Board of Registrars investigating Marengo polling place confusion

Hundreds of Marengo County voters found they were sent to the wrong polling place at the June 5 elections, causing a great deal of confusion and inconvenience.

The reason for the mix-up still is being investigated. Barry Hunt, chairman of the Board of Registrars, told the Marengo County Commission Tuesday the new mapping system by KEELS seemed to scramble some of the locations.

His office is working now to resolve the problem, even checking all 16,000 voters in the county one-by-one.

“When I feel comfortable” with every voter being assigned to the right polling place, said Hunt, “every voter will receive a card telling them where to vote” before the second primary in July.

In spite of the voting site glitch, the election went smoothly, said Probate Judge Laurie Hall.

“I’m proud to say” the new poll pads worked well. Poll workers and voters were pleased with the new system.

Hall said her office is one of a few if not the only one in the state without a chief clerk. Commissioners gave her the go-ahead to set parameters for the position and recommendations for salary.

She also received the okay to hire a new employee to fill the position being left by Joylee Gunter, who is moving.

Marengo County was able to sell bonds two weeks ago to refinance two debts. Commissioners approved resolutions authorizing the issue of the bonds. Closing is set for June 19.

The tax-exempt bond to pay for the courthouse renovation not only got a loan rate of 2.95 percent but will generate an immediate $500,000 to the county, said Briton Henig who, with Scott Pierce of Capell and Howard financial services, explained the sale. The bond sale also will shorten the loan maturity from the year 2034 to 2027.

The taxable bonds for the hospital were sold at 3.65 percent with maturity at 2029.

The two praised Marengo County for handling its money ”incredibly.” They said the only drawback is the delayed audit, but the county is at the mercy of state auditors.

The Commission accepted Revenue Commissioner Sharon Hilbish’s report on insolvents, errors and taxes in litigation.

In other action, the Commission unanimously approved:

• Another three-year contract with Advanced Disposal with the same provisions. The current contract expires Sept. 30.
• Hiring Deborah Petrarca in the Department of Revenue.
• The Summer Feeding Program and the sole bid of $13,500 from Demopolis Delivery Service for the program.
• Resolution honoring the Sweet Water High School baseball team for winning the AHSAA Class 1A state championship.
• Resolution honoring the late Sarah Smith for her many years of volunteer service with the Community Action Agency.