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Registrars warn of rising election costs as city clerk phases in records clerk
Summary
City election staff told the council that postage, early‑voting changes and new absentee ballot procedures will raise municipal costs; the city clerk will phase in a records clerk in January 2027 and registrars requested $25,000 in capital for new voting cabinets and highlighted ongoing staffing needs.
City election staff and the clerk briefed the council on election operational needs and the clerk’s budget.
The clerk’s recommended budget phases in a records/records‑clerk position beginning January 2027, and the clerk said the office is not currently fully staffed but expects to fill a vacancy next January.
Registrars told the council that recent elections have cost the city about $22,000 for staffing in a single election and that postage for mailings has been rising; they said current year postage is on track to be about $8,800 and the recommended budget lists $6,500 for postage, which may be insufficient depending on primary schedules. The registrars also said the state previously covered some early‑voting expenses but is not expected to continue that funding.
Registrars sought $25,000 in the capital budget to replace voting cabinets that are at least a decade old; staff said older cabinets do not remain reliably locked during transport. Councilors discussed whether the clerk’s office and registrars have adequate secure storage and procedures for 14 days of early‑voting custody under new rules.
On absentee ballot procedures, staff said a state‑run absentee ballot program rollout has been delayed and training has been limited; local election officials asked the council to be prepared for increased administrative duties if the state shifts responsibilities without matching funding.
“Postage is going up every year,” one registrar said, noting new bilingual signage requirements for municipalities with more than 2% Hispanic population will require replacing many signs and add cost. The council asked staff to return with more detailed estimates; no vote was taken.
