County clerk awarded $54,221 HAVA grant; commissioners authorize subgrant and purchases

Anne Harris, the county clerk, told the Grant County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 3 that the Secretary of State awarded her office $54,221 in HAVA (Help America Vote Act) funding for election-related equipment and services. The award covers items the clerk's office requested: a larger fire-resistant cabinet for absentee ballots, high-speed printers for vote centers, and a voter-information display for poll sites.

Harris explained the award has strict-use rules and any unused funds return to the Secretary of State. She asked commissioners to authorize her to sign the subgrant agreement and to approve the listed expenses. Commissioners moved and seconded a motion authorizing the clerk to proceed and to sign on the county's behalf; the motion passed by voice vote.

Harris noted one item in the request that may pose timing or contract questions: $10,000 in second-year maintenance/support for a software product (An Island software) was in the originally filed request but the Secretary of State will not fund second-year maintenance through the grant. Commissioners asked Harris to consult the Secretary of State's office about whether that maintenance fee can be shifted or delayed; Harris agreed to return with clarifying information at the next meeting.

Harris said she would like some items in hand prior to the upcoming general election, particularly the fire-resistant cabinet and printers. Commissioners suggested she seek clarification and, if necessary, adjust contract timing so equipment is available before the election.

Next steps: the clerk will work with county staff to finalize purchases and contracts under grant rules, reconcile the second-year maintenance item with the Secretary of State, and report back to the commissioners.