In a recent St. Francois County Commission meeting held on May 20, 2025, officials discussed the implementation of a mobile time and attendance policy for county employees, particularly focusing on the costs and effectiveness of various tracking methods. The proposed mobile app solution, estimated at $13,440, raised concerns among commissioners regarding its necessity and potential alternatives.

The discussion highlighted the importance of accurately tracking when employees, especially deputies, come on and off duty. Past issues with time reporting have led to speculation about employees' actual hours worked, prompting the need for a reliable system. One suggestion was to utilize existing technology, such as the Microsoft Authenticator app, to authenticate employee check-ins without incurring the high costs associated with new equipment.

Commissioners expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of any system that relies on the honor system, emphasizing that without proper supervision, employees might not accurately report their hours. The conversation also touched on the potential for using Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) already present in some vehicles, which could streamline the process without additional expenses.

As the meeting progressed, the commissioners considered various options, including badge cards and fingerprint recognition systems, to enhance accountability. The overall goal is to find a solution that minimizes costs while ensuring accurate time tracking to prevent overtime fraud and mismanagement.

The commission plans to take the matter under advisement, aiming to explore all available options before making a financial commitment. The discussions underscored the need for a balanced approach that addresses both the financial implications and the operational integrity of employee time reporting. As the county moves forward, the focus will remain on developing a system that is both efficient and cost-effective, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely while maintaining accountability within the workforce.