Erath County Commissioners are taking potential election legislation seriously and passed a resolution opposing several bills that would complicate the process of casting ballots for voters countywide.
There has already been a slew of legislation filed this session in regards to voting and elections.
Bills of concern include: HB 1001 filed by Rep. Steve Toth (TX-15) from The Woodlands area which relates to the use of paper ballots and certain electronic devices in conducting an election.
SB 76 filed by Republican Sen. Bob Hall (TX-2) from Rockwall area which eliminates the countywide polling place program.
SB 77 also filed by Sen. Bob Hall relating to the use of paper ballots and certain electronic devices in conducting an election SB 148 jointly filed by Democrats Sen. Jose Menendez, Sen. Cesar Blanco, Sen. Molly Cook, Sen. Roland Gutierrez, Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, Sen. Judith Zaffirini and Sen. Carol Alvarado eliminating the countywide polling place program.
“I live in Lingleville so I would have to go to Lingleville to vote,” Elections Administrator Lana Stephens said. “I couldn’t go to the county annex here in town if we went back to precinct based voting. We want to sign this resolution and send it to lawmakers to show we are in favor of keeping this.”
Erath County Judge Brandon Huckabee said there were several bills out there from both parties – to take away vote centers, to go back to paper ballots and hand counting.
“All of these would have a significant impact on counties financially. Precinct voting would have a drastic impact on counties ... if we had to buy voting machines and more staff. If we had to have a voting location secure in every precinct. I understand the desire but there are good ideas and bad legislation. This would cause a big burden on taxpayers.”
“Ihavetheutmostconfidence in how Erath County runs their elections and has run their elections,” Huckabee added. In a unanimous vote the court signed the resolution opposing the elimination of the countywide polling place program.
Subdivision Coordinator Jason Gardner addressed the court on a couple of replats which were approved. Two lots were joined into one lot so the property owner could have more space.
Another piece of property in River Hills Ranch was adjusted so a private road was on one parcel of land instead of weaving back and forth between two lots. The court also gave its approval for the county attorney’s office to utilize attorney Lori Kaspar on an as-needed basis when appeal case came forward.
County Attorney Bethany Espinoza stated that the attorney would only be utilized a couple of time a year when appeal cases came up simply because her office didn’t have the staff to dedicate the time needed. The funds would come from professional services and is already in the budget, Auditor Kent Reeves said.
Members of the Erath County Sheriff’s Office gave the court an update on improvements requested for the county fitness center for all county employees. Patrol Sergeant David Southerland told commissioners they had received a good response from a survey sent out asking employeeswhatimprovements they would like to see.
Sheriff Matt Coates explained an expansion of the room was needed to increase offerings and a set of locker rooms for male and female would be a good idea with the potential expansion. The sheriff recommended utilizing the vehicle bays to expand the facility and potentially building a small enclosed secure room underneath the new awning for vehicles when they were evidence.
The court asked the sheriff’s office to get some preliminary estimates on the work.