The city is looking into contracting out payroll services in an effort to find efficiencies, but say no layoffs should result.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
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The city is considering whether to contract out its payroll services office to find efficiencies and potentially cost savings, but such a move may not result in layoffs.
“We are looking at options of what is out there from the managed payroll services realm,” said Karla Kochan, the city’s director of human resources, known as “People Services” department, which oversees the three-person payroll department.
The city is looking to update processes and technology and supply for “an improved employee experience when it comes to timesheets, inquiries, coding, statements and other matters,” said Kochan.
“(We) do not expect any changes in the personnel count, however role specific duties may look different.”
A request for proposals from private-sector payroll companies was published late month ahead of a final submission deadline next week.
That process asks interested companies to provide an overview of their services and credentials, potentially ahead of more advanced discussions with a select number of applicants.
The city currently has 1,261 employees on its payroll, including workers under five separate union contracts, as well as managers and out-of-scope employees.
The city also provides payroll service for the Medicine Hat Public Library under agreement with the legally separate entity.
