Despite objections, the Troup County Commission on Friday voted during a called meeting Friday morning to create an elections board.
The board will handle duties currently overseen by Probate Court Judge Donald Boyd. Boyd, who has been elections superintendent for 12 years, told commissioners Friday morning that no one consulted with him on the proposal before it came up two weeks ago.
“I certainly have no problem with a combined board,” Boyd told commissioners. “My problem is with a lack of investigation into the issue. … I have never been asked to do anything to help with this matter, or asked my opinion in this matter.”
The county compiled a comparison of eight other Georgia counties that had elections boards and a similar number of registered voters. Troup’s cost for elections per voter was $8.33 last year. The survey showed five of the eight counties came in lower, with Spalding the lowest at $5.73 per voter.
Boyd said the comparison didn’t take into account all factors and was an “apples-to-oranges” comparison. He said the county hasn’t investigated the cost to other counties where a probate judge serves as elections superintendent.
“I just think that a decision of this magnitude would require more than two or three days of just calling somebody, asking the population and asking ‘what’s your budget,’” Boyd said. “Because in elections, you budget for more than you actually do. In all years, you have to budget for special elections, in case someone dies or resigns. That’s what we did. We don’t know if the other counties did that or not.”
Boyd said the numbers also didn’t show if any money from elections went back to the county at the end of the year. He suggested the commission make a committee to further investigate and make a determination. He said if it was still determined that a board was more efficient, he would make sure it was a smooth transition.
Although not a public hearing, Commission Chairman Ricky Wolfe opened the floor up for public input.
Resident Mike Freeland said he felt the county should take more time to gather evidence on specific ways the board would save money. He said the comparison of Troup’s cost to other counties was too general and there needs to be more analysis about the effects on the county budget with a board, and said a board likely would increase administrative costs.
Resident Tommy Callaway said the decision was coming too quickly and said the commission needs to do a more thorough job of analyzing information. Resident Ellen Gilmore said the county shouldn’t rush a decision.
Kevin Goodson, who said he represented the Troup County Democratic Party, said the party was in favor of the board, because it would add a level of transparency to elections. After the meeting, Troup County Republican Party chairman Bill Gilmore said he was disappointed the commission wouldn’t consider doing more research before approving the measure.
County Manager Mike Dobbs said the numbers are an “apples-to-apples” comparison obtained through the secretary of state’s office. He said a board would make elections more open and transparent, with more input from residents, and that it’s a trend most counties are moving toward. The board would be made up of two people appointed by the County Commission, one appointed by each of the cities, one appointed by the Troup County Republican Party and one by the Troup County Democratic Party.
Boyd said that the commission wouldn’t be doing its job if it approved creating a board without further investigation.
Commissioners unanimously approved the measure. The board will take effect Jan. 1, 2013.
Matthew Strother can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 706-884-7311, ext. 229.
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