Marengo County to purchase 18 electronic poll books
After the successful trial run of electronic poll books, Alabama is offering to pick up half the cost to counties that purchase them.
Marengo County commissioners Tuesday voted to authorize Probate Judge Laurie Hall to buy 18 new poll books after her glowing report on their use in the 2016 and 2017 elections.
The state had put aside 18 used poll books for the county, but Hall said there is no guarantee on their condition or whether a warranty was available to cover any cost of maintenance.
Half the purchase price of the used ones to the county would be $4,860, while the county’s half of the new poll books would be $7,650.
The Commission unanimously accepted the lone bid for road striping submitted by Ozark Striping for $149,931.75.
The bid is “a great price,” said County Engineer Ken Atkins. “I thought it would be $100,000 more.”
The bid covers striping and traffic control markings and legends on 14 county roads.
Bamboo Street resident Georgia Thurman asked the Commission to widen the road. She was told that one of the landowners will not cede right-of-way for any work to be done.
Not satisfied with the answer, Thurman told commissioners, “If you really want it to be done, there’s ways of getting it done.”
The Commission offered to try again to gain the right-of-way.
Hal Cain, business developer with “Business Alabama” asked the Commission to consider purchasing an ad in the June issue of the magazine which will feature Marengo, Hale, Greene and Sumter counties. After an executive session, the Commission voted to purchase a half page ad in the issue.
Cain said in the 30 years of the magazine, the four counties never had been covered. The issue will feature stories on workforce development, healthcare, education and its relationship with business, quality of life and what he called “movers and shapers” in the region.
Commissioners discussed taking part in the Don’t Drop It on Alabama statewide spring cleanup April 21-28. While the members had no problem encouraging residents to take part and providing trash bags, they balked at paying the fees proposed by Advanced Disposal to furnish trash receptacles.
“I don’t think we need to pay that kind of money,” said Commission Chairman Calvin Martin
Commissioner Jason Windham reminded members that at a previous meeting with Advanced Disposal representative Tammy Donald, they were told the company would help however it could.
In other action the Commission:
- Approved a resolution to resurface County Road 33 between Highways. 43 and 47.
- Agreed to hire three truck drivers for the County Engineering Department.
- Heard that the proposal for repairs to end the erosion on County Road 33 now is awaiting in Montgomery
- Approved the Democrat-Reporter bid of $5,499.95 for publication of the voter list.
- Approved a 3-year agreement with the American Red Cross for office space in the courthouse annex.
- Announced the county’s participation in the Back to School Sales Tax Holiday July 20-22.
After the executive session, the Commission also voted to place five security cameras in the Annex Building