Allen County could face roughly $150,000 in future election equipment costs as state and federal voting standards continue to change, a looming expense that led to discussion Tuesday morning as County Clerk Shannon Patterson urged commissioners to begin preparing now rather than risk scrambling later.
Patterson warned commissioners that Allen County will eventually need to replace the voting equipment as newer security standards are phased in.
The county’s current voting machines meet older certification standards, while future state and possibly federal requirements are expected to move toward 2.0-certified systems.
“At some point, they will essentially ban the first-generation machines,” Patterson said.
Allen County currently has 22 first-generation touchscreen voting machines. Patterson said replacing equipment for polling places and early voting could cost roughly $150,000.
“At this time, I would like to replace all of them,” she said.
Patterson told commissioners she is trying to begin budgeting early so the county is not forced to rush if new requirements arrive quickly. “I’m just trying to be proactive on that,” she explained.
The county also faces future costs tied to voter registration software. Patterson said the statewide contract for the current system expires in January 2028, though replacement costs are still unknown.
Patterson also touched on other budget areas, noting that much of the courthouse budget remains steady, with most increases tied to salaries and benefits. “We kept everything pretty much the same,” she said.
The courthouse general fund is projected to increase by about $7,000. Patterson said capital outlay figures remain unchanged for now, though future projects remain a concern. “We do know the roof is going to be an issue at some point,” she said.
The ambulance fund budget, meanwhile, is projected to decrease by about $9,000. Patterson said discussions with former EMS Director Michael Burnett led to reductions in equipment purchases, office equipment and travel expenses that helped offset contract costs.
COMMISSIONERS also heard from Thrive Allen County Economic Development Vice President Camille Lavon, who shared updates on several workforce and small business initiatives.
Lavon discussed a new “Brunch and Business” series organized alongside local chambers of commerce to connect businesses with regional and state resources. The free bimonthly gatherings bring regional and state agencies together with business owners for informational sessions and networking opportunities. Lavon noted that participation is open even to non-chamber members.
A micro-internship program sponsored by the Kansas Department of Commerce was also highlighted.
The Kansas Micro-Internships (KMI) are short-term, project-based opportunities funded through the Kansas Department of Commerce and managed by the Kansas Board of Regents.
The program provides Kansas businesses, non-profit organizations, and entrepreneurs with assistance from students enrolled in the 32 Kansas public colleges and universities any time of year.
