The City of Ames announced on Monday that it will be extending the hours of its utilities customer service desk in response to customer requests for more time. 

According to a city press release, “customer service representatives will be available beginning at 7 a.m. for email, phone calls and walk-in customers,” starting on Monday, Sept. 30.

This is part of a pilot program that is set to extend the office’s hours until Jan. 3 but could continue for longer, pending customer feedback on its effectiveness. The customer service desk is located on the first floor of City Hall at 515 Clark Ave, and its current hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

John Odenweller, the Ames Utility Accounts Supervisor, is quoted in the press release talking about the opportunities the extension will bring to customers following feedback received by the city.

“With that feedback in mind, we hope customers react positively to this small schedule modification,” Odenweller stated. “Opening an extra hour in the morning should provide some flexibility to customers with busy schedules.”

Utilities from the city include water, sewer and electric services. 

In the release, the city also encouraged customers to start, stop or transfer utilities through the Ames Municipal Utilities website.

For more information on the city of Ames, visit their website.