By Annie Rowe

SDN Staff Writer

Technology and the future voting process, along with more board appointments, was focus of discussion for the Scurry County commissioners court this morning

The court discussed the possibility of utilizing computerized voting machines during future elections.

Roger Tinner and Gary Gandy, representatives of Hart Interactive demonstrated the InterCivic eSlate Electronic Voting System. Hart is among a number of companies that commissioners will look at before purchasing a new system.

The concept of moving from the traditional to an electronic system is one that will allow voting to be quicker and more accurate.

Once a system is purchased, county clerk Joan Bunch plans to arrange the necessary demonstrations that will allow residents a chance to learn more about its operation in an effort to make voters feel more comfortable using it.

In other business, three members were named to the Scurry County Airport board to replace Mark Graham, Mark Erwin and Darryl Calley – appointing John Davis, Jeff Hollister and Mike Houghett.

The Veteran’s Land Board had two openings make available by two members whose terms were completed, Leonard Keller and Billy Longbotham. Doug Scott and John Shirley were approved as replacements.

The Board of County Development had one re-appointment and two new appointees approved.

Ray Myers was re-appointed for his second two-year term. Bill Dryden, a board member since 2000, asked not to be re-appointed for a third term. Jerry Martin was rotated off the board after having served his third term. Keith Hatfield and Forrest Pendleton were named as replacements

Three were chosen to serve on the Scurry County grievance committee. Don Bollinger, James Shearer and Karen Wadleigh were drawn, with Douglas Morris named as an alternate. The court made a motion to approve the names drawn, pending their acceptance.

The court heard the quarterly treasurer’s report by Nelda Colvin. During the fourth quarter of 2003, the total of all county accounts was $10, 312, 037.75. The interest earned was $34,964.53. The third quarter comparison was $28,212.88, an increase of $6,751.66. This was a decrease from last year-to-date which was $89,209.39. County investments currently earn 1.0327 percent.

The court approved officer proficiency certificates for retired sheriff’s deputies who have 20 or more years of service and approved a petty cash fund in the amount of $50 for the adult probation department.

The lone bid from McCormick Marketing for fuel and bulk oil which was $20 over cost per barrel of oil. The bid for fuel was 6 cents over cost of delivery.

Judge Waller president and commissioners present were Chloanne Lindsey, Howard Limmer, Ralph Trevey and Jerry House.