The Osage County Commission meeting held on December 16, 2024, focused primarily on discussions surrounding a potential change in the county's payroll processing system. The meeting highlighted the need for a more efficient payroll solution, with members expressing concerns over the current system's reliability and the historical issues that have plagued it.

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the possibility of transitioning to a new payroll provider, specifically ADP, which is based in New Jersey. Commissioners noted that the current payroll system has been cumbersome and error-prone, leading to a desire for a more streamlined and electronic solution. The proposed change could potentially reduce payroll costs and improve efficiency, as ADP offers features that allow employees to access their documents and manage their information online.

Commissioners debated the frequency of payroll processing, weighing the options of monthly versus bi-weekly payments. Some members expressed concerns about employee preferences, noting that not all staff may want the same payment schedule. The discussion also touched on the timing of the transition, with some members advocating for a swift decision to alleviate ongoing payroll issues, while others preferred to take additional time to review the proposal thoroughly.

In addition to payroll discussions, the meeting briefly addressed a moratorium on solar energy projects in the county. The commission plans to extend the current regulations while further studies are conducted on the implications of solar energy development.

The meeting concluded with a decision to table the payroll provider discussion until the next meeting, allowing commissioners time to review the materials and gather more information. The overall sentiment was one of cautious optimism regarding the potential improvements to the payroll system, with a commitment to ensuring that all members are informed before making a final decision.