Departing Supervisor of Elections Buddy Johnson is asking the County Commission for $2.3-million to cover "unanticipated expenses'' for the election, costs he blames largely on the transition to new voting machines.
This would be a one-third increase on the $6.7-million budget Johnson submitted in the summer to cover the election and day-to-day operations for the rest of the year. Commissioners approved that budget a little over two months ago, well after the August primary when new voting equipment was first used in a countywide election.
Johnson says the unanticipated expenses included extending early voting hours — something mandated by Gov. Charlie Crist — and performing two recounts and rescanning absentee ballots due to software problems.
Johnson took over payroll and finances for his office from the Clerk of the Circuit Court earlier this year, with his office promising it wouldn't cost taxpayers any more money.