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Board of Elections seeks $259,280 increase for equipment maintenance and vendor contracts
Summary
Board of Elections representative reported a $259,280 year‑over‑year increase driven by Dominion contract increases, higher ballot printing and mail costs from more vote‑by‑mail ballots, rental/ADA costs and corrected line‑item transfers.
A representative of the Essex County Board of Elections presented a request that includes a $259,280 increase for 2025, citing higher maintenance and repair needs for ballot processing machines, a $118,250 increase in the Dominion contract and greater stationary and printing costs due to more vote‑by‑mail ballots. The representative said staffing is fully filled and that most expenses are not negotiable because they are required to administer elections.
The representative also said some previous amounts were shifted between nonprofessional and professional services to correct prior miscategorization, and noted newly required ADA ramps and higher facility leasing fees at some polling locations.
Commissioners asked about the professional services shift and the Dominion increase; staff explained the bulk of the $259,280 increase is the Dominion contract change and corrected account categorization. No vote was taken; commissioners praised the presentation and noted the county faces a busy election year.
