Shawnee County Commission approves election equipment contract saving $50,000 annually

In a recent Shawnee County Commission meeting held on July 14, 2025, key discussions centered around budgetary considerations and contract approvals that could significantly impact the county's financial landscape for the upcoming years.

One of the primary topics was the approval of a contract with D4 Logistics LLC and D4 Improvements LLC for election equipment moving and delivery services, covering the 2025 through 2028 election cycles. Andrew Howell, the Shawnee County election commissioner, reported that this contract would save the county between $40,000 to $50,000 annually. Howell emphasized the importance of adhering to new state security requirements for the delivery of election equipment, which necessitated updates to their operational procedures. The motion to approve the contract passed unanimously.

The meeting also addressed the county's budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Financial Administrator Jennifer Sauer presented a challenging scenario where maintaining the current mill levy of 48.326 would require significant budget cuts. To achieve this, the county would need to reduce its budget by approximately $7.45 million, alongside utilizing $3 million from reserves to cover an additional pay period anomaly occurring in 2026. Sauer noted that the proposed budget increase from various departments would total over $15 million, highlighting the difficult choices ahead regarding staffing and project funding.

Commissioners discussed the implications of exceeding the revenue neutral rate, which would allow for a higher mill levy than the previous year. However, they acknowledged that any increase would necessitate careful planning and communication with the public. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the need to finalize decisions by September 20, 2025, to meet legal deadlines for budgetary resolutions.

In conclusion, the Shawnee County Commission's meeting revealed critical financial decisions that will shape the county's budget and services in the coming years. The approval of the election services contract marks a positive step towards cost efficiency, while the budget discussions signal a challenging path ahead as the county navigates fiscal constraints and community needs. The commission's next steps will be crucial in determining how they balance these competing priorities.