Board advances first reading to raise election worker pay

The board approved the first reading of an ordinance amending Elko County Code to increase election worker pay to rates used in the 2024 general election and to at least minimum wage. Rebecca Blunkett, the county clerk (speaker 13), explained the department had difficulty recruiting workers at prior pay rates and that moving pay to a higher baseline would help staffing ahead of training and upcoming elections.

Commissioners discussed whether pay should remain codified in ordinance or be handled by resolution for greater flexibility. County counsel/staff (speaker 9) reviewed other counties’ practices and said he found no statutory requirement that compensation be in ordinance form; staff agreed they could prepare language to replace the ordinance provision by resolution before the second reading if the board wished. A motion to approve first reading and move to second reading and public hearing carried by voice vote.