The Department of Public Works facility on Orchard Street will be opening and closing earlier in the day starting the week of Dec. 18.
The DPW asked the City Council to make the changes because many contractors start before the old opening time of 8:30 a.m. and wanted to do business with the department. Some councilors asked if residents would be coming over in the afternoon and no longer be able to speak to someone at the DPW front desk. Public Works Superintendent Greg St. Louis said that the traffic at the desk is much higher in the morning.
“I’ve been helping out the front office to address staff challenges and when I tell you there are more calls before 8:30 (a.m.) than there is anyone calling or visiting front office after 3:30 p.m. — there is a big difference,” St. Louis told the City Council on Tuesday.
He added that the DPW has an answering service that will take calls after the office closes, and they can contact someone at the DPW if there is an emergency.
The facility, at 124 Orchard St., will now open at 7 a.m. and close at 3:30 p.m, instead of 5 p.m. The change may only be temporary. The new schedule will be in place until the beginning of summer hours at the DPW. At that time, the DPW will report to the Council on how the change has been working, said City Manager George Proakis. The City Council unanimously approved the change in hours.
The City of Watertown sent out the following announcement about the DPW hours:
As of December 18, 2023 the Department of Public Works (DPW) business hours will transition from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM to new business Hours: Monday – Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
During business hours, the front office is open for the public to come in person to 124 Orchard St. or call on the phone at 617-972-6420.
During non-business hours, residents can call the office phone number (617-972-6420) and will be connected with an answering service representative who can help with emergencies or take a non-emergency message.
For additional questions and information, please email dpwdept@watertown-ma.gov.