DATE: February 25, 2020
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Brandi Orth, 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. 19S10055 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 December 30,2020 ($760,911).
2. Adopt Budget Resolution increasing the FY 2019-20 appropriations and estimated revenues for the County Clerk - Elections Org 28500500 in the amount of $760,911 (4/5 vote).
REPORT
Approval of the recommended actions will provide additional State and Federal reimbursement funds to defray the costs of the Voter’s Choice Act implementation. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
There is no viable alternative action. If your Board does not approve the recommended actions Department will not be awarded $760,911, in State and Federal 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 2019-20 Org 28500500 Adopted Budget in the amount of $760,911. Any unexpended funds at the current fiscal year end will be re-budgeted in the Department’s FY 2020-21 recommended budget.
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 in order to meet the requirements of the Act.
On January 7, 2020 the California Secretary of State notified counties of additional state funding that would be made available to assist with the implementation of the Voter’s Choice Act totaling $760,911. Funding can be used for voting equipment and infrastructure, outreach costs, and procurement of mobile vote centers.
Approval of the second recommended action will increase the Department’s FY 2019-20 Org 28500500 revenues and appropriations to allow the Department to expend the funds as outlined in the Agreement.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
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