In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant changes in election processes and budgetary considerations for the upcoming year. The conversation highlighted a notable increase in absentee and mail-in ballots, which have surged by 27% since 2002, attributed largely to the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend has prompted a proposal to upgrade election equipment to enhance efficiency and reduce long hours on election night.

The proposed shift to a central count machine aims to streamline the ballot counting process, providing staff with greater flexibility to manage evolving election laws and procedures. Officials noted that the current equipment has served well for nearly two decades, and the new system is expected to maintain that reliability. The estimated cost for the new equipment is approximately $52,820, with funding sourced from existing grants and budget allocations.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the preliminary budget and levy for the upcoming year. The general fund budget is projected at $13.7 million, reflecting a 17.16% increase. Key budget requests include the addition of a full-time maintenance technician to address deferred maintenance needs and a new HR generalist position aimed at improving human resources processes. The preliminary levy stands at 9.81%, consistent with last year's figures, although officials expressed optimism about reducing it further before finalization.

Overall, the discussions underscored the importance of adapting to changing electoral dynamics and ensuring adequate resources for county operations as they prepare for the upcoming fiscal year.