FRIDAY HARBOR, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – San Juan County has announced that it is adopting a 32-hour work week for its employees.

The County lists fiscal health, staffing challenges and the well-being of islanders as the reasons for the change, citing a 10 to 15% job vacancy rate across many key departments.

They aim to hold wages and productivity constant while reducing the work week by eight hours for union workers.

County officials say it comes as an alternative to the “last resort” option of increasing taxes as the island struggles to remain a competitive employer.

The schedule change will take effect on Oct. 1.

County offices will stay open, though some departments may adjust their hours or close one day a week.

The Sheriff’s Office and its services will remain unimpacted along with emergency responses, according to the County.

San Juan is one of the first counties in the nation to make the switch to the 32-hour work week.