Commissioners approve HAVA grant resolution after purchase of 30 poll pads

The Jim Wells County Commissioners Court approved a resolution authorizing the county to seek reimbursement under a Help America Vote Act (HAVA) election security grant following the purchase of 30 poll pads used for voter check‑in.

Elections Administrator Richard Gera told the court the county obtained a HAVA grant of $42,500 and will be responsible for $8,500 of match in total. He said the county purchased 30 poll pads at a total cost of $34,065; the federal portion covered $27,252 and the county’s share for these devices is $6,813.

Gera said the elections office is prepared to pay the local matching portion and that the county must submit a resolution and supporting documentation to the Secretary of State to receive reimbursement. The court approved the resolution by voice vote.

The auditor and elections staff will complete and submit the reimbursement paperwork as required by the Secretary of State.