Board of Elections to receive $480,204 upfront for May election; county approves precinct leave policy

The Lucas County Board of Commissioners approved March 12 a request from the Board of Elections to accept an upfront state allocation of $480,204 for administration and vendor costs associated with the May 2025 election.

Lavera Scott, representing the Board of Elections, told commissioners the allocation was included in Senate Bill 54 (captioned in the bill text as the New African Immigrants Grants and Gift Fund) and that county elections officials successfully advocated to receive funds prior to the election rather than as a reimbursement. Scott said the amount will cover the larger portion of county election costs, although municipalities on the ballot will still receive chargebacks for their share.

Commissioners asked whether the amount would be sufficient; Scott estimated it would cover roughly 90% based on prior elections and current vendor and ballot-cost projections. The board voted to accept the funds on a roll call and also approved continuation of a precinct-electoral leave program that allows county employees to serve in precincts without losing pay.

County officials said the move to receive funds up front was intended to ease cash-flow pressure for counties that would otherwise need to cover immediate election costs and wait for reimbursement. Commissioners additionally asked the county administrator to send a reminder to department directors about the precinct leave program so more employees can sign up to serve.

The measures passed on unanimous roll calls. Commissioners did not identify specific offsetting county budget lines; Scott said municipalities will receive chargebacks for their portions of the election costs.