By Staci DaSilva
sdasilva@kcautv.com
The Sioux City City Council primary and general elections usually cost $40,000 combined. To lessen that, voting locations may be limited to the 3 Sioux City Middle Schools and the Long Lines Family Rec Center.
To give you some perspective on how much these things cost: last weeks special election for the Sioux City School Board and a tax levy extension at Western Iowa Tech attracted just over 3,000 voters and still cost $28,000.
Nobody expects special elections like the one that took place last week to attract many voters.
"Special elections are notorious for low voter turnout," said Woodbury County Auditor Pat Gill.
Just over 3,000 people cast their ballots. Cost cutting efforts, like just having one voting location, saved $27,000.
So now, folks are trying to continue that into the primary and general elections for 3 expiring City Council positions. Elections that usually cost $40,000 combined.
Mayor Bob Scott and Council Member Keith Radig want to see those costs cut. After all, the election comes out of the City's budget.
Keith Radig said, "I think we could save potentially between $10,000-$15,000. I think we should work with the County Auditor and find a way to save the taxpayer's money."
Tom Padgett, who's announced he will not be seeking re-election when his term expires this fall, says he wants cuts within reason.
"I don't want it reduced so much that it would disenfranchise people. In other words, if you have just one or two voting places, that'd make it difficult for people," said Council Member Tom Padgett.
So, Woodbury County Auditor Pat Gill says he may narrow the poll locations from 28 current precincts to just the 3 Sioux City Middle Schools, and the Long Lines Family Rec Center, which would save $10,000 automatically.
Folks would be allowed to vote at any of those 4 locations.
Council Member Tom Padgett announced after 19 years in public service, it's time for him to step down and enjoy retirement with his wife.
The landmarks of his local government career include the Art Center, Public Museum and balancing the budget every year.
