Board accepts 2026 primary election canvass; finance staff flags payroll timing changes and staff review

Supervisors voted to accept the 2026 primary-election canvass after an election official reported an administrative recount of absentee ballots and outlined a scheduled hand-count audit. The election official said absentee counts were rechecked and matched machine totals, and that a hand-count audit with 34 workers is scheduled Thursday in the M Valley precinct.

"We write them all through again and everything matched," the election official said of the administrative recount, and the board then approved a motion to accept the canvass by voice vote.

Shortly after the canvass, a county finance speaker (Brian) told the board that fiscal-year 2027 will contain 27 pay periods and that the county’s external auditor recommended changing salaried pay calculation from pay-period to a per-day method to equalize payments. "I'm going to need to look into it," Brian said, adding he will prepare resolutions for consideration next week and consult the auditor further before any change.

In roundtable items, supervisors asked about reimbursement for a prior 'Pete' fire; staff said the claim is in litigation. Supervisors also discussed EMS communication planning and committee scheduling, confirming a tech meeting at Thompson on June 18 and an advisory meeting expected the following week.

Staff also reminded the board of public meeting notice rules: agendas must be published at least 24 hours in advance, posted in a conspicuous public location (the courthouse door was referenced) and posted on county websites; failure to comply can carry fines or disciplinary action. Supervisors discussed whether an electronic display in the courthouse hallway could supplement the paper posting.