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Elections office outlines print-on-demand transition and capital needs as county grows
Summary
Elections staff told commissioners Kootenai is transitioning away from ES&S to a new ballot system with print-on-demand and tabulator purchases, and budgeted for supplies and shelving; staff highlighted voter-registration growth and projected a $435,000 state consolidation revenue tied to CPI.
Jennifer, representing the county elections office, presented FY27 needs and a transition plan from the current ES&S system to a new print-on-demand and tabulation system. She said the county has about 111,344 registered voters and noted growth in ballots cast: "we have 35,744 ballots cast in our county" in the most recent cycle.
Jennifer described the budget changes that reflect the technology transition: removal of ES&S programming costs lowers some recurring costs but requires an initial investment in blank ballot stock, print-on-demand supplies and additional shelving and backup inventory. The elections office included a noncapital and capital plan tied to contract timing and expects to present a capital purchase request to the board soon.
Elections staff projected $435,000 in state election consolidation revenue (distribution tied to CPI and county population share) and said some initial hardware and maintenance costs will be included in upcoming capital requests. Commissioners asked about timing and overlap costs; elections staff said they would attempt to fund certain immediate purchases out of the current fiscal year balance if the board approves a transfer, which could reduce next year's requested amounts.
No formal action was taken at the June 8 session; staff said they would return with the capital request and more-detailed cost and implementation timelines.
