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The Troup County Board of Commissioners hosted its regular business in the evening for the first time Tuesday night.

During the meeting, the commissioners ensured the safety of voting equipment by purchasing 20 security carts for about $26,000. According to Troup County Elections Supervisor Andrew Harper, the carts provide extra security for voting machines, which will be transported several times from different precincts. He said the devices would be enclosed within the carts, and there are locks, creating even more security for the machines.

“That way, they are secure during transportation from point A to point Z for every precinct,” Harper said.

He said the costs would be offset by a reimbursement grant from the staff for about $13,000.

The election qualifying fees for those wanting to run for office in Troup County were adopted Tuesday night. Those wanting to qualify to run for clerk of superior court will have a $1,894.94 fee; sheriff, $2,270.25; tax commissioner, $1,894.94; coroner, $750.74; solicitor, $2,953.42; county commissioner, District 2, $180; county commissioner, District 3, $180; county commissioner, District 4, $180; state court judge, $3,459; probate judge, $1,894.94; board of education, District 2; $186; board of education, District 3, $336; board of education, District 5, $303; board of education, District 6, $165.

Harper said the fees are based on a percentage of the salary for each office.

The commissioners also adopted the Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement that enacts the Georgia Emergency Management Act. The act allows local, state, federal, volunteer and private agencies to respond to disasters or emergencies that require a coordinated response.

Troup County Emergency Management Director Dennis Knight said that the agreement provides the framework to support mutual assistance in managing an emergency or disaster.