Commission approves time-clock software change, formalizes holiday policy and appoints safety coordinator

The Lamar County Commission on Nov. 24 approved several administrative changes, including a vendor switch for time-clock and payroll software, a personnel-policy amendment for Thanksgiving and the appointment of a county safety coordinator.

County staff said the current system from Harris Government is "a little out of date" and presented SmartFusion as a cheaper alternative. Staff reported current annual costs exceed $15,000; the SmartFusion package including payroll and clock-in support was quoted at $11,090 per year. Commissioners approved the change unanimously; staff said for up to two years both vendors may be retained during integration.

The commission also appointed Crystal Perkins as Lamar County safety coordinator, a role described as supporting compliance and qualifying the county for insurance premium discounts. "If you come up with those [training dates], let us know in advance and we'll schedule one of us or somebody appointed by us to go," a commissioner said regarding participation in safety training.

Finally, the board amended personnel policy so that the county observes Thanksgiving on Thursday and Friday annually (rather than Wednesday and Thursday) to align with recent state holiday changes; the motion passed by voice vote.

These administrative decisions were passed by unanimous voice votes, with staff directed to finalize contracts and circulate schedules and training information to commissioners and relevant departments.