Pike County boosts poll-worker pay, approves voting-equipment contract ahead of 2026 election

Pike County Fiscal Court approved two election-related items in a single session: a contract for delivery and setup of voting machines and a revised pay scale for 2026 poll workers.

Judge Ray Jones introduced an agreement with Utility Resources LLC to provide voting machines and related equipment for the upcoming election. The court moved, seconded and approved authorization for payment after the county elections contact summarized the procurement need.

Separately, the court approved a new pay schedule for poll workers intended to reflect shorter early-voting shifts and an expanded early-voting footprint. The elections contact reported three new early-voting sites (Virgie Library, Elkhorn City Community Center and Phelps Library), and recommended $160 per day for early voting and $240 per day for election day. The court voted on the recommendation by roll call and the motion passed.

Why it matters: Adjusting poll-worker pay and securing equipment are administrative steps expected to affect election operations and staffing costs. The court did not provide a full line-item budget in the meeting; the elections contact said the changes reduce total worker count and that the county will offset increased per-person pay by reducing the total number of seasonal and temporary workers.

Next steps: County staff will finalize the contract with Utility Resources LLC and implement the new pay schedule for poll-worker hiring and scheduling; any further budgetary details will appear in fiscal documentation and payroll records.