In this section, “petitioner” includes a counterpetitioner. Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, each petitioner shall pay the cost of a recount requested under this subtitle and the petitioner’s bond is liable for the cost. The petitioner is not liable for the costs of the recount if: the outcome of the election is changed; the petitioner has gained a number of votes, for the petitioner’s candidacy or for or against the question that is the subject of the petition, equal to 2% or more of the total votes cast for the office or on the question, in all precincts being recounted; or the margin of difference in the number of votes received by an apparent winner and the losing candidate with the highest number of votes for an office is 0.25% or less of the total votes cast for those candidates; or in the case of a question, the margin of difference between the number of votes cast for and the number cast against the question is 0.25% or less. If the petitioner is not liable for the costs of the recount as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a county shall pay the costs of the recount in that county.