County required to buy new election equipment

RBC | Changes in Colorado state statutes regarding elections will require the county to purchase a new voting system from a “certified” provider. Rio Blanco County Commissioners approved an agreement Monday to buy the new system in an amount not to exceed $81,546.14 for the equipment, $9,000 for onsite elections support, and annual software licensing, warranty, support and fees of $13,695.
“At this time it’s the only certified voting system you can buy,” said Rio Blanco County Clerk and Recorder Boots Campbell. “The state has made the rules requiring it. Basically we have no choice.”’
The board approved scheduling and coordination of elections for the South Routt School District Re-3 school board (part of the district falls within Rio Blanco County borders); the Rangely Junior College District; and the Western Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Park District.
The commissioners also approved $16,667 in funds toward the Rangely Airport beacon and fence relocation project. The state will contribute $16,666 and the federal government will make up the difference with $300,000 going toward the project.
Commissioners also approved expenditures of $2,800 for the restoration of a 1917 United States map and $975 for the restoration of a 1919 Rio Blanco County map that were found in the treasurer’s vault.
The maps will be restored and installed in the commissioners’ meeting room, and copies of the restored maps will be taken to the recently renovated Coal Creek School.
In other business, the commissioners appointed Karl Maser, co-owner of Ute Lodge, to the Meeker Lodging Tax Board. Maser fills the seat formerly held by L.D. Grove.