The Kitsap County government began its new Monday-to-Thursday office hours May 4, with several departments closed to the public on Friday.

However, the elections department will actually expand its hours, as required by state law.

As of Monday, the assessor, auditor, commissioners, public works and treasurer will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

The elections office, which is located inside the auditor’s office, will maintain the same hours on Friday.

These hours will be in effect until June 5, which is the deadline for candidate filing.

It will then follow the four-day schedule until approximately four weeks prior to the Aug. 18 primary.

It will revert to the four-day schedule until before the general election.

The four-day schedule is in effect through the end of 2009. The dates for the elections department are yet undetermined.

For example, if there are no primary contests (three candidates or more for a certain position) there will be no primary ballots mailed.

The public closures correspond with cuts in hours for some positions, while many will come to work but not interact with the public.

Departments in the county courthouse building, District Court, Superior Court, prosecutor’s office and the county clerk, will continue normal operating hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.