BANGOR – The City Council at its Monday meeting will consider holding a special election to fill the unexpired term of former Mayor Michael Aube.

With council approval, the election, which would cost the city between $8,000 and $9,000, would be held March 6.

While support for the unplanned election is strong among council members, the cost has caused some to consider either modifying or even forgoing the new vote.

“In the past, when we had special elections, we had a more divided council,” City Councilor Daniel Tremble said Wednesday. “True, we have a big workload this time around, but we all seem to be on the same page. I just don’t think there’s a need this time,” he said.

The majority of the council at a recent meeting disagreed, however, noting that an even number of councilors could lead to deadlocks and a slowdown in city business.

“I don’t think the community will be as well served with eight instead of nine,” City Councilor Michael Crowley said at an earlier workshop on the subject.

Nichi Farnham, herself first elected to the council in a 1997 special election, said she supported the March vote, but would consider reducing the number of polling places in the city to reduce costs.

“It might be worth trying one location,” Farnham said Wednesday. “I don’t think that’s off the table if it could be a cost-saving alternative.”

City staff at an earlier meeting warned of possible voter confusion should the number of polling places be changed for this one election.

Voter turnout is traditionally low for special elections, according to City Clerk Gail Campbell. Recent special votes have shown the percentage of voter turnout in the single digits, with one year as low as 4 percent, she said.

Earlier this month, Aube resigned his post on the council, citing a conflict with his federal job. His term was set to expire in 2002.

Should the council opt to hold the citywide election to fill the seat, nomination papers would become available Dec. 6 and must be returned between Dec. 16 and Jan. 5, 2001.

Potential candidates must gather at least 150 signatures, but no more than 200, for their names to appear on the ballot.

If the council rejected the new vote, Aube’s seat could be filled at the regular election in November 2001.

Monday’s council meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m.