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County elections staff seek iPad grant recognition and warn of special‑election costs; mobile DMV schedule tightened
Summary
Elections staff asked the board to accept a $52,641 state grant for iPads to replace aging devices used at polling places, warned a likely special congressional election could cost the county roughly $40,000, and outlined changes to mobile DMV routes and extended Thursday hours for 2025.
Elections and DMV staff updated the board on multiple operational items including a state grant to replace end‑of‑life iPads used at polling locations, a planned expansion of Thursday evening service in DMV, adjustments to the county’s mobile DMV calendar, and the likely budget impact of a special congressional election.
Elections director Jeff reported the county applied for and expects a state grant of $52,641.68 to purchase 50 iPads to replace aging devices used in polling places; the county is treating the award as reimbursement‑based and the vendor requires ordering and configuration steps before devices arrive. Staff noted the procurement and configuration timeline may push delivery into spring and that the county has to recognize the grant in its budget before final purchases are recorded. The board voted to accept the grant in committee and move a budget amendment to finance for final recognition.
Separately, Jeff told the committee the likely special congressional election for the 21st congressional district could require roughly $40,000 in additional spending: inspector pay for nine days of early voting, contracted trucks for ballot transport and other operating costs. He said the date depends on a federal certification timeline, but the county should expect a special election some time between March and late April. The board discussed options including temporarily covering purchases from contingency or using iterative reimbursements once state grant money arrives.
On DMV operations, staff reported EZ‑Pass sales have been active (about 25 sold in the first month), mobile DMV calendars are being adjusted (Granville remains the highest‑traffic stop; Salem is being cut due to low transactions), and Thursday evening hours will be reinstated April–September to serve boat/trailer season and other needs. DMV staff also said the county is reviewing the impact of real‑ID and enhanced IDs and forecasted increased license renewals in coming years (particularly 2026–2028). Mobile service, dealer work and server compatibility at some library locations were cited as scheduling constraints.
The board voted to recognize the grant for iPads conditionally and to move a finance motion; members also discussed a path to place early orders and reimburse a department budget if needed to meet configuration timelines. No final procurement approvals were recorded at the meeting; staff were directed to coordinate with finance and bring formal budget amendments to the next finance meeting.
