Dawsonville has decided keep its 2015 municipal election at the Dawson County Board of Elections instead of returning it to city hall.

"While we aren't looking at any elections in 2014, we do want to address anything that comes up in our 2015 elections," said Dawsonville Mayor James Grogan.

While the city has held elections in the past with a city clerk certified in poll precinct policies, the practice of having them in city hall was discontinued to shift the voting atmosphere, according to current clerk Bonnie Warne.

"Mayor Grogan did contact me this year and requested that the elections be held here this year," said Dawson County Chief Registrar Glenda Ferguson. "He wanted some firm numbers on the cost for an election for 2015 for a mayor and two council seats."

Ferguson quoted Grogan the price of $9,500 for the election costs. However, should state House Bill 891 pass, she said that the cost for the city would be $6,500, because early voting would be reduced to one week.

"I think we should, simply because it lessens the confusion for the ... voters," said Dan Pichon, secretary for the board of elections. "Also, holding it [at the board office] takes the elections out of the city offices, so the mayor and the candidates aren't at the polling place during elections."

The motion, called by board member Charlie Vincent and seconded by Pichon, passed 4-1, with Ferguson opposed.

Ferguson gave no reason for her vote against the motion.

"We will go through with this for the citizens and not for any other reason," she said during the meeting.