Beginning in January most Island County employees will be receiving biweekly paychecks, a policy shift from the current monthly system of payment.

The Board of Commissioners approved the semi-monthly pay plan by resolution Monday, creating pay periods that run through the 15th and the final day of every month, with employees receiving paychecks for the previous two week’s earnings on those same days. The move, suggested by Auditor Suzanne Sinclair, will, in her estimation, clean up existing paperwork problems.

According to commission chairman Mike Shelton, the new payment policy is the result of extensive conversation with unions, though the county’s Sheriff’s Guild has opposed the shift. For the time being, sheriff’s personnel will continue to be paid on a monthly basis.

Beyond this snag, the board says it considers the measure a smart move that will save the auditor’s office time and prevent excessive holdovers for extra pay.

Island County Sheriff Mike Hawley said negotiations with the Sheriff’s Guild are held up over the key issue of payment being deferred for certain employees who quit, are terminated or are just beginning work.

“I think there was a question over the two week delay,” Hawley said last week. “That was what the guild took issue with.”

Hawley said he’s hopeful that the guild and the county can overcome any difficulties.

“I’m certainly looking forward to having a unified payroll system,” he said.

Sinclair praised the board for approving the resolution at its Oct. 21 meeting.

“I believe that this action will have great benefit to the employees of Island County in the long term,” Sinclair said.

Cited in the resolution are several reasons for the change to biweekly paychecks, including the fact that paycheck stubs are currently “long, filled with unusual codes and sometimes incomplete because of printing constraints.” The resolution also notes that pay records are confusing under the current pay schedule and new employees can wait up to a month for their pay, depending on when they are hired.

Also compelling the change is advice from the state auditor. That office has expressed concern over a monthly system, reporting that there is a greater risk for error in the payroll system as it is.

The change is supported by state law, and will begin Jan. 1. To cushion the effect of the change, the auditor recommended the board approve special advance loans to be allowed on Jan. 15 for employees affected by paycheck delays.

Commissioners also praised the change for its increased efficiency in how the auditor handles money.

“I think this is the appropriate thing to do, and will offer a great deal of clarity,” said Commissioner Bill Thorn.

Shelton said the new plan “provides a much better way to ensure that people get the correct pay.”

However, he said, employees who are terminated might be paid two weeks after they leave.