DATE: September 21, 2021
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: James A. Kus, County Clerk/Registrar of Voters
SUBJECT: State Agreement for Voter’s Choice Act Implementation Grant Funding
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute Agreement No. 21S10051 with the State of California for reimbursement funds for the Voter’s Choice Act implementation effective upon execution by the California Department of General Services through October 30, 2021 ($80,472).
2. Adopt Budget Resolution increasing the FY 2021-22 appropriations and estimated revenues for the County Clerk - Elections Org 28500500 in the amount of $80,472 (4/5 vote).
REPORT
Approval of the recommended actions will provide additional State reimbursement funds to defray the costs of the Voter’s Choice Act implementation. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If your Board does not approve the recommended actions the Department will not be awarded $80,472, in State Funds for the Voter’s Choice Act Implementation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the approval of the recommended actions. Approval of the second recommended action will increase the appropriations and estimated revenues in the Department’s FY 2021-22 Org 28500500 Recommended Budget in the amount of $80,472.
DISCUSSION:
On March 12, 2019 the Board of Supervisors directed the County Clerk to implement the Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) in Fresno County. The VCA authorizes a county to automatically mail every voter a ballot, provide additional secure ballot drop-off boxes throughout the county, and to establish regional Voting Assistance Centers which replace multiple precinct locations. As a condition of the Voter’s Choice Act, counties are required to conduct extensive public outreach regarding the changes, and upgrade technology to meet the requirements of the Act.
On February 25, 2020 your Board approved agreement No. 19S10055 with the State of California for VCA Implementation reimbursement in the amount $760,911 for voting equipment and infrastructure, outreach costs, and procurement of mobile vote centers. The funds in this agreement have been expended, primarily for outreach activities and materials.
On May 25, 2021 your Board approved agreement No. 20S10073 with the State of California for additional VCA funding in the amount of $74,369. These funds have been expended for outreach costs including advertising, printing, translation, and design of materials.
On August 17, 2021 the California Secretary of State provided the Department with an agreement for additional State funding to reimburse counties for education and outreach related to the VCA and the September 14, 2021 California Gubernatorial Recall Election. Allowable costs include, but are not limited to, advertising, printing, translation and design of outreach and education materials.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI # 26, May 25, 2021
BAI # 29, February 25, 2020
BAI # 7, March 12, 2019
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Agreement with Secretary of State
On file with Clerk - Budget Resolution
CAO ANALYST:
Raul Guerra