Jefferson County Election Commission building experiences water damage
PINE BLUFF, Ark. (KATV) — It's a problem that's only escalated after flash floods ripped through the Pine Bluff area on Saturday.
The Jefferson County Election Commission building is riddled with ceiling leaks, soaked carpets and inoperable voting equipment as a result of extensive water damage.
But according to election officials, the issue stemmed back in April when hailstorms took place.
Repairs were able to be made in time for the May election, however subsequent storm water damage resulted in more problems that have yet to be fixed, according to election officials.
"It's very concerning to me that if we don't have voting machines and a building to use -- it's devastating if we don't have an election," said Michael Adam, chairman of the Jefferson County Election Commission.
Adam noted more than 100 electronic voting machines are inoperable because of water damage.
The roof remains riddled with leaks and ceiling tiles are falling.
"We can't even work here," Adam said.
He said the insurance company approved roof repairs back in May. Its been a waiting game ever since.
"We thought it was going to happen right then, that was the plan. But somewhere, the county judge has not that done. Somehow or another they waited four to five weeks to send out bids and of course it's an emergency. It's an election," Adam said.
Jefferson County Judge Booker Clemons tells KATV it's become a communication and money issue.
"The amount that the insurance company would pay is a whole lot less than what the contractors would repair the damages for. That's holding everything up for now," Clemons said.
Clemons said in an email addressed to the commission, that he will authorize the county transfer of new voting equipment if the commissioners meet with him in his office to discuss long standing issues between the commissioners and the judge's office.
Adam remains dumbfounded regarding the whole situation, hoping a fast fix is met in the coming weeks.
"It's really a loss of words how to describe it because it should've never happened. Somebody's dropped the ball somewhere."
