County staff briefed commissioners on several year-end interfund transfers, including a proposed transfer of $9.2 million to the equipment and technology reserve fund and $17.5 million to the capital improvement program (CIP) fund.

Lindsey (county finance staff) explained the $9.2 million designation stems in part from ARPA-related revenue replacement and excess investment income; she emphasized the funds are “unallocated” only in the sense that specific spending will return to the commission for approval. Lindsey said some one-time investment income was already used for a $2.5 million contribution to the zoo, and the remaining cash is being organized for upcoming capital needs.

Election equipment: Staff estimated that replacing voting equipment after a full service life could cost no less than $10,000,000, factoring inflation and additions to voting sites since the last major purchase. Staff said a joint RFP approach with other jurisdictions could reduce costs and that planning for an RFP should begin about a year before procurement, likely in 2025.

Facilities and bond gaps: Staff outlined cost pressures on major projects: an administration building quote as high as $36,000,000 and bonding authority currently set at $27,000,000; staff said they hold half of the bond proceeds in cash today and have 36 months to spend down 85% of that allocation. The commission was told these transfers preserve cash so the county can address known capital needs as quotes and timing firm up.

Ending: The transfers are presented as year-end housekeeping that allocate cash to reserves and CIP funds; the commission must approve future draws from those funds when specific projects or procurement actions occur.