HomeMy WebLinkAboutHCBOE Board Meeting Minutes - March 5th, 2024 - Regular and Election Day MeetingHARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS
REGULAR AND ELECTION DAY ABSENTEE MEETING
MARCH 5, 2024
5:00 P.M.
Present were; Board Chairwoman Allison Fenderson, Secretary Jim Currin, Members: Betsy
McCormick, Bill McNutt, Lewis Bell, and Director Claire Jones
Also present: See sign in sheet
Ms. Fenderson called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm with a moment of silence and Pledge of
Allegiance.
Public Comment:
Rebekah Brock
Minutes:
The Board reviewed the minutes from March 4, 2024. Mr. Currin moved to approve the minutes.
Mr. McNutt seconded. Approved without dissent.
Business:
Brent Trout reported to the Board an update with the Board's request for a new Election
building. Mr. Trout expressed the need to handle some of the County's top priorities first, such
as the animal shelter and a new middle and high school. Mr. Trout suggested to continue
submitting a CIP request for a building and, if desired, present information to the Board of
Commissioners approximately Dec -Jan for their possible support.
The Board reviewed the 2024-2025 Budget. After some discussion, Mr. Currin moved to
approve the Budget. Mr. McNutt seconded. Approved without dissent.
The Board reviewed a County draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the Board of
Elections and Harnett County. During Mrs. Jones presentation, some Board members had
questions and concerns and directed Mrs. Jones to reach out to Chris Appel to come to the April
regular meeting to discuss the MOU specifically for the Board of Elections office.
Mr. McNutt discussed his thoughts concerning the creation of a Bi-Partisan Logistics Team. The
Team would consist of two bipartisan Board members to discuss logistical issues in more detail
with Director, Claire Jones. The Board discussed the need for a Bi-Partisan Team and Mrs. Jones
advised that any subject can be discussed at a meeting and the Board is not tied to the agenda.
Mr. McNutt advised the Board of Elections needs more outreach in the community so voters stay
informed. Mrs. Jones advised the staff is in the process of reaching out to the community with
events and outreach communication. Mr. McNutt would like the Board members to be more
involved in outreach programs and the Board members agreed.
The Board discussed whether they should use their personal emails or should use a County
Board email for Board of Elections business due to public records requests. Mrs. Jones stated the
State Board of Elections does recommend the Board set up a County email. Mrs. Jones also
stated she budgeted for Board members to order business cards.
Mrs. Jones advised the Board she would email them the login information if they would like to
be State certified.
Mrs. Jones gave an election update of the following items:
• All election sites opened on time
• As of 4:00pm, 7,393 people have voted
• Power went out at East Averasboro for 30 minutes, voting was not disrupted
• Confrontation with an Electioneer and a voter outside the Black River precinct
• Reminder that hand eye count will be held on Thursday, March 7t'
Election Technician, Mrs. Higginbotham opened the Absentee DS200, the Board verified the
total was 238. Mrs. Higginbotham closed the polls and printed the results tape. The Board signed
the tapes and completed the Absentee Abstract.
Mrs. Jones asked if there was a need for closed session to discuss the assistant elections director
position. Mrs. McCormick indicated there was not, and after some discussion moved to allow
Mrs. Jones to hire her staff, including the Assistant Director. Mr. Currin seconded. Approved 3-2
with McNutt and Bell dissenting.
Mr. McNutt moved that before the Election Director hires the assistant director, that she submit
the information to the Board to review the selection. Mr. Bell seconded. Failed 3-2 with
Fenderson, Currin and McCormick dissenting.
Mr. McNutt moved to recess the meeting until 7:30 and move to the Board of Election's office to
close the early voting DS200. Mr. Currin seconded. Approved without dissent.
At 730pm, Election Technician, Mrs. Higginbotham and Mrs. Jones opened the Four Early
voting DS200s, the Board verified the beginning total for each site. Mrs. Higginbotham and Mrs.
Jones closed the polls and printed the results tape. The Board signed the tapes.
With no further business to discuss, Mr. McNutt moved to adjourn. Mr. Currin seconded.
Approved without dissent. The meeting adjourned at 7:46 pm.
The next meeting of the Board will be an Absentee/Provisional meeting on March 14 at 5:00 pm.
A roved by:
I
Allison Fenderson, Chairwoman
_nA- ,- IA
Betsy McCormick,
McCormick, Member
McNutt, Member"
SIGN -IN SHEET
Harnett County Board of Elections Meeting Date:
308 W. Duncan Street Lillington, NC 27546 _ Meeting Type: v„ 04,
Print Name
r\JAIII\JII, ILIW III Address I Phone Number
applicabl^
�wr v 2Z