NEW CUMBERLAND – A grant approved by the Hancock County Commission will assist with the purchase of equipment county officials say will help to streamline election operations.

As part of its meeting Thursday, the commission unanimously approved the acceptance of a 2023 HAVA CARES Act sub-grant in the amount of $70, 172.50, for which the commission will provide an equal match.

“That will help with the election,” explained County Clerk Karan Valenti, following Thursday’s vote.

According to a letter from Valenti to the commission requesting the acceptance of the grant, the funds “will cover the cost ‘to bolster physical and cyber security of election processes, upgrading voting equipment and obtaining E-pollbooks.'”

In particular, Valenti explained the use of the e-pollbooks will help to streamline the process when voters arrive and check in at their polling locations. Currently, Hancock County divides its polling stations and check-ins by alphabetical order. Using e-pollbooks will allow voters to check in and go to the first available pollworker.

“It will make lines go faster,” she said.

The commission agreed to apply for the grant in April, with the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office notifying the county of the grant’s approval by the State Election Commission in a letter dated May 18.

Commission President Jeff Davis offered his thanks to Valenti in applying for the grant.

“We appreciate that,” he said.

In other business Thursday, commissioners approved:

A letter of permission to the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration regarding the Hoopie Mountain Music Festival, to be held July 26-Aug. 3 at Get Togethers Picnic Grounds;

A general county internal budget revision for the 2022-23 fiscal year;

Hancock County Savings Bank’s certificate resolution concerning public moneys and pledgee depository bond, which legal counsel Mike Lucas explained must be done each year for financial institutions holding county funds;

A grant application for the 2023-24 fiscal year with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources on behalf of the Juvenile Mediation Program;

The hiring of Whitney Osborn, Aeryn Sheridan, Rickey Moore, Steven Edgell, Cole Beatty Beaver, and Savannah Dulaney, as part-time employees of the Hancock County Animal Shelter, effective June 12;

The resignation of the appointment of Jill E. Jenkins as executrix in the Estate of William F. Dillion.

The commission also scheduled a special meeting for 12:30 p.m., Tuesday.