Elections director seeks new central tabulator; Board agrees to fund upgrade if grants unavailable

The county’s elections office asked the Board to approve purchase of a new central tabulation machine (the 9‑50 model) because the current 4‑50 unit is approaching compatibility limits with forthcoming software upgrades and had required service during the last election.

The elections director reported recent service calls and said neighboring counties have faced machine failures on election day; she recommended purchasing a 9‑50 to reduce the risk of a tabulator failure during a future election. The vendor provided ballpark pricing of roughly $136,000 for a 9‑50 central tabulator; elections staff said grant applications (two HEBA grants) are pending but uncertain.

The nut graf: the county has accumulated election and capital funds and staff recommended executing a purchase contract in the current fiscal year if grants do not materialize, so the county will have updated tabulation equipment and vendor training ahead of the next election.

Staff also discussed longer‑term replacement of precinct touchscreens (DS200 series) and a phased plan for rotating in compatible equipment to avoid a large one‑time purchase. The Board indicated support for moving ahead; staff said they will pursue grant funding but are prepared to use capital funds and include the purchase in the budget if grants are not awarded.

Ending: Elections staff will continue grant pursuit, work with the vendor on contract and training, and—if necessary—bring a purchase contract forward in the current fiscal year so equipment is in place before the next election cycle.