| The special election to fill the late Robert C. Byrd's senate seat could put more financial strain on Calhoun's already starved county budget.
The WV Legislature has allocated $3 million for the special election, a million or two short.
The costs are reduced because there is a shorter early voting period, only one race on the ballot and no poll worker training.
The Calhoun Commission is concerned about having appropriations in time for the county to get reimbursed in a timely fashion and then have the money back in the budget to pay for the November election.
Calhoun's finances are already cash-strapped, more recently not having excess money to help with the up-keep or development of the county park, Wayne Underwood Field, an annual donation to the 4-H program and other community needs.
County commissions are constitutionally responsible for maintaining services of the offices of elected officials and elections, with all other spending considered discretionary.
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