When former Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz resigned on June 30, he sent state officials scrambling to organize Utah’s first congressional special election in 87 years. Now, counties must cough up hundreds of thousands of dollars in unexpected costs to pay for it. As counties gear up for the Aug. 15 GOP primary, they’re estimating it will cost more than $675,000 to host the special election, particularly in areas that otherwise wouldn’t be holding municipal primaries. … With more than 60 percent of 3rd District voters, Utah County will eat the majority of the cost — which Utah County Clerk/Auditor Bryan Thompson says will be paid for out of the county’s “rainy day” fund.
“That’s what it’s there for,” Thompson said of the emergency fund, acknowledging that the special election comes with “significant” unexpected costs.
“But financially we’ll be OK,” he said. “It’s just one of those things that come up.”
The financial burden on Utah County, however, has increased from initial estimates of $150,000 to $200,000, Thompson noted, because at least 16 candidates have dropped out of local races, canceling municipal primaries in Lindon, Mapleton and Springville.
Full Article: Chaffetz resignation requires counties to pony up $675K for special election | Deseret News.