Some towns, cities concerned about costs for November elections

By WTMJ News Team

CREATED Jul. 23, 2012

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  • Lacey Crisp reports Video by 620wtmj.com

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MOUNT PLEASANT- Some towns and cities wondering how they'll pay for the big elections in November.

The recall elections may be over, but municipalities are just now getting their bills.  In Mount Pleasant they are $30,000 over budget because of the two extra elections.

"We're obviously four elections down, with two more to go," said Village of Mount Pleasant's Clerk/Treasurer Veronica Rudychev.  "We're looking at a minimum of $30,000 that we're going to have to spend."

Rudychev said they couldn't plan ahead for the recall primary and general election, but they still have to pay for an expensive November presidential election.  "(The money) is going to come from  our fund balance."

According to Rudychev, they won't have to cut from other programs, but it will take away money from the village's savings account.

TODAY'S TMJ4's Lacey Crisp reports Mount Pleasant isn't alone, as Sturtevant is expecting to be a couple thousand dollars over budget as well.

Sturtevant Village Clerk/Deputy Treasurer Mary Cole says fortunately the village is small and can absorb the extra expenses better than some of the larger cities.  "We're thinking $3,000-$6,000. It could be a little bit more," said Cole.  "We don't typically prepare for something like that because the budgets are so tight the way it is."

The clerks told TODAY'S TMJ4 if a lot of people show up to vote in November, it could cost them even more.

Clerks say a lot of the costs came because there were more absentee ballots and postage.