Mike Cooper and Jim Taylor both have narrow leads in their races for Elma City Council.

Cooper’s 205 votes, or 53.5 percent, leads Charles Butterfield’s 175 votes in the race for the Position 4 seat.

Eighty percent of the ballots either have not been received or have not been counted.

“I’m encouraged by the early lead,” Cooper said. “It’s narrow, but I’m encouraged by the numbers.”

Butterfield had a similar mindset.

“I think it’s kind of early yet,” Butterfield said. “I’m not disappointed. I’m not happy. I’m just neutral.”

The race for the Position 5 seat is a little closer. Taylor has 52.5 percent or 208 votes to Josh Collette’s 185 votes.

“We still got another count coming up here on (Friday), and we’re not going to certify until (Nov. 27),” Taylor said. “Josh has been a gentleman about the whole thing. I think he’s done a great job bringing his ideas to the folks. (If the vote count holds until certification,) I hope we move forward with some of the ideas we will bring forward for the city. It will be a real pleasure to continue to work with the council.”

Collette could not be reached for comment.