Bexar County officials are pushing forward with the implementation of the Workday system, a significant shift aimed at modernizing payroll processes and reducing reliance on paper. During a recent Commissioners Court meeting, County Judge Nelson Wolff emphasized the urgency of this transition, stating, "I expect this done," and highlighting the need for all departments to embrace the new system to avoid potential payroll disruptions.

The Workday project, with a budget of approximately $14 million, is designed to streamline payroll operations and enhance efficiency. David Smith, a key figure in the project, explained that employees must enter their time into Workday to receive their paychecks, marking a departure from the previous automatic payment system that sometimes led to errors. "If you don't utilize Workday, you won't get paid," Smith warned, underscoring the system's critical role in ensuring accurate payroll.

Mark Gaetcher, another project leader, shared insights from the ongoing implementation, noting that lessons learned from the earlier Odyssey system rollout are being applied to ensure a smoother transition. He mentioned the importance of training, stating that every department has identified trainers to facilitate the process, which is mandatory for all staff.

The anticipated benefits of Workday include significant cost savings and improved efficiency, as the county moves away from outdated manual processes. Smith highlighted that the transition could save millions by reducing paper usage and streamlining administrative tasks, allowing employees to focus more on their core responsibilities.

As the county prepares for a go-live date in June 2025, officials are committed to addressing any challenges that arise during the implementation. Judge Wolff reassured attendees that while there may be initial glitches, the long-term goal is to create a more efficient and environmentally friendly payroll system. The court's proactive approach aims to ensure that all departments are on board and ready for the upcoming changes, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and communication throughout the process.