Title
Resolution to Approve and Accept a 2022 Election Security Reimbursement Grant from the Michigan Department of State and Appropriate Funding ($79,500.00) (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
The Michigan Bureau of Elections announced a reimbursement grant opportunity to support local clerks’ efforts to improve election security measures. The grant is funded using the Secretary of State’s federal Help America Vote Act funds. Each local jurisdiction is eligible to seek reimbursement for purchases made based on the number of precincts in the community, with funding allocated at $1500.00 per precinct. Ann Arbor is eligible for up to $79,500.00 in reimbursements based on 53 total voting precincts in the City. Reimbursements can be made for expenses incurred after October 21, 2021 with final requests for payments due by December 31, 2022.
The attached document outlines eligible expenses, including physical security, personnel, and training. The Clerk’s Office has plans to purchase additional cameras for ballot storage locations, as well as ballot transport bags and other supplies.
Staff
Prepared by: Jacqueline Beaudry, City Clerk
Reviewed by: Marti Praschan, Chief Financial Officer
Reviewed by: Michelle Landis, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Reviewed by: John Fournier, Assistant City Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City Clerk has identified additional security needs related to the safe and successful conduct of the November 2022 election;
Whereas, The Michigan Secretary of State and the Bureau of Elections have announced an Election Security Grant for local communities;
Whereas, Local communities are eligible to apply for reimbursement of security related election expenditures based on a formula of $1500.00 per precinct; and
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor is eligible to seek $79,500.00 in reimbursements for its 53 precincts;
RESOLVED, That City Council appropriates $79,500.00 to the Major Grants Fund expenditure budget for the purpose of City Clerk Election Security related approved expenses with the source of revenue being reimbursement grant funds from the Help America Vote Act funding as passed through the Michigan Department of State;
RESOLVED, That all amounts herein are without regard to fiscal year;
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator and City Clerk be authorized to take all appropriate actions to implement this resolution including execution of any grant awards documentation or amendments that do not exceed the amounts authorized herein.