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March 11, 2025 – In a unanimous decision, the County Commission voted 5-0 to approve a budget amendment of $705,254 to replace the county’s aging voting equipment, originally purchased in 2013. The decision, spearheaded by the Supervisor of Elections Tim Bobanic, aims to address critical operational and security concerns with the current 12-year-old systems while securing cost savings and logistical benefits.
The county’s 200 precinct tabulators, known as DS2 200s, have struggled to keep pace with modern demands, particularly after the state certified new software that performs poorly on the outdated machines—especially during early voting. “The current model does not run early voting effectively,” the Bobanic explained, noting that the county has been forced to borrow units from Orange County to avoid crashes and slowdowns. The new equipment promises enhanced security features and greater reliability.
The County Commission had previously approved a carry-forward from the last fiscal year to replace half of the machines now and the other half in the next fiscal year. However, the vendor offered to ship all 200 units immediately, billing half now and half later. Seizing this opportunity required board approval, as the Supervisor cannot obligate funds beyond the current fiscal year without it. The approved budget amendment allows the county to purchase all units upfront, saving approximately $33,000 in shipping costs and ensuring all machines fall under the same warranty cycle.
The timing of the purchase could prove advantageous, with a special election scheduled for June. “This would be a great learning experience and training opportunity for our poll workers,” the Supervisor said, highlighting the benefit of deploying the new technology early. Replacing all units now also eliminates the need to train staff on two different systems, a concern given the complexity of early voting. “In a primary, potentially you have over 300 different ballots,” the Supervisor noted, explaining why the current tabulators struggle to process diverse ballot styles countywide.
Commissioner Delaney addressed the urgency of the upgrade, asking about the risks of inaction. The Supervisor warned that without updated systems, the county would remain reliant on borrowed equipment, compromising efficiency and security. Meanwhile, Commissioner Adkinson inquired about savings, to which the Supervisor confirmed the $33,000 shipping discount and a negotiated trade-in value of $142,000 for the old units. This trade-in will also alleviate space constraints at the county’s support center, where storing an additional 100 units would have been challenging.
Commissioner Altman praised the Supervisor’s efforts, and the board moved swiftly to act. The approved motion, made by Altman and seconded by Delaney, authorizes the County Manager to pull funds from available sources in March, with replenishment to follow via the midyear supplement. The county must front the cost of special elections like the one in June, with reimbursement potentially delayed up to two years, making the budget amendment a strategic investment.
With the new equipment expected to be in place by June, the county aims to bolster its election infrastructure, enhance security, and streamline operations—all while capitalizing on immediate savings and long-term benefits. The decision reflects a proactive approach to ensuring reliable voting access for residents as the special election looms.
