Commission denies some Election Commission funding requests amid pending lawsuit
Summary
Commissioners denied several budget transfers tied to the Election Commission’s move to Union School Road while the county is involved in active litigation; a commissioner warned the denials may increase legal costs if the county loses the suit, and members discussed asking the state legislature for help.
Sumner County commissioners voted to deny several inter-budget transfers requested by the Election Commission tied to its relocation to 1019 Union School Road.
During the public comment and deliberation period a resident and a commissioner warned of consequences if the transfers are denied while litigation is pending. One commissioner cautioned on the public record that if the county ‘loses this suit, you're gonna end up paying for them anyway’ and urged the commission to consider the potential for added attorneys' fees and longer polling lines if precincts are consolidated.
The presiding officer said the commission is constrained by a pending court order at least in part and that the county attorney’s guidance and the nature of the court action limit the county's ability to alter the status quo. Commissioners discussed options including asking the state legislative committee to consider state funding to offset election costs.
The motion to deny the transfers carried; commissioners asked legislative committee members to consider policy or funding requests to the state as an option moving forward.
