MINNEWAUKAN (AP) - The chairman of the Benson County Commission says the group is considering a four-day work week for county employees, to help them save on fuel costs.

Mike Steffan said the idea was suggested by some of the employees.

"Primarily because of the gas situation - and I can certainly understand that - we're all feeling a pinch on fuel costs," Steffan said. "And if you can eliminate driving one day a week, that can help, especially if you combine it with a weekend."

Mark Johnson, the executive director of the North Dakota Association of Counties, said he knows of no other counties planning a four-day week, but that could change.

"I certainly would think that could catch on, particularly because in the more rural counties, people don't always live in the town where the county seat is, so travel gets to be an issue," Johnson said.

"I've talked with some other businesses that have considered it, and they stagger the work force so someone is always there," he said.

Steffan said that if the policy is adopted, the courthouse in Minnewaukan still would be open five days a week. He said it might be hard to keep all county offices open Monday through Friday, because some departments have small staffs.

Steffan said the Benson County Commission likely will discuss the idea at its next meeting July 15.