Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Jordan Matney, Assistant City Manager
Contact Info
jmatney@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Presentation on November 3, 2020 Charter Amendment Election Timeline.
Body
BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the special election called by ordinance for May 2, 2020, was postponed, by ordinance, specifically to November 3, 2020. Such postponement is authorized by state law and executive orders signed by the Governor of the State of Texas. Since the election was already called and merely rescheduled, the City Council only needs to update the ordinance information to accommodate the change in dates and locations. Updated polling locations, dates and times have not been finalized by the Guadalupe and Comal County Commissioners Courts. Staff will bring the updated ordinance to Council at a future date once polling locations, dates and times have been finalized.
Staff has been working with both Comal County and Guadalupe County election officials to finalize costs and contracts for the upcoming election. Costs in both counties are outlined in the fiscal impact section and are higher than expected due to several factors:
• Large expected voter turnout for a presidential year
• Additional week of early voting
• Increase in number of election workers to serve voter turnout and monitor safety requirements including social distancing and equipment sanitation.
• Significant increase in ballot by mail requests
Once the order for election has been amended by Council, contracts for both Guadalupe County and Comal County will be on a future Council agenda.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
Expenses are calculated by the percentage of registered voters in the County residing within the City limits. New Braunfels residents represent 38% of Comal County registered voters and 5% of Guadalupe County registered voters.
Cost Estimates for November 3, 2020 election:
Comal County $ 93,990.60
Guadalupe County $ 20,735.00
Staff Augmentation $ 20,000.00
Total Costs $134,725.60
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
N/A