For the past 10 weeks or five pay periods, some Dallas County employees have reviewed their pay stubs and found obvious errors such as missed time, incorrect vacation time, and sick leave. Some employees haven't received a check at all.
“Some didn't get a check on their first payroll, some didn't get a paycheck at all. Some clerks actually almost had their cars impounded.” Dallas County Sheriff's Association President said Detective Sergeant Christopher Dyer.
The problems began when the county upgraded its payroll system. Sergeant Dyer said the payroll system is used by more than 6,500 employees in the county, from jail staff to court staff to the sheriff's department. And these problems are hurting morale.
“We've had employees come to us and say, 'I can't pay my bills.' We literally had to pay them some money to get them through the weekend,” Dyer said. said.
Today, Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown sent a letter demanding that the county pay its employees. She said the pay issue violates federal labor law, she wrote:
“I am committed to ensuring that the employees of the Dallas County Sheriff's Department are properly compensated and that all outstanding compensation for those employees who have worked in good faith with the expectation of full pay will be immediately remedied. I insist.”
Sergeant Dyer said when employees went to the payroll office for answers, some found closed signs taped to their doors. Some say their payroll staff told them there would be an adjustment on their next check.
“The next check is coming and it hasn’t arrived yet,” Dyer said.
Some employees filed complaints with the Ministry of Labor.
We reached out to Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins for comment. In a statement he said:
“It's clear that it's important that everyone is paid on time and in full. Dallas County is committed to resolving this issue and will cooperate fully with the Department of Labor.”
“When will it be fixed?” Dyer said. “If we have to put in additional personnel overtime to get all of this done, we hope the county puts in the resources to resolve this issue quickly. That needs to happen.” That is true.”
We reached out to the Department of Labor for comment, but did not receive a response.
