The $25,000 Goof

That's the cost of the reprinting of ballots for the 'mistake' of the printing error on the Madison School Referendum.

We now know who was behind Madison's school district referendum ballot misprint and how much it cost.

The district announced Friday that an external bond counsel hired to handle the referendum sent the wrong version to the city clerk.

Then an e-mail exchange added to the confusion.

There were questions about which polling places would be open, and the clerk didn't catch that the e-mails were also addressing the wording of the two incorrect questions.

Board president Carol Carstensen said next time, the board needs to see the ballot before it goes to the printer and regrets the mistake ever happened.

"Of course I wish it didn't happen and whether it had an impact on voters, it's very difficult for me to say," said Carstensen. "My own feeling is people had made up their minds. For those people not happy with the board and going to vote no, this sort of confirmed them."

Superintendent Art Rainwater said he will evaluate the lawyers' performance, but won't issue disciplinary action.

The misprint cost $25,800.

Carstensen is checking to see if the lawyer who made the mistake will pick up the tab or if the district is stuck paying.

Here's an idea - stick the lawyer with the tab. For once don't force the taxpayer to pay for a public employee's mistake.