Council to consider Gallagher amendment to provide payroll backup during UKG Pro implementation

Director Laird told the Committee of the Whole on Jan. 6 that Human Resources requests council placement on the Jan. 20 consent calendar of a fifth amendment to the Gallagher services contract. Laird said Gallagher has provided HR and benefits services to the city and that HR is bringing Gallagher in to provide a comprehensive review of internal payroll processes and to act as a payroll-processing backup during the city's UKG Pro payroll system implementation and anticipated staff leaves.

"The cost for the fifth contract amendment to provide this payroll backup service will be approximately $13,350 per pay period," Laird said, adding the consultant could be available for up to 12 pay periods, which "would cover about 6 months and so the total estimated cost is $160,200." She said HR will fund the work from the existing 2025 professional services budget and will use funds only as necessary.

Council members asked whether the six-month horizon was Gallagher's recommendation or an internal planning assumption, whether the city had contingency plans if staff leaves extended, and whether hiring temporary employees had been considered. Laird said six months was an internal planning horizon tied to upcoming staff leave and the UKG Pro timeline, that HR selected a consultant with deep payroll experience because the city's payroll is complex, and that she would return to council if additional funds were required. Council raised no objection to placing the item on the Jan. 20 consent calendar.