Republican City Council candidate Toby Gilley declared his support for moving Murfreesboro City Elections to Rutherford County’s August Primary election date.

Currently, Murfreesboro City elections are held on the third Tuesday of April and have seen a dramatic decrease in voter participation.

“I recently learned from Election Commissioner Nicole Lester recently and learned that due to new state guidelines, the City Elections will cost nearly $67,000, a substantial increase from prior elections," Gilley said. "This expense to the taxpayer is unneeded and can be eliminated if we simply move City Elections to the August Primary election date. ... The combination of low voter turnout, confusion and expense warrant a move of the City Election to an August date.”

Gilley has served the citizens of Murfreesboro for 12 years on the Council and looks forward to another term in order to address issues such as Safe and Livable Neighborhoods, providing a healthy environment for Small Business Growth and continuing to improve Education and Recreation resources for the community.

During his 12 years on the City Council Gilley has chaired the Risk Management Committee, served on the Water Board, the Planning Commission and represented the City Council on the Cable Commission and Library Board.