To: Board of Supervisors
From: Clerk/Recorder
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Adopt Resolution Authorizing the County to Receive Reimbursement Funding under the Help America Vote Act through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act; Supplemental Budget (4/5 Vote Required); and Authorize Clerk/Recorder/Registrar of Voters to Execute Necessary Documents
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Adopt the attached resolution authorizing the county to receive reimbursement funding not to exceed $297,223 through reimbursement provided by the State of California under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act;
2. Direct the Auditor-Controller to establish a HAVA CARES Fund;
3. Adopt the attached supplemental budget for fiscal year 2020-2021 in the amount of $297,223 (4/5 vote required);
4. Direct the Clerk of the Board to return a certified copy of the attached resolution to the Office of Elections for further processing and submission to the Secretary of State; and
5. Authorize the Clerk/Recorder/Registrar of Voters to execute the necessary documents and the attached contract to carry out the purpose of the Board’s resolution.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Help America Vote Act (HAVA)
Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act
DISCUSSION:
New federal HAVA funding was authorized by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to be used for election activities related to the coronavirus pandemic. Recognizing the threat COVID-19 continues to pose to public health, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Orders N-64-20 and N-67-20 and the Legislature passed subsequent legislation, Assembly Bill 860, to ensure the Presidential General Election is secure and safe for voters and election workers, and prescribing that state mandated costs are eligible for reimbursement pursuant to Government Code, Section 17500 et. seq. Senate Bill 423 is pending before the Legislature, which addresses how other aspects of the November election will be implemented to provide in-person voting while preserving public health. Election-related coronavirus costs include any costs incurred in addition to normal election-related costs as a result of the pandemic. Costs may include, but are not limited to, additional staff time and resources, planning costs, cleaning supplies, protective masks and equipment for staff and poll workers, consulting and training costs, and equipment purchases, among others.
Congress allocated $400 million dollars for the 2020 federal election cycle for election-related costs to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus of which the Secretary of State allocated reimbursement funding not to exceed $297,223 to Humboldt County, which must be expended by December 31, 2020. No county match is required. The funds are available to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus for the 2020 Federal election cycle. In accordance with EAC guidance, the funds can be used for election related costs incurred after March 28, 2020, in conducting election activities in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Such costs include, but are not limited to, increased vote by mail, expanded early voting, improving the safety of voting in-person, and staff and election worker salaries and benefits.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Reimbursement funding not to exceed $297,223 provided through the HAVA CARES Act provides the Office of Elections with funding necessary to acquire necessary staffing, resources, supplies, training, and equipment necessary to facilitate the Presidential General Election on November 3, 2020. No county match funding is required.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by providing community-appropriate levels of service.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission
California Secretary of State
Humboldt County Auditor
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board could choose not to approve this funding. This alternative is not recommended as it would negatively impact the General Fund.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Resolution
Attachment 2: Supplemental Budget
Attachment 3: General Terms and Conditions
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A