Clerk‑auditor proposes one staff cut, outlines election upgrades and flags audit cost questions

The clerk‑auditor presented the office’s 2026 draft budget and proposed reducing staff by one, saying the finance director would absorb some operational duties. "I'm proposing a reduction of staff by 1 for the 2026 budget year," the clerk‑auditor said during the Oct. 10 Grand County Budget Advisory Board meeting.

The proposal would eliminate the accounts receivable clerk position currently held by Crystal Santana and moves some day‑to‑day duties to Finance Director Chantelle Lindsey. The clerk‑auditor said the change reduces payroll costs but leaves the office without a previous backup for coverage when staff are out.

The clerk‑auditor also described the county’s election budget and recent equipment purchases aimed at increasing in‑office capacity. The office acquired a ballot‑on‑demand printer and a digital poll pad (an iPad for check‑in) to produce and manage ballots locally; the clerk‑auditor said those purchases were pursued…