Tribal government authorizes 4-day workweek beginning July 14

PABLO — In an effort to reduce energy and fuel costs, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ Tribal Council has authorized a four-day, ten-hour day workweek for tribal programs beginning next Monday, July 14.

This modified work schedule will be in place for a 60-day trial period during which time the Tribal government will review impacts and potential savings. Mission Valley Power is already following a modified work schedule hoping to reduce building and fuel costs.

Most tribal programs will be open Monday through Thursday with core hours from 8 am to 4:30 pm. This means that programs and offices must be open no later than 8 am and close no earlier than 4:30 pm. Departments have proposed the following work schedules during the 60-day trial period from July 14 through September 12.

Tribal Health Services in St. Ignatius, Ronan and Polson including the pharmacies, will be open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 am to 6 pm. If tribal members have particular issues and concerns with THHS services during the trial period, tribal members can contact Nancy Vaughan, ext. 5097 or Dorene Vallee, ext. 5035. Every effort will be made to address health related concerns. Tribal members are reminded that emergency pharmacy is available at Family Health Pharmacy in Ronan for emergency medications until the next THHS work day. Please be aware this is emergency needs only and not for reoccurring prescriptions.

Essential tribal services such as Tribal Law and Order will continue to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Child Protective Services and Mental Health Services will continue to schedule and maintain on-call services at all times, as they do today. Elders with housing related emergencies on non-scheduled workdays may call Law and Order for an on-call number for Kerr Elderly Program or the Salish Kootenai Housing Authority. All housing tenants will continue to utilize the on-call system through Tribal Law and Order for off-hours housing maintenance emergencies.

Persons in need of burial assistance funds for tribal members may work through area funeral homes that will provide assistance in contacting tribal officials. Wake kits and other information may be obtained by calling the following: Vern Clairmont, 676-0420; Sharon Silberman, 676-0910; and Kermit Clary, 261-3430.

The Tribal Court, Defenders and Prosecutors offices will be open 7:30 am to 6 pm and will provide on-call staff during non-scheduled workdays.

Tribal Fire Control will maintain 24-7 coverage. The Forestry Department will follow the Monday through Thursday schedule. Jean Matt may be contacted at ext. 6033 in regards to Forest Development (thinning crews, greenhouses, heavy equipment operators) issues. Duane Plant may be contacted at ext. 6025 on any timber sale issues that may arise. Tribal members may also contact the Forestry Department Head Jim Durglo at ext. 6009 for issues pertaining to fire, forest development, or timber sales.

The DHRD bus service will start routes an hour earlier. Riders are asked to call the DHRD dispatch at 675-2700, ext. 1030 to confirm schedules. The dispatch has only one phone line and riders are asked to leave detailed messages and your calls will be returned. Service will be maintained five days a week, Monday through Friday.

The DHRD Department (Childcare, LIHEAP, Fatherhood Program, TANF, General Assistance, Vocational Rehabilitation Services) will be open from 7 am - 5:30 pm, Monday through Thursday during the trial period.

The Tribal Lands Department will be open also from 7 am to 5:30 pm, Monday - Thursday.

Tribal Personnel will follow the same schedule from 7 am to 5:30 pm, Monday - Thursday. Tribal Employment applications and vacant job announcements are posted on the Tribes’ website at http://www.cskt.org

Tribal Credit, IIM, Payroll, Property and Supply, and Central Accounting will be open Monday through Thursday, 7 am to 5:30 pm.

This trial period will help reduce transportation expenses for employees as gas prices continue to climb. With the cost of gas, milk, and basic food items increasing, tribal members are reminded of the Tribal Commodities Program in St. Ignatius.

The income limit for a family of four is $21,000 (WIA wages are excluded). The Tribal Commodity Program will be open Tuesday through Friday from 7:00 am - 5:30 pm, in an effort to be open to the public on Fridays to allow for better utilization of the services. The Commodity Program is available to all individuals, tribal members and non-members, who qualify. Please visit the store if you have questions on the variety of food available through the Commodity Program. Elder meals will continue to be served according to existing schedules.

Individual Council members may also be contacted as follows: Arlee District: James Steele, Jr., Chairman, 261-7450 and Jimmy Malatare, 360-9450; Pablo District: Ernest Bud Moran, Vice Chairman, 471-5923; Polson District: Steve Lozar, 270-7672; Elmo District: Reuben Mathias, 471-3264; Ronan District: Carole Lankford, 249-5170; Hot Springs District: Mike Kenmille, 261-3604; St. Ignatius District: Joe Durglo, 471-3265 and Charlie Morigeau, 871-9720; and Dixon District: Terry Pitts, 871-9719.

If tribal members have difficulty accessing services during the trial period, please contact Sharon Silberman at 675-2700, ext. 1003 or email sharons@cskt.org. The Tribal Council is continuing to look for ways to reduce costs and provide efficient effective services. Suggestions may be emailed to the Tribal Council at csktcouncil@cskt.org.