Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution to hold a Joint General Election with Killeen Independent School District and the Tax Appraisal District of Bell County.
Body
DATE: January 23, 2024
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Laura Calcote, City Secretary
SUBJECT: Hold a Joint General Election with Killeen Independent School District and the Tax Appraisal District of Bell County
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
On May 4, 2024, the City of Killeen (City) will conduct a General Election for the offices of Mayor and three (3) Councilmembers-at-large. On the same day, the Killeen Independent School District (KISD) and the Tax Appraisal District of Bell County (Bell CAD) will conduct their elections. The contract for election services covers Early Voting and Election Day cost sharing and obligations.
State law authorizes political subdivisions, which may be conducting elections on the same day to contract for joint voting. This will allow the voters the opportunity to vote in the county, school and city elections at one location for Early Voting and Election Day. In order to effect this change, the law requires the governing bodies of each political subdivision to enter into an agreement.
The “Contract for Election Services - Early Voting” provides for early voting conducted by the City Secretary on behalf of all three (3) entities. KISD and Bell CAD will each reimburse the City for its one-third (1/3) share of the personnel and miscellaneous costs associated with conducting the Early Voting. Should KISD or Bell CAD not be required to conduct an election, then that entity would not share in any cost of election operations, except for fees accrued and expenses incurred prior to receipt of a written notice of termination.
The “Contract for Election Services - Election Day” also provides that the City Secretary will conduct the election on behalf of all three (3) entities. KISD and Bell CAD will reimburse the City one-third (1/3) of personnel and associated costs. Again, an entity not required to hold an election shall not be required to participate in costs.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
Education Code §11.0581 requires School Districts to hold their trustee elections jointly with a city if the governing body of that city holds its general election on the same date.
Election Code, Chapter 271.002 authorizes cities to enter into joint election agreements with other political subdivisions holding elections on the same day.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Hold a Joint Election with KISD and Bell County Appraisal District, as it is required by state law. $100,000.00 is the expected expenditure, with KISD and Bell CAD reimbursing the City for their share of the costs. The same expenditure is expected for future years.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
Conducting a joint election is required by state law and is, therefore, in conformity with City policy.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
$100,000.00 is the expected expenditure, with KISD and Bell CAD reimbursing the City for their share of the costs. The same expenditure is expected for future years.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
Recurring
Is this expenditure budgeted?
Yes, funds are available in the General Fund, Legal Department, City Secretary election expense accounts 010-1010-416.40-11 and 010-1010-416.50-45.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
Yes
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends City Council adopt the resolution to hold a joint General Election with KISD and Bell CAD and authorize the City Manager to enter into the election services contract for Early Voting and Election Day.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
City Attorney
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Contracts
Presentation