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Council adopts consolidated fee schedule change, sets $50 candidate filing fee; staff warns election costs high
Summary
Council approved a consolidated fee schedule update that includes a $50 candidate filing fee. Staff emphasized the county charges roughly $75,000 per election and the city pays for primaries and generals if required.
The Saratoga Springs City Council approved an update to the consolidated fee schedule that sets a $50 filing fee for candidates seeking local office.
Staff reported they analyzed filing fees in comparable cities, noting ranges from zero up to several hundred dollars; Salt Lake City’s fee was cited at $500, and Orem and Provo were cited at higher fees for mayoral filings. After reviewing the administrative workload and costs, staff recommended a $50 fee to offset some costs while keeping barriers modest.
During discussion staff emphasized that the city pays the county to run elections and that a single election costs the city about $75,000; if a primary and a general are required the combined cost approaches $150,000. Council members and staff said they support low candidate fees while making the electorate aware of the substantial administrative cost of running elections.
The council motion to approve the consolidated fee schedule passed unanimously. Staff said the updated candidate packet and any state code changes would be posted to the city’s website in the coming week.
