Copperton approves county election contract amendment and prepares for new candidate disclosure law (HB 443)

Council members reviewed an amendment to the county election contract that adjusted fees when the county recognized Copperton’s seats as specific positions rather than at-large seats. Staff explained the primary election costs per seat increased under the amended quote (examples cited during the meeting showed primary figures rising in certain scenarios), and that the primary — which is required when three or more candidates file for the same seat — is the area where per-seat costs vary most.

Town clerk Diana explained the county had originally quoted for at-large contests; the amended contract corrects that to per-seat pricing and increases some line items. Staff said the general-election costs change less dramatically than primary costs. Council voted to approve the county contract amendment.

Council also discussed HB 443, a new state requirement that candidates complete an expanded conflict-of-interest form before the clerk will accept their declaration of candidacy. The new form requires candidates to disclose prior felony or misdemeanor convictions except those expunged or dismissed and removes the prior requirement to list spouses’ employers in many cases. Staff committed to posting the form and related guidance on the town website and to doing outreach so potential candidates can prepare the form ahead of filing.

Next steps include posting the new filing materials and the county contract amendment to the town packet and preparing an agenda item to walk potential candidates through the new form at the next meeting.