East Central Reporter

In Shelby County, discussions about accurate timekeeping and payroll records continue to stir debate. At a recent Legislative Committee meeting, the Shelby County Health Department Administrator refused to allow the installation of electronic timeclocks. This decision comes despite their use in other county departments, except for the Sheriff's office, which advised full-time employees to stop using them after a forensic audit revealed over $750,000 in errors.

The AFSCME Union contract mandates that "The Employer shall maintain accurate daily attendance records," with department head records recognized as official for payroll purposes. However, discrepancies have emerged between benefit and payroll records at the Health Department. A FOIA request revealed that December 2023 payroll records showed no absences or variations in clock-in times among employees—a statistical improbability.

Further investigation into benefit time taken by Health Department employees during December showed inconsistencies with payroll data. Official records from the Health Department matched those from the County Clerk but lacked redacted signatures.

A grievance has reportedly been filed by health department employees against the county board's decision to implement electronic timekeeping under management rights provisions. The accuracy of attendance records remains contested.

Steve Melega, health department director, was contacted for comment but did not provide direct answers to questions regarding identical clock-in times and vacation discrepancies in work hours.

The issue raises concerns about public record accuracy and compliance with union contracts requiring precise documentation of attendance and fund usage.