today that he is seeking approval from the Board of Commissioners for a four day, 40 hour week to help employees cope with rising gasoline prices which have reached $4 per gallon.

Slow growing revenues and rising healthcare costs have forced us to cut back on pay increases for our hard working employees while at the same time asking them to assume more of their healthcare costs including higher co-pays, Patterson said during a news conference.  By allowing employees to work four 10-hour days it will save them 20% on their commute costs and ease the financial pinch of filling up their cars.

Patterson said the structure of the revised work schedule will be determined on a department-by-department basis.  He stressed that county offices under his jurisdiction will continue to be staffed Monday through Friday, which means days off will be staggered to ensure that services to the public are adequately maintained.  Although the initial proposal only applies to the 1,571 budgeted positions in the 15 departments under the jurisdiction of the County Executive, Patterson is encouraging the other five countywide elected officials to implement a similar plan for their employees.

According to the AAA of Michigan, gas prices in the state are 7¢ per gallon higher than last week and up by more than 50¢ from the same time last year.  AAA reports the statewide average is $3.91 per gallon and $3.89 in the metro Detroit area.  However, some stations are already selling gas for $4.00 per gallon.

For media inquiries only, please contact Bob Dustman, Media and Communications Officer,     at (248) 858-1048.
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