Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Payroll Automation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
AC Valley explores payroll automation after staff warn outsourcing quotes were costly
Summary
The district’s new business manager, Erin Morrison, told the board payroll work remains largely paper-based and that outsourcing quotes equaled the cost of a full-time employee; board members discussed automation and using vendor platforms to reduce data-entry burden before making staffing changes.
Board members spent a substantive portion of the Oct. 14 workshop probing payroll processes and whether technology or outsourcing could reduce administrative burden.
Board member John asked who verifies time entries and whether time clocks or automation could streamline payroll. Erin Morrison explained that the district currently relies on paper timesheets signed by supervisors, which she then enters into the district system, and that PSERS and other monthly and year-end reports add to the workload. “We do not do time clock… it’s all still paper time sheets,” Morrison said.
Morrison told the board she solicited outsourcing quotes. One vendor’s proposal effectively priced out like hiring a full-time replacement; another vendor lacked experience with the district’s pension processing (PSERS), which Morrison flagged as a disqualifying concern. Board members suggested exploring vendor platforms that automate data entry and allow district staff to retain control of core functions while using external tools for time capture and approval.
Why it matters: Payroll is a recurring operational function with legal and reporting requirements (pension contributions, vendor reporting, and end-of-year filings). Board members emphasized preserving a reliable backup while lowering the day-to-day manual work.
What’s next: The administration will continue investigating automation options and vendor platforms and will keep the board informed before making staffing or outsourcing decisions.
