New IT system leading to pay problems for DOJ, Judicial Council

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Some state agencies, including the Judicial Council and the Wisconsin Department of Justice, continue to face problems with the state’s new IT system.

At the council’s meeting Friday, members complained about the state’s recent transition to new software for managing payroll and accounts payable.

The transition is part of a statewide initiative to migrate the computer systems across all state agencies into a single, updated system. Some state agencies had reported problems with bills getting paid, and in January some state employees were not paid for overtime.

April Southwick, staff attorney for the council, which suggests changes to rules governing the state’s courts to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, said her last paycheck was short $400 and late notices are piling up for the council’s bills.

“They are so backlogged on paying bills,” Southwick said. “It’s ridiculous. … The (state Department of Administration) told me I was lucky I haven’t had our services shut down.”

She also said she is still waiting for council members’ travel vouchers to be paid.

Greg Weber, the Attorney General’s appointee to the council and the director of criminal appeals for the state Department of Justice, echoed Southwick’s complaints.

“I can second everything April said. Bills are not being paid in a timely manner,” he said. “People who provide services to the state of Wisconsin are not happy.”

The State Public Defender’s Office did experience some problems, however they have been resolved and any irregularities are being addressed as they are reported, said Randy Kraft, communications director for SPD.

DOA Communications Director James Dick could not be immediately reached Friday. Follow @erikastrebel