Thompson is pushing the compressed work week just three months before he leaves office.

Nearly 600 Logan City staffers work between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, approximately half of whom are full-time employees. Thompson said compressing the work week will help improve winter air quality in the city.

“I think we really need to do everything we can for air quality,” Thompson said, adding that employees would be driving their cars to work 20 percent less each week under the modified schedule. “This is something that we can do that is not going to be a capital expense.”

Logan Budget Director Joe Vande Merwe said the compressed work week would other benefits as well, including improving customer service, decreasing traffic congestion, increasing efficiency of city offices, and attracting and retaining employees.

Thompson said he's watched other Utah cities convert successfully to a compressed work week and has positive reports from Bountiful, Provo and West Valley cities.

West Valley City spokesman Aaron Crim said employees have worked four-day week since 2000, with entirely positive results.

Extended hours Monday through Thursday give residents ample time before and after the traditional workday to conduct business at city offices, Crim said.

Provo City converted to a Monday-through-Thursday schedule in 2002, according to spokesman Daniel Softley. Employees, who “acclimated to a longer day” during a six-month trial period, report increased job satisfaction with the opportunity to balance work and family life, with a three-day weekend, Softley said.

But Logan City Council members were not swayed by any of the testimonials. Some suggested other actions to reduce air pollution.

Councilwoman Laraine Swenson said she “can't imagine that someone's more productive working 10 hours a day,” and that customer service is a greater priority than the emissions savings that might be realized if city employees actually park their cars on Fridays.

Councilwoman Tami Pyfer suggested that a simpler solution would be to require city employees to ride the city bus to work.

Councilman Stephen Thompson suggested converting city vehicles to natural gas and picking up garbage only every other week.

The City Council agreed to revisit to the issue in future workshops.