Subject
title
Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Rockville and Montgomery County Board of Elections for the use of the Drop Box located at City Hall.
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Department
City Clerk/Director of Council Operations Office
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Mayor and Council approve the attached Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Rockville and the Montgomery County Board of Elections for the use of the City’s drop box located at City Hall during the County election cycle.
Discussion
Montgomery County Board of Elections has requested the use of the City’s drop box located at City Hall since 2019. As a courtesy, no fees are associated with this request.
The drop box is under the custody of the City Clerk. Upon receiving a request, the City Clerk’s Office coordinates the installation, implements security measures, including 24-hour recorded video surveillance, and maintains the chain of custody for the keys.
Once the MOU has been fully executed and the keys have been transferred to Montgomery County, the City is no longer in possession of the Drop Box. At that point, the drop box becomes the responsibility of the Montgomery County Board of Elections for the duration of the County election cycle.
Mayor and Council History
This is the first time this agenda item has been brought before the Mayor and Council.
Public Notification and Engagement
Allowing the County to use the City’s drop box located at City Hall supports continued voter education, reinforcing to City and County residents that this location may be used for municipal, county, state, and federal elections.
Next Steps
Upon approval by the Mayor and Council, the attached MOU will be signed by the City Manager on behalf of the Mayor and Council and by the City Attorney for legal sufficiency.