Tight budgets have many government offices making changes. Some are exploring the possibility of a four-day work week to cut costs.

Chipley isn't just exploring the option. City officials began the four-day work week today. One resident after another walked up to the Chipley City Hall to find the building closed.

"I came here to pay my bill. They charge you extra you don't pay it on time," Chipley resident Marian Yocum said.

But Yocum didn't get to pay her bill. Instead she saw a sign stating the city's new office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Chipley is among the first in the area to go to a four day work week. The move will save the city an estimated eight percent of their operating cost. Despite the benefit of saving money, not everyone feels the new city hours is a good thing.

"I don't like that because people need to pay they bills and do what they got to do, so need to have it opened the whole week basically," Chipley resident Billy Vann said.

In addition to the inconvenience for paying bills, Yocum says the change will cause a lot of confusion.

"People forget that if you picked a certain day it would be closed, and they would be coming here and it would be no one to help them, so I really think it would be better if they had it opened all week."

But city officials say the change is necessary to make up for budget cuts and the loss in ad valorem tax revenue. The measure is also expected to save employees a day's worth of gas driving to work.

The four-day work week affects all Chipley offices and workers, except for the police and fire departments.