Meriwether County approves $10 hourly increase estimate for elections workers; cost ~ $10,700

The Meriwether County Board of Commissioners approved an hourly-rate increase for workers who staff elections, with staff estimating the change will add approximately $10,700 to this year’s costs.

Staff explained the estimated increase was tied to the number of hours worked this year and noted last year’s cost was lower because it was a light election year. The board had tabled the item at an earlier meeting while staff prepared a fiscal estimate.

A commissioner moved to approve the increase after staff presented the $10,700 estimate; the motion was seconded and passed. The county finance office and elections staff will implement the pay change and account for the increased cost in the current budget.

Next steps: staff will update payroll and reflect the additional cost in budget monitoring.