Recall Election Would Cost City Of Howell $5,712 At LeastRecall Election Would Cost City Of Howell $5,712 At Least

10/9/12 - Some clarification has been provided to the Howell City Council when it comes to the cost of a recall election. Councilman Steve Manor is being targeted for recall in what has become a sometimes hostile campaign led by a local resident. He denies all of the accusations against him. The calculated cost of a recall election is pegged at $5,712, although it could be twice that amount if an additional special election is needed to fill a vacancy. If an elected official is recalled, the City Council can make a temporary appointment to fill the vacancy until a special election is held on the next regular election date. However, should an additional special election be necessary to fill a vacancy, the cost would be similar to that of the recall election. The estimate was released by Clerk Jane Cartwright in a memo to the Mayor and City Council, as they and some residents had previously requested but the matter was not brought up nor discussed at Monday’s night’s meeting. The figure includes the costs normally changed to the election department budget but fixed costs such as the Clerk’s time was not included. The City did not budget for a special election in the 2012/2013 fiscal year and the next two regular election dates are February 28th and May 2nd. (JM)