Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 2/6/2024
Item Status: New
From: Roger H. Rendleman, County Administrator
Submitted by: Anu Gary, Administrative Services Manager
______________________________________________________________________
ITEM TITLE
Title
Revision of Baldwin County Commission Policy 2.10 - Polling Place Hours / Poll Worker Compensation
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt revised Baldwin County Commission Policy 2.10 - Polling Place Hours / Poll Worker Compensation.
End
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: Act No. 2023-517 passed during the 2023 Legislative Session increased the minimum compensation for poll workers as follows:
Inspector - from $100 to $150 per day
Clerk - from $75 to $125 per day
Note: Each poll worker who completes poll worker school or is certified as a qualified precinct election official also receives additional compensation in the amount of $25 per day.
In 2012, Baldwin County Commission approved the creation of 10 “Chief Clerk” positions. In 2020, the Commission increased the maximum amount of Chief Clerks from 10 to 20 per election. The “Chief Clerk” position (Clerk I) acts as an Assistant to the Inspector and is compensated at a higher rate than a Clerk II due to additional responsibilities. Due to the already established compensation structure Baldwin County has had since 2012, staff recommends compensation for poll workers be increased by $50 per day, which would mirror the action approved by the State Legislature. If approved, the compensation schedule for poll workers in Baldwin County would be as follows:
Inspector - $175, plus additional $25 if eligible, total per day $200
Clerk I (Assistant to Inspector) - $160, plus additional $25 if eligible, total per day $185
Clerk II (Other) - $150, plus additional $25 if eligible, total per day $175
Previous Commission action/date: February 4, 2020 - At the request of the Probate Judge, the Commission revised Policy 2.10 to increase the amount of Chief Clerks appointed for elections from ten (10) to twenty (20), in order to serve the public more efficiently during elections.
February 7, 2012 - Commission revised Policy 2.10 to allow the Judge of Probate to designate a Precinct Chief Clerk (no more than 10 for each election) to aid the Precinct Inspector at a polling place with a large number of qualified electors.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: The $50 increase across the board is reimbursable by the State for all federal, state, and statewide elections. For special Baldwin County elections or other elections not held during federal, state, and statewide elections, which are not reimbursed by the State, the County is responsible for the poll worker costs.
Budget line item(s) to be used: Elections 10051910.51750 (Election Worker Fees)
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
N/A
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: Ala. Code §17-8-12 - Compensation of Election Officials
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? No.
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Administration - Update policy books.
Email a copy of the revised policy to:
Probate Judge D’Olive
Tammy Chance
Brenda Ganey
Violetta Smith
Aislinn Stone
Christie Bezoari
Kara Brooks
Beth Hodges
Lynzie Clark
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): N/A
Additional instructions/notes: N/A