MS HB876

Beginning July 1, 2014, the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges shall establish a central business office to administer payroll, accounting, accounts receivable, and accounts payable services for all community and junior college districts in the state.

The State Board shall prepare and distribute all payroll checks and electronic funds transfer payments for instructional and noninstructional community college employees, with local districts transferring funds monthly by the 20th of each month.

Beginning July 1, 2014, the State Board shall serve as the purchasing agent for all community and junior college districts, consolidating purchases of perishables, food, commodities, equipment, supplies, utilities, and transportation vehicles, with petty cash purchases under $100 exempt from competitive bid requirements.

The State Board shall determine annual savings from consolidation of payroll and purchasing functions and include those savings as a separate line item in its budget request for legislative appropriation to support the community and junior college system.

The Executive Director of the Department of Finance and Administration may consolidate these offices into the Department of Finance and Administration with gubernatorial approval, with affected employees remaining nonstate service members for two years following transfer.