Closing polling sites cost $115,000 more than expected

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20120709/NEWS/707099929/1694#closing-polling-sites-cost-115-000-more-than-expected

By Matt Wynn
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

The great polling place controversy of 2012 — the plan born of a desire to cut spending and streamline elections — wound up costing Douglas County taxpayers about $115,000 more than expected.

To make up for the shortfall, Election Commissioner Dave Phipps had to plead to the County Board twice in the past few weeks for budget increases totaling $70,000.

But be patient. The extra costs associated with drawing precincts, then mollifying angry voters by drawing new precincts are expected to result in cheaper elections.

The brouhaha began in February, when Phipps announced he would cut the number of precincts in half to save money — a plan that also closed dozens of polling places.

FULL story at link.