Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Voter Registration & Elections
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All
Addition to Fleet- Voter Registration and Elections (VRE)
Body
Information Contact: Zachary L. Williams, Chief Operating Officer
Phone Number: (404) 371-2174
PURPOSE:
To consider authorizing the addition of one (1) mobile unit (step van) and one (1) vehicle (4-door pickup), in an amount not to exceed $520,000.00 to the DeKalb County fleet utilizing Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 funding allocated for VRE operations. To authorize the Chief Executive Officer to execute all the necessary documents.
NEED/IMPACT:
DeKalb VRE requests approval to purchase one (1) commercial walk-in step van and one (1) 4-door pickup truck to be used by staff to conduct county business. The acquisition of both a walk-in step van for outreach and a 4-door pickup truck for elections warehouse operations will significantly enhance our ability to scale and sustain our voter education and engagement efforts. These vehicles will not only improve our operational capacity, but also ensure that we can be more responsive, efficient, and visible in our outreach and registration and election activities. The investment in these vehicles will directly contribute to the success of our mission and the improved delivery of our services, fostering greater public understanding and engagement around important election-related changes.
As DeKalb VRE seeks to scale our voter outreach efforts, particularly around educating and engaging the public on ever-changing election laws and policies that directly impact how they vote, the acquisition of a commercial step van is essential. This vehicle will allow us to effectively reach and engage a larger, more diverse audience across multiple locations. The step-van will be equipped for mobility, allowing our election outreach teams to transport registration and election collateral, set up mobile informational booths, and conduct on-site registration and voter education sessions, all while maintaining a professional, visible presence within the community.
The need for a 4-door pickup truck for our warehouse workers is vital to the continued efficiency of our operations and the success of our elections. With an increased volume of materials, tools, and resources required during early voting and on election day, the ability to provide technical assistance at multiple polling locations simultaneously will drastically improve the speed and effectiveness of our onsite assistance. provide sufficient support to polling sites on election day is crucial to election operations.
The justification for this investment is rooted in strategy that aligns with our long-term goals and will positively impact our operations and the electors in our great county. This will ultimately continue to enhance the County’s brand and ensure that DeKalb VRE continues to be Best in Class, leading the state and nation in delivering fair, inclusive, transparent, and accurate elections.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Existing FY 2024 VRE general funds will be utilized. No additional funds are being requested.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
To approve the addition of two (2) vehicles, for an amount not to exceed $520,000.00 to the DeKalb County fleet for use by VRE and authorize the chief executive officer to execute all necessary documents...