The Erie County Legislature’s Majority Caucus continues to implement initiatives that will improve efficiency and accountability within the Legislature. Starting in March, the entire Legislative staff was placed on the county’s electronic payroll swipe system; ensuring employees are accountable for their time worked.

“The vast majority of the county’s employees already operate on the system and adding the Legislature staff just ensures that we are operating as efficiently as possible. Although a very basic step, bringing this change soon after taking control of the Legislature demonstrates a much larger push for improvement,” said Chairman John Mills. “This is an important initiative taken by the new Legislature Majority to operate a transparent body of government.”

The move also eliminates the archaic method of time-keeping and payroll that involved paper sign-in forms and unnecessary steps to input information for each employee. The electronic system connects the Legislature staff directly with the County’s Personnel Department.

“All levels of county government should be as transparent as possible. This system brings a level of accountability that had been lacking within the Legislature,” said Majority Leader Joseph Lorigo. “I am proud to see this improvement implemented so quickly under the new Majority Caucus’ leadership.”

The installment of the new swipe system is another step in creating a more efficient Legislature. It coincides with the Majority Caucus request that the Comptroller perform a five-year review of expenditures and budget practices within the body. The new swipe system, incorporated with the review, will bring the Legislature to a new level of accountability and efficiency that have been lacking.