The Kenai Peninsula Borough needs about $20,000 more than expected to cover higher payroll costs and custodial services associated with this fall’s election. Borough assembly members approved the money, to be taken from the borough’s general fund, during their Aug. 9 meeting.

As part of the payroll increases, the borough’s election judge and precinct chair will be paid $10 more per hour than they were previously. The election judge’s hourly rate will jump from $10 to $20, while the precinct chair’s hourly rate will jump from $10.50 to $20.50.

That’s to keep the borough’s pay rates comparable to what the State of Alaska pays state election workers. Keeping the rates comparable is required by borough code. Wages for state election workers were increased by the Alaska Division of Elections, effective July 1.

In all, $16,000 of the $20,000 approved will be used for payroll expenses. The remaining $4,000 will be used for custodial costs associated with the use of Soldotna Prep School for absentee voting in the Oct. 4 regular election. The State of Alaska uses the same location for absentee voting, and the borough clerk’s office is seeking to “eliminate voter confusion.”

The custodial company contracted by the borough for the Oct. 4 election period will be the same used by the State of Alaska.

Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.