County reports jail staffing shortfalls, overtime and payroll/benefits glitches after benefit changes

Wichita County commissioners received a status report Jan. 9 on salaries, overtime and payroll implementation following recent benefits changes.

Staff reported the jail is down six employees and that several offers have been made. The presented paper noted overtime figures transcribed in the meeting as "5 61 over time of 1666 hours," and staff said roughly 666 hours of that total reflected vacation and sick-time coverage. Commissioners also noted an inmate at a Dallas hospital requiring continuous coverage that increased staffing load.

HR and payroll staff said implementing four holidays on a single payroll and changes to benefits caused several timekeeping issues; Colonial and the employee navigator required corrections and some employees will receive small paycheck refunds. County officials publicly thanked payroll staff Wilmer and James for weekend and late-night work to correct problems.

Commissioners discussed payday timing and possible future changes to the pay calendar once the timekeeping system stabilizes. Staff reminded employees that HRA reimbursements for 2025 expenses must be submitted by March.