Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution approving Joint Election Contracts with Killeen Independent School District and Central Texas College.
Body
DATE: February 4, 2025
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Laura Calcote, City Secretary
SUBJECT: Joint Election Contracts with KISD and CTC
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
On May 3, 2025, the City of Killeen (City) will conduct a General Election for the offices of four (4) district City Councilmembers, along with two (2) Special Elections. On the same day, the Killeen Independent School District (KISD) and Central Texas College (CTC) will conduct their General Elections to elect members to their respective boards.
The Texas Election Code §271.002 authorizes two or more political subdivisions, which may be conducting elections on the same day, to contract jointly for election services. Additionally, the Texas 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. Conducting joint elections will allow voters the opportunity to vote in the City, KISD and CTC elections at one location during Early Voting or on Election Day. In order to authorize the joint elections, the law requires the governing bodies of each political subdivision to enter into an agreement specifying the terms.
The “Contract for Election Services - Early Voting” provides for Early Voting to be conducted by the City Secretary on behalf of all three (3) entities. KISD and CTC will each reimburse the City for its one-third (1/3) share of the election expenses and personnel costs associated with conducting Early Voting. Should KISD or CTC 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 majority of election-related duties on behalf of all three (3) entities. KISD and CTC will each reimburse the City for its one-third (1/3) share of the election expenses and personnel costs associated with Election Day. Again, an entity not required to hold an election shall not be required to participate in costs.
As presented, the Early Voting and Election Day contracts for the joint elections outlines Early Voting and Election Day obligations for each entity and cost sharing.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
N/A
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
N/A
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
Conducting joint elections is required by state law and is, therefore, in conformity with City policy.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
The estimated cost to conduct the joint elections is $73,000, with KISD and CTC reimbursing the City for their share of the expenses. A similar expenditure is expected in future years.
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
Recurring
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
Yes, both revenue and expenditures are budgeted. Revenue is allocated to the General Fund under the Election Fees account (100-44400-150-152-000000). Expenditures are budgeted in the General Fund under the following accounts:
• Legal Department Personnel Services:
o 100-51130-150-152-640005
o 100-51610-150-152-640005
o 100-51620-150-152-640005
o 100-51700-150-152-640005
• Election Expense: 100-55620-150-152-000000
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
Yes
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends City Council approve the resolution to hold joint elections with KISD and CTC, and to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into election service contracts and execute any amendments as permitted by state and local law for Early Voting and Election Day.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Finance
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Contracts
Presentation