BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – No competition, no ballots, no elections. More cha-ching in city pocketbooks.
That's the situation for five south Brevard County and beachside municipalities that had scheduled elections this fall, but, because candidates were not challenged, do not need to hold those races, according to Local 6 News partner Florida Today.
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What it means: saving more than $46,000 in those areas. Also: Little change in city leadership.
Most city leaders in West Melbourne, Melbourne Village, Palm Shores, Malabar and Indian Harbour Beach will retain their current positions. Only one race was "won" by a council newcomer: in Malabar, Dick Korn will replace Jeff McKnight.
A majority of the savings comes from the West Melbourne election, where Mayor Hal Rose was elected to his third term in the office.
Todd Parrish, a spokesman for the Brevard Supervisor of Elections, said his office estimated about $23,800 would have been spent on all aspects of that election, from printing ballots to staff hours.
Rose said he was humbled by the support of residents and the city council.
"It's nice, and I don't have to line the road with my signs," Rose said. "Now we can focus on what we need to.
"Truly, this year has been a great year for the city; obviously, there's always more to do."
Palm Shores councilmen Paul Bonville and Frank Falcone will retain their seats, as will Melbourne Village town commissioners Valerie Calenda, Rand Carroll and Barbara Howell. Malabar councilwoman Marisa Acquaviva stays on board, and Indian Harbour Beach councilmen Frank Guertin and Scott Nickle also hold on to their seats.
The only Brevard County jurisdictions with contested elections that will go to votes in November are Indialantic, Melbourne Beach and Barefoot Bay.
The following Brevard County cities and towns were scheduled for elections this fall, but will not hold races because candidates are running unopposed and will record cost savings instead:
» Rockledge: $32,873
» West Melbourne: $23,823
» Indian Harbour Beach: $13,548
» Cape Canaveral: $11,985
» Malabar: $4,106
» Melbourne Village: $2,356
» Palm Shores: $2,351
Source: Brevard County Supervisor of Elections