For the third time in four years, a by-election will be held in the Waihemo ward - and Waitaki ratepayers will foot the $15,000 bill.
Following the last-minute nomination of self-employed Palmerston businessman Stephen Wesselingh on Wednesday - meaning there are two candidates - a full by-election will be held on September 7 to fill the vacant seat on the Waihemo Community Board.
The Waihemo Community Board held a full by-election in 2008 and an uncontested by-election in 2010, and another full election in September could possibly bring the total costs of the elections to about $35,000. Waitaki District Council electoral officer Debbi Miall said a full election would cost $15,000.
If Waikouaiti farmer Geoffrey Foote had remained unopposed, the election costs would have been $5000, she said.
"A public notice will go out next week, advising of the election, and then we have the final electoral roll, which is certified on Monday, August 13, and then that comes into force. The delivery of voting documents and voting starts on August 15, and continues until September 7."
Both candidates said they were fully committed until the next triennial elections.
Mr Wesselingh said he felt it was necessary to stand, given that there was a lack of people willing to "put themselves forward" in the area.
"I just had to throw my hat in the ring. I live and work in the area so it's not a big ask."
Mr Foote said he was "well aware" of the financial ramifications of holding a full election, and added that he had considered pulling out of the contest due to the extra costs, but had decided against it.
There was nothing either candidate could do about the costs of the election, he said.
