Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 12/1/2020
Item Status: New
From: Cian Harrison, Clerk/Treasurer
Submitted by: Makayla Shiver, Jr. Staff Accountant
______________________________________________________________________
ITEM TITLE
Title
Election Expense Funding Application Related to COVID-19
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Take the following actions:
1) Approve the total of $14,175.00 to be paid through Finance and Accounting for the additional 12 Absentee Election Workers as it specifically relates to the November 3, 2020 General Election; and
2) Approve for an additional total of $14,175.00 to be included on the application to the Secretary of State for reimbursement related to the prevention, preparation and response to the COVID-19 Pandemic as it specifically relates to the November 3, 2020 General Election; and
3) Authorize the Absentee Election Manager of Baldwin County to sign the Total Request and Certification if any requested funding is applicable to the Absentee Election Manager; and
4) Authorize the Chairman to sign the Total Request and Certification and submit the documentation to the Secretary of State for reimbursement.
End
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Previous Commission action/date: N/A
Background: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress has allocated $6,473,612.00 to the State of Alabama to prepare for and respond to election activities related to the July 14 Primary Runoff Election and the November 3, 2020 General Election.
Alabama is required to match this funding by 20% ($1,294,722.00). While some states are considering or requiring local jurisdictions to match what they are allocated, Secretary of State John Merrill has ordered the entire match to be paid from Secretary of State’s funds. Secretary Merrill understands the pressure being placed on Alabama’s counties at this time and does not want them to have to worry about finding the funds to be eligible for CARES Act funding. With the $6,473,612.00 allotment from EAC and the $1,294,722.00 match from the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office, the total funding available to Alabama is $7,768,334.00.
This funding will be used to reimburse county commissions, by and through the Secretary of State’s Office, for various election expenses including, but not limited to, personal protective equipment (PPE), masks, gloves, disinfectant spray, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, alcohol wipes and professional cleaning services to prepare and return polling places back to a safe and sanitary condition. Any item purchased as personal protective equipment or used to sanitize and disinfect must be approved for use by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or other governmental authority
•Jody Wise, the Absentee Election Manager, has requested for 12 additional workers to be paid for time worked for the November 3,2020, General Election. Her office issued over 15,000 ballots, which is triple the amount compared to any other election. These additional workers assisted with assisting voters with applications, making copies, putting together ballot packets, advising voters on how to complete ballots, notarizing the voter’s signature, opening absentee mailed applications, handing out voter applications, and etc.
For Expenses related to the November 3, 2020, General Election, the deadline for the County Commission to submit an additional application will be December 1, 2020.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: N/A
Budget line item(s) to be used: N/A
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: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
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: December 1, 2020
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Makayla Shiver and Donna Bryars, Finance and Accounting
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): Please return signed documents back to Finance and Accounting.
Additional instructions/notes: N/A