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Louisa County board asks state officials to seek 100% reimbursement for $44,000 special election cost
Summary
After staff said the recent special election cost Louisa County about $44,000, the board voted unanimously to send letters to the governor, the General Assembly and the Department of Elections asking for full reimbursement, while the registrar said reimbursements are often partial and allocation rules are pending.
Louisa County staff told the Board of Supervisors May 18 that the county incurred approximately $44,000 in costs for a recent special election.
County Administrator Goodwin presented the estimate and said the registrar was available to answer questions. Registrar Watkins told the board reimbursement from state funds is possible but historically has been partial; she estimated examples around 85% reimbursement and said the Department of Elections will provide guidance on the submission and allocation process.
Board members expressed concern that local taxpayers would cover any unreimbursed share. After discussion, supervisors moved and unanimously approved a motion directing staff to send letters to the governor, the county's legislative delegation and the Department of Elections requesting 100% reimbursement of the county’s special-election costs.
Officials noted the state had allocated $5 million for reimbursement broadly but that the Department of Elections will determine how that pot is divided among localities, potentially by formula related to voter counts. Staff said the county will prepare and submit required documentation once the Department of Elections issues guidance.
The board did not specify a calculation method for reimbursement; officials said the county will press for full reimbursement but acknowledged past practice often yields partial coverage.
