Treasurer warns payroll vendor delays have slowed financial reporting

Julie, the town treasurer, told the Board of Selectmen on April 27 that the town’s expense, revenue and general ledger for 2024 are posted and that staff are working through 2025 journal postings. She said payroll processing has been slow because the payroll company is short‑staffed and Trio, the municipal finance software vendor, has new personnel in training, and that those factors have delayed delivery of the payroll warrant.

“I thank you very much for having me tonight,” Julie said, explaining that payroll processing typically takes a minimum of three days and that quarterlies require manual review. She told the board she has been working with Trio and the payroll vendor to resolve errors and expects the outstanding financials to be available “tomorrow or Friday.”

Julie also addressed questions about vacation pay and how municipal pay is handled when a new year’s budget is not yet adopted, saying the town follows state rules and prior‑year budgeting practices to continue payroll while formal approvals are completed. She noted the office has a part‑time deputy who helped get reports ready and that staff are cleaning up the town chart of accounts in advance of an audit.

Why it matters: timely and accurate financials affect warrant approvals, FOAA responses and the town’s ability to meet obligations such as liens and foreclosures. The board agreed to hold payroll warrant action until the corrected documents are available and to continue coordinating with the treasurer.

The board will review the corrected financials at the next meeting once staff deliver the outstanding documents.