Williamsport mayor: Technology to make information accessible in ‘real time’
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Mayor Derek Slaughter has long wanted to bring in technology and software to make the city human resources, payroll and finances efficient, accurate and transparent for employees and city taxpayers.
"We've done that, and we'll take it to the next level," he said, adding his appreciation to City Council for approving the network of systems about to be implemented.
Human resources and payroll software packages are expected to roll out on April 1, he said. The financial software is scheduled to be put out on July 1.
The purpose is to bring the financial office into the 21st century.
"It gets us where we need to be," Slaughter said.
The financial software is a part of the overall financial strategic strategy being implemented in a program approved by council through the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
Recently, the council approved the purchase of laptop computers for its members and the city clerk -- equipment that can be digitally aligned to work with this financial strategy.
Benefits of having updated data at the fingertips of council and the administration is when the officials are making key decisions regarding taxes and finance.
The good part about the program is DCED bears the 70% percentage of the cost of software, Slaughter said.
The information will be up-to-date and give the public a chance to review it.
"It has a forward-facing component so the citizens or anyone can see in real time where we stand related to finances," Slaughter said.
Its implementation is pending council approval and approval from DCED, he said.
Also, the human resources department appears ready to go with its new computer software, which is to have an employee portal that will help city workers to more easily interact with their questions on their benefits and other issues.
The work is done in conjunction with Kris Black, information technology officer.
Black has routinely briefed finance and other council committees, as he asks for approval for purchasing the equipment and updates the council members on its estimated cost, benefits, use and functions.
The city is looking at department heads getting credit cards as part of the new system, which is expected to save time and money.
It makes it easier to reconcile accounts at the end of the year instead of receiving check requisitions for every single purchase, Slaughter said of the card system.
"We can buy in bulk," he said, which is most times less expensive and the credit cards are tracked for cleaner and more efficient calculation for budget purposes.
The former administration and its documentation of finances and payroll had problems that required corrective action.
With the software, the public can have confidence as well as they will be able to see exactly what we are doing related to the finances, so that we hopefully never get in this position again," Slaughter said.