Montana Title 13. Elections § 13-16-307. Expenses of court-ordered recount

(1) The court shall in its order determine the probable expense of making the recount, and the applicant or applicants asking for the recount shall deposit with the board the amount determined, in cash.

(2) If the recount shows that an applicant has been elected to office, the deposit of the applicant must be returned to the applicant.

(3) If the recount shows that an applicant has not been elected and the expense of the recount is greater than the estimated cost, the applicant shall pay the excess; however, if the expense is less than the cost, the difference must be refunded to the applicant.

(4) If the recount reverses the results of a ballot issue election, the deposit of the applicant must be returned to the applicant.

(5) If the recount does not reverse the results of a ballot issue election and the expense of the recount is greater than the estimated cost, the applicant shall pay the excess; however, if the expense is less than the cost, the difference must be refunded to the applicant.