SYRACUSE, N.Y. (Dec. 26, 2024) — The City of Syracuse’s efforts to overhaul its payroll system, initiated in 2019, have faced continued delays and escalating costs despite over $10.5 million in authorized contracts. Originally spurred by a state recommendation and a $2 million grant, the city contracted with multiple consultants, including Cherry Road Technologies, Advanced IT, and Ernst & Young, to implement modern systems like Oracle HCM and Kronos. However, city officials recently announced that Oracle’s rollout, scheduled for January 1, 2025, is postponed, adding to a series of setbacks that have plagued the project.
Councilor Corey Williams and other city officials have voiced growing concerns over the delays and inefficiencies. The Common Council approved increases to contracts, including EY’s, which ballooned from $1.8 million to $6.4 million, yet key systems remain inoperable. Issues like failed implementation of the Syracuse Workforce Central platform and reliance on outdated systems like the 1980s-era IBM AS400 continue to hamper progress. Employees have reverted to manual timekeeping in some cases, raising doubts about the efficacy of modernization efforts.
As Syracuse faces a potential structural budget deficit, the urgency of cost-saving measures has intensified. City officials stress the importance of payroll upgrades for streamlining human resources and financial functions. Chief Administrative Officer Frank Caliva had projected a functional system by 2025, but the latest delay signals ongoing challenges in realizing those goals. Officials have yet to decide the next steps. Concerns mount over the city’s return on investment. There is also worry about its ability to modernize critical infrastructure.