Pierce County Auditor Cost Estimates

The Pierce County Auditor has put forth the cost estimates below for the elections department for implementing four of the proposals before the Charter Review Commission. These cost estimates have not been vetted and will be subject to comment and review. Some of the cost estimates seem to show a lack of understanding on the part of the Auditor of the proposals. This blog will post further comments on her estimates in later postings.

Initiative and Referendum Proposals

Additional extra hire staff to validate additional petitions $25,000

Non-Partisan Proposal

Primary Election Odd Year Costs incurred by County $300,000
General Election Odd Year Costs incurred by County $500,000

Total $800,000

Citizens Oversight Board (COB)

Costs for additional ballot for initial board to be elected in 2007 $150,000
Primary Election Odd Year Costs incurred by County $300,000
General Election Odd Year Costs incurred by County $500,000

Total $950,000

Instant Runoff Voting (IRV)

Development of Software $350,000
Additional Ongoing Maintenance Charges $35,000
Additional Printing Costs $150,000
Return Postage Costs $150,000
Additional Full Time Staff (addition of two FTEs) $120,000
Additional Extra Hire Staff $45,000
Development of Rules and Procedures $100,000
Voter Education Campaign/Staff Training $2,000,000


Total $2,950,000