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Supervisors approve two permanent Department of Elections outreach positions to comply with DOJ language assistance finding
Summary
The board approved adding two permanent outreach positions in the Department of Elections — converting functions that had been funded through temporary salaries — after hearing staff explain the change is aimed at complying with a Department of Justice finding about language assistance for Chinese and Spanish speakers.
The Board of Supervisors on Dec. 12 voted to amend the annual salary ordinance to add two permanent positions for the Department of Elections to formalize existing outreach work now performed by temporary employees.
Supervisors questioned costs, scope and necessity before the vote. Linda Tulad, deputy director for the Department of Elections, described the two positions as outreach workers — one manager and one supervisory position responsible for voter outreach and oversight of materials production — work that the department currently performs using temporary hires. Deborah Newman of the Budget Analyst’s Office and staff from the Controller’s Office explained the change creates permanent civil‑service positions in the annual salary ordinance; no new appropriation was attached to the ordinance because departments said they could absorb the positions within existing budgets.
Supervisor Sandoval, citing a September 2006 letter from the U.S. Department of Justice, said the city must provide written materials and assistance in languages where an identifiable language group exceeds the statutory threshold for language assistance under federal law. Board supporters said converting the outreach function to permanent status helps ensure sustained assistance to Chinese‑ and Spanish‑language voters and better compliance with the Voting Rights Act.
Opponents cautioned about adding permanent positions mid‑year. Supervisor Ellsburn (who voted no) said the board should consider a broader budget discussion in June rather than adding permanent positions now; other supervisors said keeping outreach staff on temporary salaries had produced turnover and reduced continuity.
Board members asked about benefits: comptroller’s office staff said temporary outreach workers generally work no more than half the year and do not receive retirement but do receive health benefits. Supporters argued permanent positions with full benefits would reduce turnover and improve sustained outreach to language communities.
The ordinance passed on first reading in a roll call that recorded 10 ayes and 1 no.
