The Rathdrum City Council will have a new start time for their bi-monthly meetings starting in February.

The council recently adopted an ordinance to shift the times from 6 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The change will take effect beginning Feb. 5, the date of their first meeting of the month.

City administrator Leon Duce cited the reasons for the time change.

“One is for the confidence of the public,” Duce said. “Sometimes it is difficult to come to the meeting once you arrive home and get comfortable.”

Duce said he believes the earlier start time will be more convenient for residents and will help the city save money in overtime pay for staff that attend the meetings.

The City Council meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at Rathdrum City Hall.