Yuma County staff flag HCR2016 election cost concerns and report San Luis port progress

Alejandro Figueroa, Economic Development & Intergovernmental Affairs Administrative Director, updated the Board on state and federal legislative items on March 16, identifying bills to watch including SB1419, HB2324, HB2116 and HCR2016.

Figueroa reported that the Board had previously directed staff to oppose HCR2016 and explained the county’s concerns: the resolution was estimated to increase county election administration costs by about $7 million, limit precincts to no more than 2,500 registered voters (which the county said would effectively eliminate countywide voting centers), and require formal election boards at each polling location — all of which would increase personnel, equipment and coordination needs. He said Yuma County was publicly opposing the measure and that the County’s lobbyist planned to attend the committee hearing; staff would continue to monitor the bill and push for accompanying funding to avoid an unfunded mandate.

Figueroa also summarized progress on the San Luis port of entry project: he reported a recent Mexican-side groundbreaking with construction expected to take roughly 12 months and said the U.S. side’s first expansion phase was expected to be completed later in March, with additional lanes prepared for opening.