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Discussion of issues relating to expenses associated with the November 3, 2020 General Election, estimated to cost $77,699.78.
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Summary:
With postponing the May 2, 2020 General Election, the City of Deer Park has approved entering into an agreement with Harris County to conduct our General Election on November 3, 2020 at the August 4th Council meeting.
The cost estimate has tripled from June. Expense proration is based on population, with the current slate of participants, Harris County will carry 64.37% of the overall current estimated total expense of $18,951,166.42 (compared to the June anticipated total of $6.543, 204.22).
At 0.41% of the current entities, the Deer Park election is estimated at a total of $77,699.78 As seen on the attached documents, the number of early voting polling locations has increased from 57 to 100 and election day polling locations from 757 to 800, but the other lines indicate that Harris County has either had to significantly increase expected polling location staffing numbers or had severely underestimated what those costs would be (for example, Harris County estimated $2.1 M in early voting/absentee personnel costs in June, but today's estimate is $10.9 M, and the June estimate allocated $5,000 for early voting polling locations, but $200,000 on today's estimate).
Additionally, the mail ballot cost estimates from June to August increased from $2.245 M originally to $12.3 M. NOTE: Deer Park had over 900 mail ballots before the election was postponed.
I have asked Harris County to refigure the estimate since Deer Park is only conducting a General Election with 3 Council positions and 1 being contested and we don't have single member districts.
If the estimate is accurate for the November election of $77,699.78. The 60% deposit, of $46,619.87, is due Sept. 7th and the remaining balance 30 days after the election per the agreement.
Fiscal/Budgetary Impact:
Estimated cost of $77,669.78 for Harris County fees. Addit...
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