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Bluff council raises alarm over jump in election costs; town explores running its own municipal elections
Summary
Council members told staff that San Juan County's new cost allocation would raise Bluff's election bill from roughly $3,500 to about $12,000 plus language services. The town is exploring options, including running its own municipal election, and expects further information from the lieutenant governor's office.
Council members discussed sharply higher election charges from San Juan County during the May 6 meeting and directed staff to explore alternatives, including the feasibility of Bluff administering its own municipal elections.
Anne Lepinem and other council members described a recent county presentation that moved fixed election costs into a shared pool, which — council members said — increased Bluff’s estimated bill for the upcoming municipal election from roughly $3,500 in prior years to about $12,000, not including translation and interpreter costs. Erin and Anne said county staff cited a per-ballot model and an equal split of fixed costs after changes related to language-assistance requirements stemming from an updated settlement agreement affecting county election procedures.
Officials said the town’s per-voter cost for the primary and general under the new approach would be about $26 per ballot, producing an annual per-voter cost of about $46 when both ballots are counted; council members noted translation and interpreter services could push that figure “well over $50” or “closer to $60” per voter. Council members said larger municipalities pay more because they have more ballots, but Bluff would face a disproportionate increase under the county’s new allocation.
Anne and Aaron reported speaking with the lieutenant governor’s office, which provided a checklist for municipalities that want to run their own elections. The list includes maintaining chain of custody, camera coverage, audits, poll watchers and signature verification. Council members said San Juan County would still be needed for signature verification and mailing-list extracts unless the town negotiated an interlocal agreement to purchase those services.
No formal decision was taken; council members directed staff to collect cost estimates, the LG checklist, and options for negotiating an interlocal agreement with the county so Bluff can decide whether to continue using county-run elections or run its own municipal voting in future years.
