Hempstead County Quorum Court

By Submitted, 08/23/18 7:52 PM

The Hempstead County Quorum Court met Thursday August 23rd. The JP’s heard from Judge Haskell Morse about the architects for the new courthouse renovation. He said they have two finalists chosen. JP Lynn Montgomery suggested the committee include the two candidates for County Judge on meetings as one will have to work with the architect chosen. Architect Committee Chairman Ed Darling said they will be happy to include the two candidates in future meetings.
County Judge Haskell Morse said the County set aside $138,000 for new election equipment. It appeared that the county would have to pay $16,000; however, the judge said he has signed a contract with the Secretary of State’s office and will get the new equipment free. Election Commission Chairman Cindy Newsom said the County is reducing polling places from 15 to 9. These will be “voting centers” that will allow any registered voter in the county to vote in any voting center. The centers will be in touch with each other which will prevent voters from voting multiple times. Newsom said the election commission is eliminating polling places which are close to others. She said they are eliminating Washington because it is close to Hope and Ozan. She said Columbus is being eliminated due to its closeness to voting centers in Cross Roads and Saratoga. JP Cherry Stewart said she understands the cost savings but noted some of the communities will miss the traditional interaction with their neighbors. Newsom says they hope to utilize as many current poll workers as possible in the new voting centers. The JP’s approved the new voting set-up.
Terrie James of the Cooperative Extension Service gave an update on the County Fair. She said they will have approximately 40 youth exhibitors and 34 young exhibitors who will be in the Livestock Premium Sale on August 31st. She also noted online registration has started for the district fair in November.
The meeting then adjourned.