Van Buren County court member warns election account may fall short for multiple elections

A member of the Van Buren County court warned the panel that the county’s election account balance — “about $26,000” — may not be enough to cover two special elections in June and the November general election, and urged the court to consider earmarking funds.

The member, speaking during the committee questions and discussion portion of the meeting, said the county had a recent primary, a runoff and a recount, and that reimbursements related to those contests would not arrive until next year. “We’ve only got about a $26,000 balance in the account right now and I’m not sure if that’s going to be enough to get us through the rest of the year,” the committee member said, adding that the court should begin conversations about setting aside money for election expenses.

The concern centers on timing: the speaker said reimbursements for election costs are not expected before next year, creating a cash-flow issue if the county must front costs for multiple contests. The member said they will prepare projections and report back with more detailed numbers and recommendations for how to address any shortfall.

In routine business, the court approved the meeting agenda by voice vote after a motion and second, then approved the minutes and financial reports together by voice vote. The court also acknowledged receipt of the hot check fee fund report after staff noted the document had been emailed to members.

No formal budget action or appropriation was taken at the meeting; the discussion resulted in a direction for the committee member to assemble cost projections and lay out options for the court to consider. The court adjourned after completing those items.

Votes at a glance: The court approved the agenda (voice vote), approved the minutes and financials (voice vote), and acknowledged the hot check fee fund report (voice vote). No roll-call tallies were recorded in the transcript.