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Grand Forks County approves move to biweekly pay, optional advance and hourly status for salaried nonexempt staff
Summary
The Grand Forks County Commission voted unanimously to switch the county pay cycle from twice-monthly to biweekly, approve an optional cash-advance loan for employees, and convert salaried nonexempt staff to hourly status; staff will work with Tyler Technology on implementation and return details on pay-lag options.
The Grand Forks County Commission voted unanimously to change the county payroll cycle from twice-monthly to biweekly, approve an optional cash-advance loan for employees and convert salaried nonexempt employees to hourly status.
County staff lead (Ford) told commissioners the county has completed the first two phases of a Tyler Technology upgrade and that the third phase — time and attendance — requires a policy decision. "The recommendation I'm gonna make for the board today is essentially twofold, which is getting the most out of the system we've paid for and procured and then, mitigating potential wage and hour claims," Ford said, recommending a biweekly pay cycle, a pay lag and an optional loan advance for employees.
Commissioners pressed staff on the proposed pay lag and garnishment handling. "If there was 50 warrants for arrest for failure to pay child support issued for all of our county staff, and it was somewhat our fault," one commissioner warned, urging staff to ensure garnishments would be handled correctly. The sheriff told the board that most employees polled preferred staying on the bimonthly schedule and urged caution about any change that would impose hardship on staff who live paycheck to paycheck.
Still, several commissioners said the county needs more efficient systems. One commissioner moved to approve "a biweekly system with an optional loan advance" and to convert salary nonexempt employees to hourly; the motion was seconded and the board conducted a roll-call vote. Commissioners Bierke, Rodney, Rost, Hagen and the presiding member all voted yes.
Staff will instruct Tyler Technology to proceed with configurations and report back on the exact implementation schedule and whether a one-week pay lag is feasible. Ford said a best-case timeline could result in a June live date next year if the board confirms options soon.
Votes at a glance: the commission also approved a state-required floodplain ordinance update, a parking-ramp change order (≈$3,000), and the township mileage certification; it tabled the coroner truck repair request and an airport authority appointment pending further review.
The board directed staff to make the transition as flexible as possible for employees and to provide clear guidance on garnishments, optional advances, and the implementation schedule.
