A by-election, which could cost ratepayers up to$12,000, has been set down for February to fill a vacancy on the Waihemo Community Board because too few nominations were received in this month's local body elections.
When nominations closed for the Waitaki District Council elections, only four were received for the five positions on the Waihemo board.
The Electoral Act states a by-election must be held to fill the vacancy.
Waitaki electoral officer Debbi Miall is recommending the council call for nominations for the vacancy from November 24, closing on December 22.
Voting papers in the postal election would be sent out from January 19, the poll would close at noon on Thursday, February 10 and preliminary results would be announced that day if possible.
The actual cost of the by-election will depend on nominations.
If no nominations are received, the council can then make an appointment to fill the vacancy.
If one nomination is received, then no election would be required. That scenario would cost about $5000.
If more than one nomination was received and an election required, it could cost about $12,000.
The final cost would also depend on what method the council uses to list candidates.
If it decides to list candidates in random order, rather than alphabetical, that would increase the cost by $2500.
The council will consider the options and make a decision at its meeting on Monday.
This is the second time a by-election has been required in the Waihemo ward - in the 2007 local body elections, Alex Familton was elected mayor and had to stand down as Waihemo councillor, creating the need for another election.
• Rod Philip, of Bushey, was re-elected to a second term as chairman at the inaugural meeting of the new community board at Palmerston this week.
Diane Curtis, of Palmerston, was elected deputy chairwoman.
The previous deputy chairman, Ken Brown, of Palmerston, did not stand for the position.
