Failed Metro Government Proposal Costs Tax Payers Thousands
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BROWNSVILLE, Tenn. — Haywood County Trustee William Howse said the metro government election didn’t just cause problems among some residents, it also cost them quite a bit of money. “It’s going to cost over $12 per vote for every voter,” Howse said. Officials called Tuesday’s election a special referendum election, specifically to vote for or against a metro government. Howse said it cost more than $30,000 just to draft the charter, and that doesn’t include the actual cost of the election. “It costs a lot to have an election,” Howse said, adding that while the costs have not been calculated, he estimates polling cost between $10,000 to $15,000. He said it’s all paid for with tax-payer dollars. “It seems everything has just gone from good to bad,” Haywood County voter, Johnny Tyus, said. Residents like Tyus said despite the hefty price, they’re hoping this isn’t the last time they’re able to vote on a consolidated government. “It will bring about change,” Tyus said. Officials for metro government have not commented on the costs or if they plan to try again in the future, but Howse said he doesn’t a metro government referendum happening again anytime soon.
