Board of Elections Meeting: Jan. 28, 2025

Board of Elections Meeting Recap: January 28, 2025

On January 28, 2025, the Board of Elections convened a meeting primarily focused on finalizing and presenting their budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year (2026) to County Management. The meeting, attended by all Board members, centered on ensuring the Board has adequate resources to maintain accurate and efficient election processes.

A significant portion of the meeting revolved around reviewing and adjusting the proposed budget, which initially requested approximately $1.4 million for operations, including a request to establish an Assistant Department Director position. Through proactive efforts, the Board was able to significantly reduce costs. Notably, a cost-saving initiative spearheaded by Sally dramatically reduced the budget for ballot tag replacement from $50,000 to just $5,000. Additionally, a discussion with the Assistant County Manager and budget team resulted in postponing the school board consolidation redistricting mailing to contingency, saving an additional $50,000. Minor adjustments were also made, including a slight increase of $2,200 for travel and training due to more accurate calculations using county per diem rates. The Board ultimately voted unanimously (4-0) to approve the revised budget for fiscal year 2026.

Beyond budgetary discussions, several key topics were explored. Board members strongly emphasized the importance of attending state and national conferences to stay abreast of frequent changes in election laws, arguing that these sessions are vital for maintaining competency and providing accurate information to voters. The Board also discussed the potential benefits of an Assistant Department Director position, acknowledging that its approval is unlikely but believing it’s a worthwhile discussion for future organizational structure. Concerns were raised regarding the ongoing issues with the county's phone system, prompting a discussion about potential backup solutions like walkie-talkies or leveraging cell phones. Finally, the Board addressed their frustration with the planned relocation of election services from 35 Woodfin, particularly regarding the decision to keep IT operations at that location despite county consolidation efforts. No satisfactory explanation for this decision has been provided by County Management to date.

Looking ahead, several action items were identified. Corrine and Mr. Aceto will present a PowerPoint presentation to the Assistant County Manager on February 28th as part of a larger group presentation. They will also meet with the Assistant County Manager and County Manager on February 7th to voice their concerns regarding the 35 Woodfin relocation. Corrine also shared that she consulted with the county attorney about drafting a resolution, receiving guidance on its format. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 11th at 3:30 PM to discuss the outcome of their meeting with County Management.

This meeting highlights the Board’s commitment to responsible fiscal management and ensuring the integrity of local elections. Residents can expect further updates following the February 7th and 28th meetings with County Management, as well as a discussion of the resolution at the February 11th follow-up meeting. The Board’s ongoing efforts to navigate budget constraints, stay informed on election law changes, and address operational challenges demonstrate their dedication to serving the community.