Wayne County panel reviews request to certify $2.035 million for new campaign finance system

The Wayne County Commission’s Ways and Means Committee on Thursday heard a request to certify $2,035,000 in general-fund revenue to help the clerk’s office purchase a new campaign finance system.

Philip Whitfield, director of budget and planning in Management and Budget, told the committee the item before them would certify $2,035,000 to support the clerk’s purchase of the system. “The item 18 that you have before you is certifying revenue in the amount of $2,035,000 dollars in general fund, to support the clerk’s office in the purchase of new campaign finance system,” Whitfield said.

Dwayne Seals, chief deputy clerk, said the clerk’s office previously received commission approval for a contract related to the system and that the office is now asking to move the funds to pay the vendor. “I think part of this committee or the full commission approved the contract for this for the new campaign… $235,000. Now we’re asking to move that money over because they’re asking us to pay for this now,” Seals said.

Commissioners asked whether the purchase includes hardware or only software and how the system would affect candidate reporting. Seals said the purchase covers software and a contract for maintenance and support, including some evening help when filings occur, and that the system will improve the clerk office’s reporting and website features. He cautioned, however, that local jurisdictions must still submit their numbers to the clerk’s office and that the new system will not eliminate the need for municipalities to deliver their data.

“Of course, I think most of you know… they’ll provide any type of training,” Seals said when asked about training for candidates and filers. He added he would follow up with a clarification if the change represented a significant procedural shift.

The committee did not take a final vote on Item 18 during the presentation; the chair said motions on several items would be taken later in the meeting. The committee also discussed logistics for presenters and the chair emphasized that, for items involving significant county dollars, presenters should appear in person whenever possible.