Trinity County approves contract with elections consultant to support registrar transition and upcoming special election

The Trinity County Board of Supervisors voted Sept. 16 to approve an agreement with Inseparable Solutions LLC to provide transitional planning and election administration support, not to exceed $50,000 on an hourly basis.

County staff told the board the contract responds to an immediate staffing gap: the county’s current Registrar of Voters is retiring effective Dec. 31, and another experienced elections staffer departed recently. The consultant was described as a seasoned elections professional who will advise and provide hands-on support; county staff emphasized the consultant will not make official county election decisions, which remain the responsibility of the appointed registrar.

County Administrative Officer Trent Tuthill explained the contract is intended to ensure a legally compliant November special election and to provide transition support through the registrar appointment process. Tuthill also said the county submitted a request to the state controller for additional election funding and expects reimbursement for election expenses; he reported high confidence that those state funds will be received in September and could offset local costs.

Questions at the meeting focused on the contractor’s experience and background. County staff said the sector is niche and that the proposed consultant has had positive references from neighboring counties. Tehama County elections staff spoke during public comment to endorse the consultant’s training work with Tehama County’s elections office.

The board approved the agreement by roll-call vote.