HAMILTON — The Butler County Treasurer’s Office will start opening a half hour later and closing a half hour earlier next week.

Treasurer Nancy Nix said the change accompanies two layoffs this week as she tries to save money amidst recession. “It has been a very arduous process,” she said.

Nix said she has cut her office staff by a third since taking office in 2007, and the hour reduction will allow her remaining staff to reduce their weekly hours from 40 to 35. She estimates this will save the county $35,313 per year.

“Our office will maximize our efficiency and offer the same quality service the public has come to expect,” she said. “While it is not easy to offer fewer hours of operation, difficult budget times call for difficult measures.”

The treasurer’s office will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. starting Monday, Aug. 16.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2175 or jsweigart@coxohio.com.