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Board of Elections seeks higher operating funds to cover ballot programming, maintenance and ramp rentals
Summary
Essex County Board of Elections presented a $259,280 increase in its 2025 budget driven by Dominion contract increases, equipment maintenance, more mail-in ballots, and higher rental costs for polling locations.
A representative of the Essex County Board of Elections told county commissioners the office is seeking increased appropriations for 2025 to cover higher vendor and operating costs tied to elections administration.
"There is an increase from 2024 to 2025 in the amount of $259,280," the presenter said, explaining the largest driver is an increase in the county's contract with Dominion and higher maintenance and rental fees. The board also moved some items into the professional services category to correct prior-line-item misallocations.
The presenter outlined specific cost pressures: an additional $40,000 for ballot-processing equipment maintenance, $118,250 for an increased Dominion contract, $30,000 more for stationery and printing tied to a rise in mail-in ballots, and about $51,830 for additional rental needs (including handicap-accessible ramps and rented tables and chairs). The board also noted telecommunication and web-hosting costs increased to support election information updates.
Board staff said all positions are currently filled. Commissioners asked about vacancy levels and machine performance; the presenter said the 2024 cycle saw no ballot-counting machine glitches but did experience heavy early-voting lines at a few sites and described steps taken (extra devices) to reduce wait times.
Ending: Commissioners accepted the explanation and noted the county will monitor election-year costs; no vote on budget changes occurred at the hearing.
