Manual Tally Implementation Costs
At the April 25, 2023, Board of Supervisors meeting the Board received a presentation and discussed preliminary estimates of increased costs associated with implementing manual tallies for elections.
The presentation highlighted that the total estimated annual cost increase would be $445,528, regardless of the number or type of elections held each year. In addition, there would also be estimated one-time costs of $914,146 for hiring expenses, system set up, and equipment.
The estimated increased costs per primary election are expected to range from $563,973 to $656,585, while the estimated increased costs per presidential election could be between $1,406,875 and $1,688,717. Overall, the estimated increased costs through the fiscal year 2024/2025 range from $3,776,050 to $4,150,503. Some of the increased costs would be passed along to outside agencies who pay Shasta County for their share of an election when they have contests included on the ballot. This additional revenue would reduce the overall cost to the County resulting in a total estimated increased Net County Cost of between $2,947,165 and $3,143,175.
In addition to the identified costs, there are several unknown costs including: building, renovation, and maintenance expenses; recruitment costs; equipment and security needs for each election; special elections and more.
The increased workload also means that there is need for additional staff. To meet these needs, the board approved several position requests, including three Clerk/Elections Specialist positions, one Clerk Elections Supervisor, and one Supervising Staff Services Analyst in the Elections department, as well as two Personnel Assistant positions in the Support Services department.
Overall, the meeting highlighted the significant potential financial implications of implementing manual tallies for elections, including both known and unknown costs, and the need for additional staff to support this effort.
These estimated costs are fluid and subject to laws and regulations from the State. Depending on a number of circumstances and further analysis, cost estimates may change. To view the presentation with breakdown of election costs, see the file attached below.
