Woodbury County board declines hiring movers for election machines after safety debate

Michelle Scaff, Woodbury County auditor-recorder, asked the board to approve hiring a moving company to transport 30 pieces of election equipment ahead of an upcoming election, citing safety and liability concerns.

Scaff told the board the equipment is heavy — she said the cart with voting machines weighs about 300 pounds and each cart is worth roughly $15,000 — and that the freight elevator is under repair. She said the delivery ramp from the building measured about a 22% grade in sections, far steeper than the 8.33% standard for handicap ramps. "I do not want my election staff using those elevators," Scaff said, and argued a moving company would reduce the risk of back or shoulder injuries and protect equipment.

Board members and staff asked for details about whether handrails could be temporarily removed and whether building services could safely move the carts. Scaff said removing the elevator handrails allows the cart to fit into the public elevator but that the ramp remains the primary concern. She presented a quote from Action Moving and noted the company provided workers' compensation coverage; an optional $900 add-on would cover equipment damage.

Members of the board also raised operational questions: whether building services staff could commit sufficient workers for the deliveries, how staffing would be scheduled, and what contingency plans existed if building services were called away for an emergency. Dan Wright's written comments were read into the record, urging the board to use building services rather than an outside mover.

When the board returned to the item later in the agenda, a supervisor moved to deny the auditor's request to hire movers and provide moving-and-storage assistance. The motion passed 4' 0. The board did not approve contracting a moving company; Scaff said she would continue exploring other options and report back if additional measures are needed.