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Howard County Council approves appropriations and transfers, including $2.02M preparedness grant and new poll books
Summary
The council approved Ordinance 2025-HCCO-43 and related transfers and salary changes that authorize a $2,020,000 Public Health Emergency Preparedness grant, $45,000 toward new poll books and $77,230 total for poll-book units and printers. The package passed by voice vote.
Howard County Council on Oct. 28 approved a package of additional appropriations, transfers and salary-ordinance amendments that will fund election equipment, training and a $2,020,000 public health preparedness grant.
The council approved Ordinance 2025-HCCO-43, which the auditor read as requesting $70,691.25 in additional appropriations across several funds, including $45,000 in the county general fund for election equipment and $20,000 in the PEP grant fund for a part-time preparedness coordinator and supplies. The measure passed on a voice vote after a motion by Councilman Faulkner and second by Councilman Alexander.
"I'm here to ask for $45,000 to help purchase new poll books for the election," County Clerk Debbie Stewart told the council, adding that vendor support for the existing poll books will end Dec. 31, 2025. Becky, an ES&S representative, demonstrated the vendor's tablet-style poll book and said the product "rotates the screen orientation to the voter" and includes updated software called ConnectNow to support opening/closing checklists and on-demand ballot printing.
Stewart said the county is…
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