Cost Concerns Delay West Virginia State Payroll Change

Cost concerns have delayed the state’s switch to issuing paychecks biweekly instead of semi-monthly.

Legislative auditors say the payroll change would give employees an additional paycheck once every 11 years. The extra pay would cost an estimated $55 million.

The switchover began earlier this year at several state agencies, along with the governor’s, auditor’s and treasurer’s offices. The switchover for other agencies was scheduled in December.

The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports that the state Enterprise Resource Planning Board voted on Monday to delay the next wave to allow time to address the concerns.

Auditor Glen Gainer objected to the delay. He said it will complicate calculations of pensions and leave times, which will cost taxpayers money.