ISLE OF WIGHT—Isle of Wight’s Convenience Centers have been spared a cut in hours — for now.

The Board of Supervisors had discussed the possibility of reducing hours at each of the eight stores. The equivalent of 12 hours per week for each store was cut from staff funding in the fiscal 2009 budget.

In April, the Supervisors directed county staff to look into the reduction and make a recommendation.

County staff came back with the recommendation to close each center on Thursdays, and the supervisors were not happy.

“I don’t advocate closing (them) down,” said Vice Chairman Phillip Bradshaw.

Bradshaw suggested staff reconsider whether the store would need to cut its hours at all.

“I can make suggestions … put me on the payroll and I’ll figure them out,” added Bradshaw.

Supervisor Al Casteen proposed closing the centers on Sundays until 1p.m., but that alternative did not get board support either.

“If we don’t have to save money here, closing the convenience center is the last thing I want to do,” said Supervisor Stan Clark.

“It’s very unpopular to close the Convenience Center. If we’re not gonna get the savings from there, we’re going to get them from somewhere else.”

County administrator Doug Caskey said staff would take another look at the budget and offer other alternatives at the July meeting.