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Chesterfield council to run Nov. 4 school referendum; school district to cover special-election costs
Summary
County elections official told council a school-board referendum will be held Nov. 4; the district agreed to pay the county's costs for the special election (estimated at about $30,000'$32,000); council decided the district may pay after the election rather than post an upfront retainer.
The Chesterfield County Council on Sept. 3 heard from county elections staff that the Chesterfield County School District has called a referendum to be held Nov. 4, 2025, and that the district will cover the county's direct costs because the vote is not a state-sponsored general or primary election.
The chair called Ken Thurman, Voter Registration & Elections, to brief the council. Thurman told the council the referendum will coincide with town elections, requires opening all precincts and costs the county an estimated "a little over $30,000," with one speaker approximating $32,000. Because the vote is a special (county) election rather than a state-administered contest, Thurman said the county would not receive state reimbursement.
Councilmembers discussed whether to require an upfront retainer or accept reimbursement after the final cost is known. Mr. Price moved that the council accept payment at the end (no retainer), the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Council directed staff to confirm payment logistics with the school district and to return to the council if different arrangements are necessary.
Why it matters: special local elections impose direct administrative costs on counties. The council's decision to accept payment after the election shifts cash-flow and risk-management considerations to county staff to confirm reimbursement arrangements.
What comes next: County elections staff will implement early-voting procedures and coordinate with the school district on payment; council asked staff to verify whether a retainer is required or preferred and to report back if needed.
