Commissioners approve ordinance setting pay and allowances for election workers

Morgan County commissioners voted May 4 to adopt Ordinance 2026‑5, which formalizes compensation and allowances for a set of election‑related roles including absentee counters, travel board members, custodians (machine technicians), early‑voting centers and election‑day locations.

Tammy, an elections staff member, described the provisions: absentee counters and travel board members are listed to receive $50 for the day they perform signature verification and ballot handling; custodians who program and maintain voting machines are paid per machine; early‑voting locations receive $100 for the early‑voting period (not per day) and $100 for election day; and a $12 per‑person per‑meal allowance was proposed for workers on long election days. Tammy said the county is including these payments in the ordinance so contract‑based positions not covered by the salary ordinance have clear compensation.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions to ensure the $100 payment was per facility for the early‑voting period (not per day) and discussed the meal allowance and operational details. Commissioner Mike Kersh said the stipend amounts are modest for the hours required and thanked election workers for volunteering their time.

After discussion a motion to approve Ordinance 2026‑5 passed by voice vote, 3–0.

Why it matters: The ordinance establishes standard pay and reimbursements ahead of an upcoming election, clarifying how contract and temporary election workers will be compensated and what election locations receive for operating early voting.

Next steps: Elections staff will implement the ordinance for the next election cycle and adjust administrative processes (scheduling, meals, and payments) in accordance with the approved terms.