03/27/2024
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By Erin Smith

The Bladen County Board of Commissioners were presented with a list of Homeland Security recommendations to better secure the Bladen County Board of Elections on Monday night. This was the first time the list had been presented to the board.

According to the Bladen County Board of Elections, the inspection of the facility was performed on October 11, 2018.

Bladen County Manager Greg Martin said the recommendations were submitted to his office on November 7th.

“It didn’t have any date or anything like that on it,” said Martin of the report.

“It took a while for you to release it to us. Why was that?” asked Commissioner Arthur Bullock.

“Well, that was really not my intention. We’ve been working on the main issue identified that really related to the County and that was the closed caption television video cameras,” said Martin. “If you notice, it showed up on several items.”

Martin said the wiring and installation for the closed caption television cameras should be completed either this week or next week.

“Right now, the only thing we have done over there for security is the cameras?” asked Commissioner Bullock.

Martin said several of the door locks have been changed as the recommendation stated, a door has been installed to stop people from walking back to the offices without individuals being notified.

“There have been several items that have been addressed,” said Martin.

Commissioner Bullock also asked about the Homeland Security recommendation to move the Veterans Affairs office.

“That has not happened,” said Martin. He added that is one option being explored.

Commissioner Ophelia Munn-Goins asked if there is space in the courthouse to house the Veterans Affairs Office. Martin said consideration can be given to that option.

Commissioner Michael Cogdell stated he was aware of the report and said he would like to know how information of that nature is supposed to be brought to the Commissioners. He added he would like for the Commissioners to meet with the Bladen County Board of Elections and discuss the flow of information between the two boards and to review the Homeland Security report.

Chairman Charles Ray Peterson argued that at one point in time there were five different departments housed in the Board of Elections building located on Cypress Street. He stated there has never been issues until now.

“What we need to do is to have the Board of Elections come before the County Commissioners and tell us how that stuff is locked up and sealed and who can get to it and who can’t get to it,” said Chairman Peterson. “That’s what we need to do before we spend any money.”

He added there are a lot of things that need to be discussed including the location of the Veterans Affairs office.

It was the consensus of the Commissioners to meet with the Board of Elections to discuss the report. No date was announced.

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