Q. I would just like to know the reason why state employees are paid only once per month instead of every two weeks like other employees in the work force.
Mark Fahsholz
Walcott, N.D.
A. I contacted Pam Sharp, director of the state Office of Management and Budget. Here's what she told me:
"When the payroll system began for state government, it was set up as a monthly payroll.
ADVERTISEMENT
"When we implemented PeopleSoft in 2003 for payroll, the universities adopted what was built into PeopleSoft, which is a bimonthly payroll with a two-week lag. (For example), you work the 1st through the 15th, and you get paid for that on the first of the next month. There's a two-week lag.
"When we talked about implementing that in PeopleSoft for state agencies, there was just a huge resistance from employees.
"(Now), for April, you work the 1st through the 30th, and May 1, you get paid for that whole month. For people that are on salary, you get paid the day after that (month) ends.
"If we were to switch to a bimonthly, where you got paid the 1st and the 15th, because there has to be a two-week lag, on May 1, they wouldn't get paid just for that one time until May 15th. (In other words, there would be six weeks in between paychecks instead of four weeks that one time.)
"After that, they would be paid twice a month.
"Many, many agencies visited with the governor, wrote letters to the editor. No one wanted to go through that initial period of waiting for the lag. So, we made the decision to stay with the monthly payroll rather than upsetting everyone's personal finances.
"All the campuses now get paid twice a month. They were supportive of that. They thought it was worth it to go through that initial lag, and it all worked out fine for them. State employees, they were really adamant about not doing that.
"We went with what they asked us to do."
ADVERTISEMENT
Do you have a question for a North Dakota state government official or agency? Send us your question, and we'll do our best to find an answer.
Email politics@wday.com (Subject: Ask your government).
You may also write to Teri Finneman c/o Forum Communications, Press Room, State Capitol, Bismarck, ND 58505.
Please include your name, town and a phone number to reach you for verification.
