Madison County Board of Elections Meeting Minutes- Regular Session  March 15th, 2023  The Madison County Board of Elections held their regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday March 15th, 2023, at Suite E, Room 16, 5707US:25-701 Hwy, Marshall, 28753. In attendance: Jerry Wallin, Chair; Ray Lewis, Secretary; Dyatt  Smathers, Member; Brian Ball, Member; Jacob Ray, Director; and one member of the public.  Call to Order:  Chair Wallin called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.  Agenda:  Motion (BB, DS) to amend the agenda to add agenda item number nine "Executive Session-Personnel", Ther motion  passed unanimously (4-0). Minutes:  Motion (DS, BB) to approve February 15, 2023 meeting minutes and executive session meeting minutes as presented.  The motion passed (4-0). Members' Report:  Member Ball recapped an interview with State Board Executive Karen Brinson Bell. Member Ball expressed concerns about field: support funding for Security Support Technician and noted the Director of Elections position has had fifty percent turnover across the state sincei the 2019. Member Ball spoke about potential legislation that would require Member Smathers made the point that Board Members may have differing opinions on potential legislation but, the Board of Elections will continue to comply with alll laws and regulations. Member Smathers reported on feedback from an Alderman's concern about NCI House Bill 264 which would require Madison County Municipalities conduct partisan Discussion ensued about NCI House Bill 264: and NC Supreme Court cases that would affect the Board of Elections. The Director discussed thei impact that NC House Bill 264 would have on the Board of Elections Office if passed. The Director provided an update on the precinct building conditions in Sandy Mush and informed the board of the report that was filed with the sheriff'soffice due to a break-in at the Sandy Mush precinct building. Discussion ensued  Absentee Mail-In ballots to be received by Election night 7:30.  elections.  Director's Report:  about the Sandy Mush precinct.    The Director briefed the Board on his visit to the Marshall Fire Station. The Marshall Fire Station will not be fit to serve as polling place for the upcoming election. The Director will continue to work with Town to find a suitable polling site for  the 2023 Municipal Election.  The Director presented the Budget Expenditure Report and answered board members questions.  New Business:  The Director presented the revised proposed budget for Fiscal Year 241 for approval. Motion (BB, DS) to approve the  revised budget as presented. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).  Public Comment:  The member of the public commented on potential changes to Elections and the importance of voter education.  Motion (DS, JW) to enter Personnel Session. The motion was passed unanimously (4-0).  Motion (BB, RL) to permit Chair Wallin and Member Smathers be allowed to conduct preliminary interviews with three Deputy Director candidates. The Director will coordinate with the applicants and board members to set at time and date  for the interviews. The motion was passed unanimously (4-0).  Motion (DS, BB) to adjourn at 4:12 p.m. The motion was passed unanimously (4-0).  -YME Secretary_ fyh