It cost the town of Fort Frances almost $43 thousand to run last fall’s municipal election.

That is under what was budgeted, but an almost 50 per cent increase from the cost in 2018.

Both elections turned to internet and telephone voting.

A report from town clerk Gabrielle Lecuyer notes expenditures related to the last three elections have increased.

As well, staff time was never attributed to the expenses of past elections, explaining part of the spike.

She adds that given the increased costs and complexities of running an election, keeping the existing costs at previous levels is not tenable going forward.

Her report goes to council tonight.