DATE: September 22, 2020
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Brandi Orth, County Clerk/Registrar of Voters
SUBJECT: State Agreement for November 2020 General Election Coronavirus Funding
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute Agreement No. 20G26110 with the State of California for reimbursement funds for the November 2020 General Election effective upon execution by the California Department of General Services through December 31, 2020 ($1,392,877).
2. Adopt Budget Resolution increasing the FY 2020-21 appropriations and estimated revenues for the County Clerk - Elections Org 28500500 in the amount of $1,392,877 (4/5 vote).
REPORT
Approval of the recommended actions will provide additional Federal reimbursement funds to defray the costs of the November 2020 General Election. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
There is no viable alternative action. If your Board does not approve the recommended actions the Department will not be awarded $1,392,877 in Federal Funds for the November 2020 General Election.
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 2020-21 Org 28500500 Adopted Budget in the amount of $1,392,877. Funds included in this grant agreement expire December 31, 2020.
DISCUSSION:
The Department will execute the November 2020 Presidential General Election in the face of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. The Department has been actively planning and preparing since March 2020 to administer a successful election in this environment. The Federal funding included in the grant agreement will assist the Department in defraying pandemic related costs for the November 2020 Presidential General Election. Eligible costs include equipment, vote-by-mail related costs, staffing, security, training, supplies, facilities, and outreach.
Department efforts to date have included the acquisition of new equipment to efficiently process larger volumes of mailed ballots, twenty additional secure ballot drop boxes, purchase of personal protective equipment for staff and voters, and modifications to our facilities and vote centers to provide adequate social distancing. The Department will be providing in-person voting opportunities at 53 Vote Centers starting the Saturday before Election Day in accordance with health and safety parameters. The Department has been working closely with the Department of Public Health to ensure a safe voting experience for the public.
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