County approves mobile timekeeping, geofencing and scheduling software; commissioners seek consistent lunch/pay policies

Staff presented a timekeeping and scheduling software proposal that would replace paper timecards/time clocks and allow employees to clock in and out by computer or mobile device with geofence enforcement, department‑level approvals, PTO requests and shift swap functions. Staff said neighboring Banks County uses the same system and recommended adoption.

Commissioners asked how unpaid breaks and lunch periods would be handled and whether salaried employees and special‑circumstance staff (EMS, deputies called in for emergency shifts) would be treated differently. Staff said the system allows departments to set parameters and that department heads would continue to approve time before payroll processing. Commissioners emphasized the need for consistent schedules and clear handbook guidance to ensure fairness (for example, whether road crews on 10‑hour schedules are to be paid for lunches).

The sheriff’s office was discussed as a separate implementation decision — staff said deputies historically have not used the mobile app in the same way but that cars have in‑car computers and options exist to integrate law‑enforcement scheduling. Commissioners approved the motion to adopt the platform for payroll, scheduling and EMS scheduling; they asked staff to prepare policy clarifications and handle special cases during implementation.