Title
Adopt a resolution to authorize and direct the Auditor-Controller to amend the Elections Department’s FY2025-26 Adopted Budget by increasing appropriations by $1,580,540 resulting from increased expenditures related to the Statewide Special Election in General Fund 001, Department 1410, Appropriations Unit ELE001, Unit 8064 financed by increased state reimbursement revenue 001-ELE001-1410-8064-5460 (4/5ths vote required).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Adopt a resolution to authorize and direct the Auditor-Controller to amend the Elections Department’s FY2025-26 Adopted Budget by increasing appropriations by $1,580,540, resulting from increased expenditures related to the Statewide Special Election in General Fund 001, Department 1410, Appropriations Unit ELE001, Unit 8064 financed by increased state reimbursement revenue 001-ELE001-1410-8064-5460 (4/5ths vote required).
SUMMARY:
The Elections Department is requesting an increase in appropriations in the amount of $1,580,540 financed by state reimbursement revenue received as a result of the unscheduled November 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election.
DISCUSSION:
In August 2025, pursuant to Senate Bill 280, the Elections Department estimated the cost of the November 4, 2025 Statewide Special Election to be $3,500,000. The initial estimate was based on a countywide election with the assessment including a bifurcated voter information guide and ballot mailing, notification mailers, the use of all polling places in the County, full outreach and early voting opportunities and accelerating the timeframe for deployment of electronic rosters to all polling locations. The Department conducted the election under the initial estimate with an actual cost of $2,786,740 of which $1,580,540 directly increased expenditures. The state has authorized the remaining $713,260 to be applied to the state’s cost of the June 2, 2026 Primary Election. This may result in a GFC surplus.
The Department’s adopted budget is $7,197,557 and the estimated year end budget with the additional expenses is expected to be $8,778,097. With the greatest increase in expenditures related to staffing, leases, printing and mailing.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The County Administrative Office has reviewed and supports this request.
FINANCING:
There are no additional impacts to the General Fund arising from the proposed action. Funding for this approval and associated increases in appropriations will be offset by state reimbursement revenue with the surplus being applied to the June 2, Primary Election. The recommended action will increase the FY 2025-26 adopted budget appropriations in Fund 001, Appropriation Unit ELE001 by $1,580,540. The County has already received offsetting revenue for the cost of the Special Election. The remaining surplus of $713,260 will be applied to the State’s portion of the June 2, 2026, Primary Election.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This recommended action promotes an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management in the delivery of services that is in line with the Board’s strategic plan goals.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
_X_ Administrative
Prepared by: Mary Kikuchi, Management Analyst II, Ext. 1491
Approved by: Gina Martinez, Registrar of Voters, Ext. 1499
Attachments:
Attachment A - Resolution