Caldwell County Fiscal Court heard an update about a grant to purchase e-poll books and other election items at Friday’s special called meeting.
County Clerk Jennifer Watson-Hale’s mother, Toni Watson, the former county clerk, provided an update on her final settlement for the year 2022 and a reimbursement check to fiscal court.
click to download audioShe added there will probably be a few more dollars of interest because she had to cut off in the middle of the month.
click to download audioWatson-Hale presented the fiscal court with a reimbursement check for $15,000 she was given to start her year in office.
According to Watson-Hale, she has been informed that the Local Government grant application for e-poll books has been approved.
click to download audioFurthermore, Watson-Hale indicated that they could potentially secure another election scanner by applying for a second round of Local Government grants specifically dedicated to purchasing election equipment.
click to download audioHowever, she quickly added that she is holding off for now due to House Bill 302 that is going through the state Senate.
click to download audioShe reiterated that the County Clerk’s Office has $100,000 and she will examine all of the election equipment to see if reimbursement can be used for any eligible purchases.
click to download audioWatson-Hale said they are still planning to use the Life Center at Southside Baptist Church for early unexcused voting from May 11th through May 13th as well as the primary election on May 16th. She noted at a fiscal court meeting in February that the reason for the location change from the Caldwell County Courthouse to the Life Center was due to complaints about parking. In addition, she said the Life Center will provide better accessibility for those with disabilities.
