Commissioners authorize $14,000 from contingency for election safety equipment; approve child-seat and smoke-detector distribution

The Val Verde County Commissioners Court on Jan. 16 authorized purchases to bolster safety at polling places and in the community.

For elections the court approved approximately $14,000 from contingency to buy AEDs (about $11,000), tourniquet kits and Narcan for five polling locations. County staff provided itemized estimates discussed in open session and commissioners approved the appropriation by motion.

Separately the court authorized purchasing child safety seats (roughly 30 seats per precinct) and approximately 30 battery-operated smoke/carbon-monoxide detectors per precinct, with total estimated cost around $27,500 to be paid from the family protection fund. The judge and commissioners discussed partnering with Health and Human Services and the Red Cross to provide installation assistance and training so devices would be properly used.

The court also approved providing two county-issued cell phones for election staff. All motions passed by voice vote.

What’s next: Staff will get exact pricing, complete appropriation paperwork and return procurement details to the auditor’s office before purchases are finalized.