To: Board of Supervisors
From: Clerk/Recorder
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: 4/5th
SUBJECT:
title
Supplemental Budget in the Amount of $839,000 for Elections, 1100140 (4/5th Vote Required)
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the attached Supplemental Budget in the amount of $839,000 for the Elections budget,1100140. (4/5 Vote Required)
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Core Services/Other
Strategic Plan Category: 9999 - Core Services/Other
DISCUSSION:
The California Legislature enacted Senate Bill (SB) 280 directing the Department of Finance (DOF) to allocate funding to counties for the administration of the Nov. 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election.
Pursuant to this legislation, the State has allocated $839,000 to Humboldt County to support election operations specific to the November 2025 Statewide Special Election. The Department of Finance has transmitted the county’s allocation. These funds are restricted for use in the conduct of the November 2025 Statewide Special Election and other state-involved election projects. They cannot be used to offset or supplant any other county election or general operating costs.
Approval of this supplemental budget will ensure that the Office of Elections can efficiently and transparently apply the State-provided resources toward the staffing, training, supplies, and logistical expenses required to meet the accelerated timelines and expanded workload associated with the November 2025 Statewide Special Election. This action will also align the county’s budget records with the revenue and expenditure structure required by the Department of Finance.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
State Funding
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
|
Expenditures (1100,140) |
FY25-26 |
|
|
|
Budgeted Expenses |
1,989,490.00 |
|
|
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
839,000.00 |
|
|
|
Total Expenditures |
2,828,490.00 |
|
|
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
|
Funding Sources (1100,140) |
FY25-26 |
|
|
|
General Fund |
1,763,053.00 |
|
|
|
State/Federal Funds |
839,000.00 |
|
|
|
Fees/Other |
227,437.00 |
|
|
|
Use of Fund Balance |
0.00 |
|
|
|
Contingencies |
0.00 |
|
|
|
Total Funding Sources |
2,829,490.00 |
|
|
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
The supplemental budget establishes $839,000 in new revenue and will cover the additional costs associated with running the November 2025 Statewide Special Election in the Elections budget, 1100140. Funding is provided entirely by the State of California through the Department of Finance, as directed by SB 280 and Elections Code § 97, as amended. There is no impact on the County General Fund.
Any unspent funds must be redirected to other State-involved elections or related State election projects, as required by the Department of Finance. These appropriations will enable the Office of Elections to cover the additional staffing, supplies, and operational costs specific to the Statewide Special Election and ensure compliance with all legal and fiscal reporting requirements.
STAFFING IMPACT:
The recommended actions will not have an impact on county staff.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
California Secretary of State
California Department of Finance
Humboldt County Auditor-Controller
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to approve the supplemental budget request. This option is not recommended, as it would prevent the county from recognizing the State-provided funding necessary to conduct the Nov. 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election. Failure to approve the supplemental budget could result in the county General Fund bearing the full cost of administering the election, contrary to the legislative intent of SB 280 and Elections Code § 97.
ATTACHMENTS:
Supplemental Budget - State Election Funding
California Department of Finance Allocation Letter
California Election Code Ch97 as amended by SB280
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A