By Craig Davison, LaPorte Herald-Argus staff writer
cdavison@heraldargus.com
LA PORTE - A November referendum for a regional transit authority in four counties has been unpopular with local leaders due to extra costs.
On Tuesday night, Commissioner Barbara Huston said it was the commissioners' position not to hold the election.
This was in response to County Council President Mark Yagelski's inquiry during the public comment section of the commissioners' meeting. He said they have been discussing what avenue to take on the referendum for about a month and a half.
Commissioner Mike Bohacek said after the meeting that they have been discussing options with the council. The county election board has the ultimate decision.
County Attorney Craig Braje explained that the election board hasn't been funded the money needed to hold a county-wide election. It would be the County Council's decision to give appropriate money to the board.
There is only one item on the ballot for the voters of four counties: to join a regional transportation district that would provide a rail system. It would also allow La Porte and St. Joseph counties to join the regional bus system district in Lake and Porter counties.
Leaders in the other three counties voting on the referendum, Lake, St. Joseph and Porter counties, have also expressed displeasure with the November election.
The cost the counties is expected to incur could be in the hundreds of thousands each. A general primary is scheduled for May of 2010, where the regional transit authority referendum would incur no additional cost.
La Porte County's bill would be higher from the $28,000 cost to the May special election because that election only had two polling stations for 33 precincts. This election would cover all 74 precincts and require more polling stations and workers.
In the past, State Sen. Jim Arnold has suggested that because there is no penalty clause in the legislature ordering the election, there may be no penalty for not hosting an election.