Board to open Henry Brigham Community Center as second advance‑voting site; members debate cost

The Board of Elections voted during a special called meeting to open the Henry Brigham Community Center as an additional advance‑voting location for an upcoming March special election.

Director Doss told the board that, following the January decision to open only the downtown municipal building, staff had identified the Henry Brigham Community Center as an available option and said the center could accommodate voting in a smaller room adjacent to the gym. "We could probably have it up by this Saturday," Doss said when asked about timing. He estimated opening a second location would cost between $12,000 and $15,000, primarily for poll‑worker staffing, because the site would be open from about 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Doss cautioned the board that the special election is not budgeted and that opening an additional site would increase election costs: he estimated the special election itself could cost $60,000 to $70,000 and that a potential runoff could add another approximately $60,000, resulting in a total near $120,000–$150,000 not included in this year’s budget. He said staff would need to request contingency funds from the county commission after the election.

A board member moved to direct the executive director to open Henry Brigham Community Center as the second advance‑voting site beginning as soon as possible through the last day of advance voting for this special election; the motion passed on a voice vote after discussion. One board member objected to reopening additional polling locations, calling the late change “chaotic” and arguing it was a poor use of resources; others said access and ease for voters should be prioritized and urged staff to request needed funds. The chair instructed staff to make arrangements to open the site immediately.

Public commenters supported the added location and urged wider publicity and accessibility measures. Octavia Collins thanked the board and urged that contingency funds be used to ensure people with disabilities can access voting. Richard Jones, a former poll worker, defended local election security against national accusations and urged more advertising, particularly on radio, to reach voters.

What happens next: Staff will finalize the Henry Brigham site setup, train or reassign poll workers as needed and coordinate outreach and signage; the board will seek contingency funding from the county commission to cover special‑election costs.