Madison County probate judge and election superintendent Cody Cross asked county commissioners Monday to consider stripping him of his election duties and creating an election board instead.
The judge is running unopposed this year. But in years where he faces opposition, he could be tasked with overseeing his own race.
“I would hope that each and every one of you (commissioners) would agree with me that it’s time to do this (create an election board),” said Cross.
The judge said that less than 50 counties in Georgia have a probate judge who also serves as an election superintendent.
Cross suggested that all election responsibilities be placed under the supervision of the registrar’s office, which is overseen by the chief registrar, an appointed, not elected, position.
“This is in essence combining everything under one roof,” said Cross. “I think they have an excellent staff. I can think of no one else better capable of handling it.”
The judge handed each commissioner a packet with information on various ways other counties have structured election boards. He noted that some counties have three member boards. Others have five. He pointed out that the commissioners can appoint members, or local political parties could nominate members, or other means of appointment could be deteremined.
Cross suggested the board create a committee to consider the options.
“I know there are some fine citizens out there who are very knowledgeable about the election process,” he said.
Chairman Anthony Dove said that any change will require local legislation submitted to county legislators, who will present the changes to the General Assembly for approval.
He said the board will need to meet the requirements of legislators on submitting local legislation, adding that one legislator requires at least two public hearings, while another will only submit legislation that is unanimously approved by the BOC.
Madison County commissioners agreed to review the packets and consider the issue at their next regular meeting at the end of the month.
In separate election matters, Cross asked the board for permission to use anticipated surplus election funds to help cover the cost of flooring work at the Sanford Community Center, one of the county’s polling places, as well as the purchase of new batteries for the 22 election machines.
The probate judge noted that the 2012 election budget included funds for a special election, but one has not been called this year. He said he anticipates the county spending less on elections than originally anticipated. And he asked the board to approve the election upgrades, noting that the floor at the Sanford Community Center is in bad shape and that the batteries are seven or eight years old, with some of them failing to keep a sufficient charge.
“I’m confident we’ll have additional funds in the election budget at the end of the year even with this,” said Cross.
The judge noted that commissioner Stanley Thomas helped him secure a $5,000 grant for the floor work at the Sanford Community Center, but he added that the project will cost an additional $1,500. The batteries will cost nearly $4,400, with each battery costing roughly $200.
In other matters, Dove asked for a moment of silence for Gloria Epps, who recently passed away. Epps worked for the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. He said that at Epps’ funeral, he was asked to suggest that citizens fly their American flags more often. “I thought that was a good request and I’m passing that along,” he said.
Dove praised local emergency workers for joining in the search for a man lost in Oglethorpe County. The man was found alive. “It shows what kind of emergency personnel we have,” said Dove.
The chairman reported that local sales tax collections were up 16 percent in September and 8.8 percent for the year.
Madison County commissioners agreed by a 4-1 vote to pay $30,687 to put a pitched metal roof on the EMS station on Hwy. 98 in Danielsville. John Pethel provided the lone “No” vote, saying that the board could go with a cheaper roofing option.
The board approved a 35 mph speed limit on Moriah Church Road.
