TITLE
Consider a memorandum/resolution to hold a joint general election with Killeen Independent School District and Central Texas College.
SUMMARY
DATE: February 19, 2019
TO: Ronald L. Olson, City Manager
FROM: Kathy Davis, City Attorney
SUBJECT: Hold a Joint General Election with Killeen Independent School District and Central Texas College
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
On May 4, 2019, the City of Killeen will conduct a general election for the offices of Council Member for District 1, 2, 3, & 4. On the same day, the Killeen Independent School District (KISD) and Central Texas College (CTC) will conduct their general elections. 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 the college, 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 entities. KISD and CTC 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 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 election on behalf of all three entities. KISD and CTC 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.
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.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
Conduct a joint election with KISD and CTC, or do not conduct a joint election.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Hold a Joint Election with KISD and CTC as it is required by state law regarding the school district, and allowed by state law for college district.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
Conducting a joint election is required by state law for the school district and allowed by state law for the college district 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?
$68,000.00 is the expected expenditure with KISD and CTC reimbursing the city for their share of the costs. Funds are budgeted in account 010-1010-416-50-45. 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 CTC and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to enter into the agreements.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
City Secretary
City Attorney
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Agreements