Island County offices in Coupeville will return to being open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., starting Monday, March 6.

Returning the main county campus to a regular schedule after years of reduced hours signals better economic times for Island County, Commissioner Jill Johnson said.

“As we have grown out of the great recession, we are pleased that we are once again able provide a full day of over-the counter service to the public,” she said. “My priority is ensuring that we get services out the door effectively and efficiently. Restoring office hours is a big step in that direction.”

Forced to reduce staff during the recession, some county offices were closed to the public on Fridays. Public access was then reduced Monday through Friday to allow staff to catch up on paperwork.

“I would like to thank the community for their patience as we worked to restore these hours, and the county staff for their enthusiasm and desire to serve the public as many hours as possible,”Johnson said.

The offices of the county treasurer, assessor, auditor, public health and others had been affected.