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County clerk flags election-cost uncertainty; commissioners hold attorney‑client session on an election matter
Summary
County Clerk Jennifer Gateson warned of uncertain election expenses tied to potential equipment upgrades and ballot volumes; commissioners approved an executive session under attorney‑client privilege to discuss a separate election matter and returned with no action taken.
County Clerk Jennifer Gateson reviewed the clerk’s operational budget needs and warned that election-related expenses are difficult to predict for 2026. She noted the county may need to replace election machines to meet new requirements, that machine upgrades are costly and state rules will influence purchases.
Gateson said the county has considered electronic poll books to reduce poll-worker counts and long‑term costs: “If I get poll books, we can bring it down to 2 people at the smaller locations instead of 4,” she said, noting initial hardware costs would be offset by fewer poll workers across high-turnout precincts.
Gateson also described routine election costs such as advertising and ballot printing, which fluctuate with turnout and ballot complexity. She said past comparable years (notably 2022) had election expenses near $9,000 for a primary or general cycle and that the county continues to evaluate whether to add contingency to account for possible high-turnout constitutional amendments or additional ballots.
On equipment, Gateson said state and federal rules have increased technical and security requirements for voting systems and that some current machines cannot be upgraded to meet new standards. “I’m gonna get quotes on the old books and then reach out and get quotes on the other stuff too to replace them,” she said.
Separately, the commission voted to move into an executive session to discuss an election matter under attorney-client privilege. The motion — made publicly by Commissioner Kenny Raulerson — was seconded and approved by voice vote; the commission recessed for the session and later reconvened, stating no decisions were made in executive session.
Treasurer Leah Hearn and other elected department heads also described operational adjustments: Hearn said she is exploring leasing copiers to avoid rising maintenance costs and continues to budget for legally required publications such as delinquent real-estate notices.
No formal budget appropriations or equipment purchases were approved at the meeting; staff will continue to refine election cost estimates, solicit quotes for equipment, and return with budget recommendations.
