The touch screens are just too expensive for the short term solution of leasing. Problem is, Browning, whose experience with the 2000 election was the rockiest in his career, favors the pricier touch screen option. And he said counties, and not the state, should probably foot most of the bill. I respectfully disagree with chairman Simon. They may have an argument.
Browning insists the touch screens are cheaper in the long run.
Paper ballots for the optical scanners cost more than 25 cents apiece. But Pasco's financing options are narrow. Growth will generate millions more in taxes this year. But county budget director Mike Nurrenbrock said he won't know until June whether he can scrounge enough money even for the cheaper optical scanners were the state to renege on its funding pledge. Although he supports touch screen voting for Pasco, Browning cautions against mandating the system statewide.