We contracted with ES&S for voting equipment and training under the HAVA grant for 2006. According to our records, we paid about $13,000 for training and received $5000 worth - based on their hourly rate in the contract.

There have been conversations with ES&S since the 2006 elections - discussions of credit for additional equipment and such - but nothing has gone past the "discussion" stage. During a chat with the Sec State office today, I was informed that other counties are also having this problem.

Seems to me that this is an issue for me when we are audited over the grant funds - and my commissioners are not going to want to reimburse Austin $7000. However, won't it also be an issue for Austin if, in fact, several counties are in this boat and the federal auditors pick up on it?

Perhaps those of us in this boat need to get together. The individual with whom I spoke did not know who the other counties were, but indicated that there were definately others. If you used ES&S, please check with your clerk and get with me...

Lisa L. Peterson
Nolan County Attorney