TITLE
Consider a memorandum/resolution to hold a Joint General Election with KISD.
SUMMARY
DATE: February 20, 2018
TO: Ronald L. Olson, City Manager
FROM: Kathy Davis, City Attorney
SUBJECT: Hold a Joint General Election with Killeen Independent School District
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
On May 5, 2018, the City of Killeen will conduct a general election for the offices of Mayor and three (3) council members-at-large. On the same day the Killeen Independent School District (KISD) will conduct its general election. These agreements cover 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 both the 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 both entities. KISD will reimburse the city for its one-half (1/2) share of the personnel and miscellaneous costs associated with conducting the early voting. Should KISD not be required to conduct an election, Killeen will bear the entire cost of early voting.
The “Contract for Election Services - Election Day” also provides that the City Secretary will conduct the election on behalf of both entities, and KISD will reimburse the city one-half (1/2) 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 authorizes cities to enter into joint election agreements with other subdivisions holding elections on the same day.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Hold a Joint Election with KISD.
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?
$35,000.00 is the expected expenditure.
The same expenditure is expected for future years.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
Recurring annually
Is this expenditure budgeted?
Yes
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 authorize the City Manager to enter into the agreements.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
City Secretary
City Attorney
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Agreement