Number
231756
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. ZAMARRIPA, CHAMBERS, BAUMAN, TAYLOR, COGGS, STAMPER AND WESTMORELAND
Title
Substitute resolution relating to the acceptance and expenditure of a Cities Forward grant to the City of Milwaukee Election Commission for election administration needs to improve election security, efficiency, and accessibility in the 2024 election cycle.
Analysis
This resolution authorizes the Milwaukee Election Commission to accept and expend Cities Forward grant funds in the amount of $786,850 for the public purpose of addressing immediate election infrastructure needs related to the purchase of additional tabulators for processing absentee ballots, ADA-accessible voting equipment for usage at early voting locations, and security improvements to ensure worker safety and election security.
Body
Whereas, Cities Forward is a non-profit organization that works to prioritize participation in our democracy by supporting cities in the development of nonpartisan, city-driven projects to boost civic participation and by helping cities strengthen the infrastructure of civic engagement; and
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee is eligible for a Cities Forward grant, which funds urgent election infrastructure needs; and
Whereas, Cities Forward will fund an election infrastructure project from March 4, 2024 through December 31, 2024 at the level of $785,850 related to purchase of additional tabulators for processing absentee ballots, ADA-accessible voting equipment for usage at early voting locations, and security improvements to ensure worker safety and election security, with no City match and without any input or involvement in the administration of elections in the City of Milwaukee by Cities Forward; and
Whereas, The U.S. Congress and Wisconsin State Legislature have not provided additional funding for these urgent infrastructure needs related to tabulators, ADA-accessible equipment, and security improvements; and
Whereas, Wisconsin remains one of only 13 states where state law does not permit the pre-processing of absentee ballots prior to Election Day; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Milwaukee Election Commission is authorized to accept and expend a Cities Forward grant for immediate election infrastructure needs in the amount of $786,850 without further approval unless the terms of the grant change as indicated in s. 304-81, Milwaukee Code of Ordinances; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City Comptroller is authorized to:
1. Commit the following amounts of the Project/Grant parent of the 2024 Special Revenue-Grant and Aid Projects Fund for the program titled Cities Forward - Election Infrastructure Election Commission Program Grant:
Project Grant GR0002400000
Fund 0150
Org 9990
Program 0001
Budget Year 0000
Subclass R999
Account 000600
Project Grantor Share
Amount $785,850
2. Create the necessary Special Revenue Fund-Grant, Aid Project/Grant, and Project/Grant levels with budgets required under the grant agreement; and, be it
Further Resolved, That these funds are budgeted to the Milwaukee Election Commission, which is authorized to expend from the amount appropriated sums for specified purposes as indicated in the grant budget and incur costs consistent with the award;
Requestor
Drafter
Ned Littlefield
LRB 179739-1
03/06/2024