After a week of weighing the merits of holding a special election to replace the seat held by former member John George, the Dartmouth Select Board is split.

George recently resigned after being found guilty of federal embezzlement charges. While all agreed that spending money on a special election to replace George was not ideal, the Board remained divided on two main points at its meeting Monday night.

Those favoring an election raised concerns that having less than five members could affect the flow of government. Those opposed to an early election felt the decision would go against the will of the people. This divide in philosophy resulted in a 2-2 vote, with Shawn McDonald and Frank Gracie voting for, and Kelli Martin Taglianetti and Stanley Mickelson voting against.

The cost of holding a special election was estimated to be $18,000 to $25,000. Had it passed, the election could have been held as early as July 13. Concerned that voters would not participate in a summer election, a September date was also considered.

With the matter left on a split decision, voters can either petition to hold a special election or wait until April 2016 when John George's term would have ended.

At the April 27 meeting, the Select Board had asked citizens to contact them via phone or email and voice their opinions on the matter. The Board members, who expressed thanks to the citizens who reached out, found a consensus among the public.

“I think whoever calls for an election will not be listening to the vast majority of the residents of this town,” said Vice Chairman Mickelson, adding that they could use the $25,000 elsewhere in their budget.

Beyond the monetary issue, he said that he couldn’t recall a time in recent memory when there was a significant vote that came down to a close call.

Board member Kelli Martin Taglianetti agreed.

“I know that we have two new people on the Board, but I think we can handle what’s coming up,” said Taglianetti.

She said she was contacted by about 30 people, with 20 against. The remainder were on the fence, with a small minority that were absolutely for it.

Board member Gracie found his results were “entirely the opposite,” saying that those who contacted him wanted an election sooner than later.

Gracie, who said he was undecided last week, was less concerned about the voting patterns of the Board and more concerned with how discussion would play out during the executive session. He understood that it was a tough decision, noting that 50 percent of the town would likely be unhappy with their choice, but it was necessary.

"There could be a wrong decision made. That could end up costing the town a lot more than $18,000 to $25,000,” said Gracie, stressing the need for a five-member Board.

Chairman McDonald echoed his sentiments from the previous Select Board meeting.

“As I stated last week, I think there should be an election. We owe it to the people of this town to do it,” McDonald said.

He said the charter requires five members on the Board and keeping in compliance with that wish is the “correct” thing to do. The irony of arriving at a split decision during this particular vote was not lost on him either.

“The way we stand right now, it looks like it’s going to be a 2-2 vote, and this just plays in the hand of people saying we should have an election,” said McDonald.

He also noted a rumor he heard about a petition forming around the issue, which would mean that the Board would have to hold the election anyway, likely at a later date than expected.

Before the decision was voted on, Mickelson added a final comment: “I’m going to sleep very, very well tonight knowing that I made the correct choice, representing the multitude of the residents of Dartmouth.”

Then the vote was cast.

“Two-two. Nothing gets done,” said McDonald.