City hires contractor to outsource Grow1000 payroll, aims to protect donated wages

The commission approved a contract authorizing Management Business Solutions (MBS) to provide payroll, payroll-administration, talent operations and program management services for the city's Grow1000 summer internship program, not to exceed $500,000.

Miss Claren told commissioners the city had managed the program's payroll and paperwork in-house in prior years but judged the administrative burden of the six-week program too large for city HR and fiscal staff while the ERP implementation is still being fixed. Under the contract, MBS will collect applications, pre-employment documentation, time sheets, and issue payroll checks; Our Community's Children will continue to operate program placements and day-to-day program management.

Director Harris, who runs the Grow1000 effort, told the commission the program is entering its seventh year, serves young people aged 15'24, and had already received more than 200 applications; staff said the program had a goal of roughly 175 placements. Commissioners asked about the impact on donated funds; staff said donations would continue to be used for wages while city funds cover the outsourcing cost.

What happens next: MBS will begin onboarding and payroll setup; the city will monitor outcomes and report back to the commission.