Arkansas City approves $49K deal with Tyler Technologies for timekeeping system upgrade

The City Commission of Arkansas City, Kansas, convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss key resolutions and ordinances aimed at enhancing city operations and infrastructure. The meeting began with a resolution to authorize an agreement with Tyler Technologies for cloud-hosted software services and time clock hardware, with the first-year cost not exceeding $49,516.

IT Manager Matt Metzinger presented the proposal, highlighting the city's recent cloud migration and the need to modernize timekeeping processes. Currently, many departments rely on paper time cards and manual data entry, which can lead to errors and inefficiencies. The new system aims to digitize these processes, reducing human error and speeding up payroll processing. The total cost includes approximately $19,000 for annual software fees and a one-time hardware purchase of $29,210 for five computerized time clocks, which will facilitate easier time entry for employees.

The commission discussed the anticipated benefits, including improved accuracy and efficiency in payroll management. Metzinger noted that while some review time would still be necessary, the new system would significantly reduce the workload on administrative staff. The implementation is expected to take between three to six months, with a parallel run of the existing system to ensure a smooth transition.

Following this, the commission addressed an ordinance to execute a loan agreement with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. This $2,000,000 loan, which includes principal forgiveness, is intended to finance a new green filter at the water treatment plant. The project aims to address manganese contamination in the city’s water supply, aligning with the emerging contaminant program. The loan will incur some interest during the project timeline, but the overall initiative is expected to enhance water quality for residents.

The meeting concluded with both resolutions receiving unanimous approval from the commission, marking significant steps toward improving city services and infrastructure.