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Auditor’s FY2027 budget preliminarily approved; elections staffing and precinct planning highlighted
Summary
Linn County preliminarily approved the auditor’s FY2027 budget after auditors described elections comparisons to FY2023 actuals, staffing (17.6 FTE), KPIs to increase voter access and a precinct-planning target ahead of the gubernatorial general.
The Linn County Board of Supervisors preliminarily approved the auditor’s FY2027 budget on Jan. 16, 2026 following presentations from auditor’s office staff.
Budget staff presented the FY2027 auditor appropriations and said elections are compared to FY2023 actuals because of cyclical election costs; the narrative and packet showed an appropriations figure of $3,375,416 while the motion recorded during the meeting read $3,325,416 (the transcript contains both figures; see clarifying details). Staff reported 17.6 full-time-equivalent positions in the auditor’s office and no current vacancies at the time of the presentation.
Rhonda Betsworth of the auditor’s office gave an overview of administration divisions (accounting/payroll, county clerk services, property tax services, real estate and elections). She noted recurring revenue items such as the P-Card rebate (budgeted at $40,000) and state liquor license revenue (about $6,500). The office said elections staffing includes two regular part-time positions in the elections group and that elections are expected to be under guidelines for FY27.
Linn County Auditor Todd Taylor emphasized a voter-access KPI and precinct planning. "The policy outcome is to ensure eligible voters have access to the vote," Taylor said, and he described a precinct-target objective for the upcoming gubernatorial general and work on equipment inventory and a five-year CIP for elections. Taylor noted the importance of trained, bipartisan precinct election officials and signaled continued work on polling-place logistics and a potential future consolidated elections building.
Board members expressed appreciation for detailed preparation and for the auditor’s office support for county operations. The chair moved to preliminarily approve the auditor’s FY2027 budget; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Trustees directed the auditor to include KPI data and other narrative items in the formal budget materials.
