Title
a. Approve and Authorize the Registrar of Voters to execute Agreement Number 23G27127 with the Secretary of State's office to receive Help America Vote Act (HAVA) Sections 101, 103, 104 grant funds in the amount of $168,000 for reimbursement for activities to improve the administration of elections, including to enhance election technology and make election security improvements; and
b. Authorize the Registrar of Voters to accept grants funds in the amount of $168,000.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and Authorize the Registrar of Voters to execute Agreement Number 23G27127 with the Secretary of State's office to receive Help America Vote Act (HAVA) Sections 101, 103, 104 grant funds in the amount of $168,000 for reimbursement for activities to improve the administration of elections, including to enhance election technology and make election security improvements; and
b. Authorize the Registrar of Voters to accept grants funds in the amount of $168,000.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Secretary of State (SOS) has received HAVA Federal grant funds, to improve the administration of elections for Federal office, including to enhance election technology and make election security improvements, as authorized under sections 101, 103, 104 of HAVA for
costs reasonably incurred for: Cybersecurity, Physical Security, Security and Privacy Awareness Training, and Incident Response. The County will have authority to request reimbursement of the full allocation, $168,000, in this contract beginning upon execution of the Agreement through June 30, 2025.
Grant funds will be used to reimburse the County for up to $168,000.00 for costs associated with the improvement of election security. Funding for this purpose was incorporated into the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 requested budget for Unit 8064.
Copies of the Agreement are on file with the Clerk of the Board.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The requested State Standard Agreement has been reviewed and approved by County Counsel as to form.
FINANCING:
Invoices and personnel costs for elections security shall be paid by the Department. Once payment is issued, the Department shall submit a claim for reimbursement to the SOS. It is anticipated the SOS will reimburse the Department within approximately 45 days of receipt of complete claim documentation.
The Department is not requesting increased estimated appropriations at this time. There will be no additional cost to the County General Fund associated with this recommendation.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This item is in line with the Board’s vision for providing efficient service and cost neutral administration.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
__Economic Development
_x Administration
__Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Mary Kikuchi, Elections Program Manager, x1466
Approved by: Gina Martinez, Registrar of Voters, x1499
Attachments:
Exhibit A - Agreement Number 23G27127