Parker approves IGA with county for 2026 elections; town attorneys say fees unchanged

The Parker Town Council approved an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Le Paz County to provide election services for the 2026 election cycle, including the primary scheduled for July 21 and the general election on Nov. 3, 2026.

Town staff explained that the town must reimburse the county for actual costs incurred and that precise charges are based on voter registration numbers and how many jurisdictions hold elections. Staff provided rough estimates — about $2,000 for the primary and about $14,000 for the general election — but said exact figures were not yet available.

"Typically the estimate cost for the primary election is about $2,000 and for the general it's about 14," staff said, noting those are estimates and precise costs will be determined by the county and registration counts.

Council approved the IGA by motion.

Later in the meeting Justin Pierce, representing the town's contracted legal services, presented an update about his firm and municipal practice. Pierce outlined the firm's municipal experience and staffing, and told council that the firm has not raised Parker's fee since 2022. "And guess what? I'm here to announce today great news for the next year. We will not be raising it again," he said, noting the firm's cost management and collaborative approach.

There was no council action on the legal update; the meeting moved on to a motion to enter executive session to review a town‑clerk application under state executive‑session law (ARS 38‑431.03(A)(1) and (3)), and that motion passed.

Next steps: staff will execute the IGA with Le Paz County; the council will go into executive session on the town‑clerk application.