Griggs County staff plan to implement web-based timekeeping module in payroll software

GRIGGS COUNTY, N.D. — County staff told the Griggs County Commission on Aug. 29 that the county plans to implement a web-based timekeeping and payroll module that is already included in the county's current software contract and will not require additional purchase.

"Module was already included in the in the contract originally. Mhmm. So we're not paying any extra for it," said a county staff member who participated in the demonstration webinar. Staff described the module as able to accept departmental approvals, push approved time directly into payroll, track vacation and sick accruals, and provide online pay stubs and W-2 access.

Staff and commissioners discussed operational details for employees who begin work at remote locations. The proposed approach is to install an iPad or similar device at the county shop for shop employees to clock in and out; employees who begin work from home would be able to use a mobile app to clock in remotely. Wayne, who asked questions about billing for township work, was told that township billing would still rely on handwritten daily detail used for invoices, while the timekeeping module would feed payroll hours to the clerk.

Staff said supervisors would review and approve employees' punches before payroll is processed. "If somebody forgot to clock in or out, Wayne can go to his computer, open it up, and then do the adjustment," a staff member said. The system allows supervisors to make edits and to transfer approved time to payroll; staff described the functionality as reducing manual entry and errors for the payroll clerk.

Participants also raised technical considerations. County staff said remote clocking can be enabled but depends on cellular service and configuration; inside-building Wi-Fi and cell coverage vary by site, which could limit some remote punches. Training and an initial implementation period were discussed; staff proposed starting the module once it is fully configured — possibly at the start of a new quarter (Oct. 1) — or at the next payroll cycle if setup completes sooner.

Commissioners expressed general support for the plan but asked staff to monitor implementation and bring back problems for adjustments. No formal vote was recorded to approve a separate purchase; staff indicated the county already has access to the module through its existing contract and sought the commission's blessing to proceed with setup and roll-out.