Anson County to explore new payroll service, emphasizes cross‑training after delayed deposits

Anson County commissioners on March 3 voted to explore alternative payroll services and to direct staff to pursue cross‑training and clearer internal payroll deadlines after recent pay deposits did not post at expected times for some employees.

Finance and HR staff told the board that payroll was submitted and processed to meet the county ordinance (Friday pay date), but that the timing of when banks and credit unions post direct deposits varies. County staff said the most recent payroll was larger than usual because it included election pay and overtime, and that some manual entries were needed when the regular payroll processor was on vacation.

Martinez Borsha, identified in the meeting packet as a finance representative, told commissioners they could not control when an employee’s bank posts a deposit after submission: “We don’t control what bank … pulls in. A lot of times we don’t even know who banks with who,” she said, explaining why some employees saw their funds later in the week.

Commissioner Woodburn moved that staff investigate other payroll vendors and report back; Commissioner Gatewood seconded. The motion — phrased as an exploration rather than an immediate switch — passed by voice vote. Commissioners also agreed to pursue cross‑training so more than one staff member can process payroll on a routine basis and to explore a formal deadline policy for department time submissions to reduce last‑minute manual entries.

Board members and staff discussed short‑term workarounds (manually keying missing time on the payroll side) and longer‑term options (moving to an integrated finance/payroll system that would reduce manual accounting work). Staff said they would return with research and recommendations.