Time, Absence and Pay

Employees will soon be provided with a Workday checklist of items and tasks to complete in Workday after go-live. The checklist will include reviewing your pay elections, personal information and absences (time off). This checklist is to help all employees changeover to Workday for their payroll and absence needs with minimal disruption.   

Employee pay (including taxes and other withholdings) will be managed in Workday in the Payroll module. Current account and deposit information will be in Workday at go-live. Your first paycheck in January 2024 will be located in Workday, not the ESS website.

Except for Police & Fire, all employee requests for time off will be made in the Absence module in Workday starting December 21st.

Employee time (hours worked) will be entered by assigned department timekeepers in the Time Tracking module in Workday. Whether you currently use a timeclock or paper timesheets or Telestaff – keep it up! The timekeepers or Telestaff integration will get that information into Workday for payroll.

Workday training is currently available for employees and managers; sign up in the Workday Learning Management System. Job aids are also available to all employees in Workday Drive – so there are step-by-step instructions available to help you check your leave balances, request time off, update your personal information, view your paycheck statement, and so much more!

Back by Popular Demand: Survival Spanish for First Responders

Starting next month, KCKPD is offering its interactive class, Survival Spanish, which ideal for first responders and UG employees who have regular contact with the Spanish-speaking public.

You'll learn the basics of the Spanish language and key phrases that will allow you to communicate more effectively during your interactions with our Spanish-speaking residents. One-hour classes start at 10AM and then repeat at 4PM weekly for eight weeks. You can pick the time that works best for your schedule each week. The new sessions start Tuesday, January 9 at KCKPD Headquarters. Register here or email Captain Navarro at onavarro@kckpd.org

Tom Wiss, Legislative Auditor, to retire after 43 years of service

After 43 years in the County Auditor's and Legislative Auditor's Office, Thomas L. Wiss has announced his retirement, effective December 20, 2023. Please join us as we celebrate Tom with a reception in his honor on Tuesday, December 19 from 1-3PM in the Division 1 3rd Floor Courtroom.

Tom began his career in what was known as the County Auditor's office on December 8, 1980 and continued with the Legislative Auditor's office after consolidation. Tom was appointed Legislative Auditor on June 23, 2008, and has served in his capacity for approximately 16 years. The Legislative Auditor has the authority to conduct performance and financial of all departments, offices, boards, activities and agencies of the Unified Government.

During Tom's time as Legislative Auditor, the Association of Local Government Auditors awarded the office a Certificate of Compliance five times. This is the highest level of validation from the association and ensures the UG is operating in compliance with Government Audit Standards.

Tom looks forward to continuing to travel with his wife, Nancy, of 44 years. Hunting, fishing, and playing golf are some of his intended retirement activities. Possibly the most important activity in retirement is watching his grandchildren grow. Congratulations, Tom, and best wishes!

Transportation Employee of the Month

The UG Transportation department has launched a new Employee of the Month program. The December Employee of the Month is Debbie Boyd. Ms. Boyd has been a part of the UG family for 21 years and is always welcoming employees with her wonderful smile. Congratulations, Ms. Boyd!

Explore the 2023 Annual Report

Thank you to the many departments that shared their updates, key wins and progress from the past year. Check out the 2023 Annual Report, an overview of our community and organization, the accomplishments (and challenges) of the past year, as well as a look-ahead to 2024.

Learn more about how our County Administrator will be guiding us through change next year, addressing key goals of excellence in customer service; fostering government accountability; and promoting equitable economic development. Find the report on our website.

Stay Healthy this Holiday Season: Tips from Wyandotte County Public Health

For the holiday season, we've put together some health tips. 

• If you get sick with COVID or flu and are at high risk, consider antiviral treatment. Eligible people can register for a new free testing and treatment program for flu and COVID or find other COVID test-to-treat here.
• Get free at-home COVID tests. Order four FREE tests online or find test kits at locations in WyCo. If you have test kits that are "expired," check the FDA website to see if the expiration dates have been extended. 
• Get your flu and COVID vaccinations. Available by appointment at the Wyandotte County Public Health Department - call (913) 573-8855. Find other options at vaccines.gov.
• If high risk, get an RSV vaccination. People at higher risk are eligible for RSV vaccines (babies/young children and older adults). Please note: the Wyandotte County Public Health Department does not currently have RSV vaccines, but they are available at many retail pharmacies. Learn more about RSV at cdc.gov/rsv.

As you prepare for holiday meals and gatherings with friends, don't forget food safety practices. Learn more at foodsafety.gov. Stay safe and healthy this holiday season!

Improving Access to Healthcare through Transportation

UG Transit and the Wyandotte County Public Health Department partnered to provide non-emergency medical transportation for Wyandotte Countians to access healthcare appointments within the county called WyCo Health Link. There are nine (9) participating safety-net clinics, and individuals can participate in this program regardless of income, insurance coverage, or immigration status. The pilot program started in August 2022 and continues expanding to meet customer demand. To date, 625 residents have received transportation to safety-net clinics.

Microtransit Off to a Strong Start in Midtown and Edwardsville

UG Transit launched IRIS, a booking app, to support the Midtown and Edwardsville microtransit zones. Since implementation in October, 522 trips have been completed with a 4.7 rider rating. Some of the most recent reviews complement Operators' professionalism, driving skills, and safety.

Microtransit service allows passengers to request and pay for rides through the IRIS Mobile App (Google Play and iOS), the IRIS Booking Website, or by calling our dispatch center at 913-573-8351. All zones are $3 per person per ride.

• Midtown Zone: Monday through Friday from 5:30AM to 8PM.
• Edwardsville to Legends Zone: Sunday through Saturday from 7AM to 4:30PM.

New Transit Service Pilot Coming Soon to Northeast

The UG Transit Department has submitted a request for proposals to expand the existing microtransit program by implementing a one-year pilot to serve our community's underserved northeastern area. The pilot project will allow for a vital connection to the 7th and Minnesota Transit Center and 47th Street Transit Center, allowing residents to connect to other regional routes and mobility services. The proposed service area is Fairfax on the North to I-70 on the South between N. 43rd Street to the Kansas River. Stay tuned for more details as this pilot is developed!

It's Electric! (boogie woogie)

Thanks to a recent grant modification, the UG Transit team will assist the Fleet Department technicians with electric vehicle (EV) certifications. Instructors from KCKCC Tech Institute met with Fleet and Transit to discuss certifications and training requirements. Practice exams, EV refresher courses, and the xEV Electrical Safety Awareness Certification (Level One) and Technician Electrical Safety Certification (Level Two) are all part of the authorized KDOT project. Both departments eagerly anticipate the training opportunities and partnership with BPU, UG, and KCKCC. It's electric!

Steppin' Back Into the Classroom

The Wyandotte/Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging recently assisted in providing shoes to kids in Wyandotte County through the program, Steppin' Back Into the Classroom. This project assists grandparents aged 55+ who are the primary caregiver to their grandchildren by providing each child a pair of shoes for the 2023-2024 school year. 

This year, nine grandparents and 21 grandchildren participated in the program. These individuals are identified through the Area Agency on Aging partnership with the USD 500 Family Liaisons. Questions? Please contact Linda Ramirez at 913-573-8543.

Cold Weather Shelter Opens Next Week

Following months of preparation, the KCK Cold Weather Shelter will open next week at 550 State Ave.

Help with Basic Supplies: Cross-Lines and their community partners have created an Amazon Wishlist to help provide basic supplies and amenities for their operations this winter. Please check it out, share it with your community, and help us connect them with these necessary donations.

Volunteer Opportunities: There are also opportunities for volunteers to assist with meal service at the Cold Weather Shelter in KCK. Volunteers generally must be 18 years of age or older. Because this is a temperature based shelter, volunteers will be made aware that the shelter is open, no later than 9am. 

Navigating the Hutton & Leavenworth Roundabout

Not sure how to navigate the modern roundabout at Hutton & Leavenworth? That’s okay! Public Works has a short YouTube video to demystify roundabouts by offering a clear, bird’s-eye view of a single-lane modern roundabout in action. Live in the area? Encourage your neighbors to check it out.