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Commissioners warn House Bill 180 could impose unfunded costs for precinct election officials
Summary
County Administrator Aundrea Cordle briefed the Board on Substitute House Bill 180, which would allow split shifts and raise Precinct Election Official pay to $246.40 for a full day; the Board of Elections estimates about $60,000 in additional county costs and Commissioner Steve Davis called it an unfunded state mandate.
County Administrator Aundrea Cordle briefed the Fairfield County Board of Commissioners on proposed changes in Substitute House Bill 180 at the June 2 meeting and the potential local budgetary impact.
Cordle summarized the bill’s compensation language for Precinct Election Officials (PEOs): projected 2026 rates would increase base pay from the current $133.72 to $246.40 for a full-day shift (about 140% of the projected 2026 minimum wage) and to $228.80 for officials working less than half a day (about 130% of projected minimum wage). Because Ohio’s minimum wage has been rising, Cordle noted, future increases could further raise local costs.
Based on these projected rates, the Fairfield County Board of Elections estimates the change would increase its PEO budget by approximately $60,000. Commissioner Steve Davis said he is concerned that the State would impose what he called an unfunded mandate by requiring increased compensation without providing additional funding.
No formal action was taken at the meeting; the briefing was informational. County officials will continue to monitor legislation and the Board of Elections’ budget projections as the bill moves through the legislative process.
