The final cost of Wisconsin’s presidential recount will likely be about half of what was estimated. Seventy-one of the state’s 72 counties have reported their final recount costs to the state Elections Commission. The total is about $1.8 million. Last month, estimates from counties projected the cost of the recount to be about $3.8 million. Reid Magney, spokesman for the Elections Commission, said the overstimates were likely due to counties being “cautious” about the expense. “I think they probably, not knowing exactly what it would cost, wanted to make sure that their costs would be covered,” Magney said.
County expenses for the recount included paying people to re-tally ballots, renting additional office space for operations and purchasing necessary office supplies and other equipment.
Only 13 counties came in over budget. The largest overage was from Sheboygan County, which estimated its recount would cost $36,186. The final cost was $40,051. The largest savings was in Milwaukee County, which estimated its expense would be $536,734 and ultimately used $271,454.
Full Article: Wisconsin Presidential Recount Expected To Come In Vastly Under Budget | Wisconsin Public Radio.