Firm Hired to Overhaul California's State Government Payroll in 'Over its Head' and 'May Be Unable to Reach its Goal'

It's utterly asthounding, the amount of money burned up by the endlessly voracious bureaucratic entitlement state. But California keeps throwing up example after example. One of these days it's going to be a bunch of road warriors out here. We're just counting down to the fiscal apocalypse.

At the Los Angeles Times, "Overhaul of California government payroll system at risk of collapse":

SACRAMENTO — One of the state's biggest technology endeavors, a $371-million overhaul of the government payroll system, is beset with problems and "in danger of collapsing," according to the state controller's office.

The company hired for the project is in over its head and may be unable to deliver on its promise to update a payroll system so old that even simple salary adjustments can tie it in knots, the controller's chief administrative officer said in a letter.

The state has spent at least $254 million so far on contractors, staff salaries, software and more for the system upgrade, which is five years overdue and has nearly tripled in cost since lawmakers authorized it in 2005.

"The project … is foundering and is in danger of collapsing," administrator Jim Lombard wrote to the contractor, SAP Public Services, in October. Lombard said the new system is not capable of processing "any portion of the state payroll population, let alone the full population of approximately 240,000 employees."

An SAP spokesman, Andy Kendzie, said the company is meeting its contractual obligations.

"Considering the project's complexity, and the many requirements involved in payroll processing, there have been some challenges," Kendzie said in a statement. "Despite these, SAP remains committed to the overall success of the project."

Technology quagmires have become a hallmark of California state government, with delays and cost overruns common...

Do tell.

Go finish reading at that top link.

Not to worry about yesterday's failed Mayan apocalypse prophecy. The ethnic wizards of our once-Golden State will be sure to see that puppy through!