Auditor seeks permission to sign election agreements with school districts after new state bills

Williams County auditor Beth requested and received board authorization on Sept. 16 to negotiate and sign election agreements with local school districts to administer ballot items such as caps (levies) and bond measures.

Beth told the board that, under recent state legislation referenced in the meeting, school districts may place certain items on the general election ballot and that bond issues must be placed on either the general or primary ballot. She asked for authority, with assistance from county attorney Karen, to finalize election agreements with school districts and with the cities where similar agreements already exist.

Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the auditor's request by roll call. The action authorizes the auditor to work with school districts to prepare agreements only when the district has caps or bond questions to place on the ballot; Beth clarified that the authority would not extend beyond those election types.

The transcript records the board's approval but does not include the draft language of any agreements or the specific school districts to be covered. Beth and county staff will complete individual agreements as needed and return any documents requiring formal chairman signature for ministerial execution when appropriate.