Heated exchange in Findlay committee over payroll software access and who should control system changes

A contentious debate over an ordinance that would authorize additional administrators for Findlay’s payroll and timekeeping software dominated the finance committee meeting on May 5.

The chair introduced the ordinance, which would give a second office (IT or HR) limited administrative ability with the payroll system so departments can resolve access and operational questions. The auditor objected to granting operational control outside the statutory fiscal officer, saying some changes could risk system integrity: "I will not give up my statutory authority," the auditor said.

Administration representatives pushed back, saying operational access is necessary for departments to understand and optimize the system. One administration speaker accused the auditor’s office of obstructing access and providing incorrect information to employees, saying the auditor had been "the biggest obstruction in this system." The auditor and others rejected that characterization as misleading in the meeting.

Committee members sought clarification about the term "transitional access" and who would hold authority in emergency or turnover situations; the auditor said he would provide follow-up details. The chair asked that the administration resend the draft ordinance and asked the committee to review it carefully before making a recommendation to council.

The committee did not adopt the ordinance at the May 5 meeting. Next steps include circulation of the draft resolution, follow-up clarifications about transitional access from the auditor’s office and planned committee review and recommendation to council.