To more effectively and efficiently serve the public, the city of Santa Maria is expanding customer service hours for four city departments.

Starting March 21, the following departments will be open to the public on alternating Fridays:

• Finance’s Utility Billing counter: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Community Development: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Public Works: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
• City Hall (City Manager’s Office): 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

These departments had been closed to the public every Friday since mid-2018 as an effort to help bridge a budget gap.

Other city departments, except the City Attorney’s Office, already are open to the public on Fridays.

Direct questions to the City Manager’s Office, public information manager, 805-925-0951 ext. 2372.