Redistricting plan proposed

By Melinda L. Lucas

Several blocks within the Albany city limits will be “moved” to a different voting precinct if  changes made by commissioners last week are approved as part of the state’s redistricting requirements.

A public hearing has been set for Friday, Nov. 12 at 9:00 a.m. in the second floor courtroom to hear comments about the redistricting proposal, which only affects Albany citizens.

John Redington, an attorney with Allison, Bass & Magee of Austin, met remotely with Shackelford County elected officials last Wednesday afternoon to look at how to equalize the populations within the county’s four voting precincts. 

Following a precedent set a number of years ago, commissioners wanted the lines of all precincts to “touch” the Courthouse Square, so that the Courthouse can serve as a combined voting site for Albany residents.

The officials were also careful not to change the amount of road maintenance within precincts.

Redington pointed out that the populations of Pct. 2 and Pct. 4 are above the 10% deviation threshold, with Pct. 2’s total 14.3% above the limit and Pct. 4 at 14.18% below.

He also noted that the commissioners had no options other than to adjust precinct lines according to the state guidelines. 

Current populations by precinct are as follows: 1 – 732, 2 – 887, 3 – 820, 4 – 666.

The proposal made last week should bring the populations within a deviation of less than 1% for all precincts.

Moving from Pct. 3 to Pct. 1 are several blocks between Breckenridge St. and East South 1st St. 

One block immediately south of the Courthouse Square will change from Pct. 2 to Pct. 3.

A fairly large area around the Albany Golf Course will be in Pct. 4 instead of Pct. 2. if the proposal is finalized.