Probate judge seeks HAVA grant vehicles; commission approves application amid oversight questions

Probate Judge Blanchard asked the Jefferson County Commission for permission to apply to the state for two vehicles funded through the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA). The commission approved the request after discussion about federal restrictions and county operating costs.

Judge Blanchard said the vehicles are for election‑related transportation and training purposes, including transporting election workers and equipment to training locations and precincts. "We are only using them for the purposes of the election," he told commissioners, noting elections can be triggered at any time.

Commissioners asked how the vehicles would be procured and what county costs for insurance and maintenance might look like. Staff estimated ongoing annual operating and insurance costs at roughly $1,300 (the transcript contains an estimated figure stated as about "$13" which a staff member clarified as an estimate for maintenance and insurance), and commissioners questioned whether that estimate was accurate for vehicles that may be parked much of the year.

Commissioners also discussed oversight: the federal HAVA funds flow to the state, and the state — via the Secretary of State’s office — will monitor allowable use. One commissioner said the Secretary of State’s office told him the funds and the vehicles will be subject to close oversight and could be reclaimed if misused.

A motion to allow the probate office to apply for the HAVA funds was made and seconded and carried by voice vote; the clerk recorded one abstention. The commission’s action allows the probate office to submit the grant application to the state for the two election vehicles.