Adopt 2021-22 budget resolution increasing the Yolo County Elections State Fund budget by $1,729,200 and ratify the purchase of Capital Assets for the 2021 California Gubernatorial Recall Election. (No general fund impact) (Salinas/Works)

1. Approve total project in the amount of $1,729,200 for the revenue received by the State for the 2021 California Gubernatorial Recall Election costs;
    
2. Ratify capital asset purchases and approve an Amended Equipment List for hardware needed for the Recall Election in the amount of $139,400; and
    
3. Adopt a budget resolution increasing appropriations in the Elections division for FY21-22 by $1,729,200.

Thriving Residents

In preparation for the 2021 California Gubernatorial Recall Election, the California Secretary of State’s Office, along with the California Department of Finance, requested cost estimations from local government officials.  Elections staff and leadership worked diligently to review expenses and provide a detailed response to the State.
 
On July 20, 2021, the California Department of Finance announced they would assist local governments by providing funds to cover expenses for the 2021 California Gubernatorial Recall Election and Yolo County received the full cost estimate requested in the amount of $1,729,200 (See Att. B).
 
The cost estimate sent to the State was based on language within SB 152 which would require Yolo County Elections to purchase an additional $600,000+ in voter accessibility devices; however, the State later allowed Counties that conducted their November 3, 2020 General Election in a Voter Assistance Center (VCA)-Like model to conduct the 2021 California Gubernatorial Recall Election in the same model.  Yolo County conducted their November 3, 2020 General Election in a Voter Assistance Center (VCA)-Like model, utilizing Voter Assistance Centers instead of traditional Polling Places.  Because of this, Yolo County Elections does not need to purchase additional voter accessibility devices.
 
The Department of Financial Services created a new accounting unit to manage these funds from the state.  The California Secretary of State’s Office has informed us that unused funds can be used in future State Elections.
 
Capital Assets were purchased in the amount of $139,400 with these funds in July 2021 to ensure the equipment would arrive and be installed prior to the 2021 California Gubernatorial Recall Election.  There was an urgent need for these purchases given the time restraints and strict deadlines.  The Board is being asked to ratify the purchases of the additional equipment.

Department of Financial Services
County Counsel

The additional Runbeck Agilis hardware is compatible with existing Elections equipment purchased in 2020. The original purchase was justified through a sole source documentation process and executed through a Board approved contract.  The additional Opex hardware was purchased through the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) agreement.