Commission backs intent to move early-voting site to South Berkeley Fire Station and authorizes temporary staffing bridge

The Berkeley County Commission voted June 11 to move forward with securing the South Berkeley Fire Station as a new early‑voting location, pending a signed agreement, and to provide temporary staffing support for the voter registration office if needed.

Commissioner Anthony Patusi and Elections Director Joy described problems at the current substation — limited space, accessibility issues and parking concerns — and said South Berkeley offers a larger, accessible room with dedicated handicap parking. Joy estimated the temporary staffing bridge to hire a full‑time employee through December would be “in the neighborhood of $15,000,” including benefits and overtime related to election work.

County administration indicated there are non‑salary line items that could be reallocated if necessary and recommended using contingency funds if the commission chooses. The commission voted to authorize staff to secure the South Berkeley Fire Station as the early‑voting site and approved a motion authorizing up to $15,000, if required, to fund temporary staffing to carry the office through December.

Staff said the commission must finalize terms by August 5 to meet code and allow necessary public notice and site adjustments (camera feed isolation, badge access and other IT/security adjustments). The decision recorded was an intent to proceed contingent on executing an agreement with the fire station.