Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution approving an Interlocal Cooperation Contract between the City of Killeen, City of Temple, Temple Independent School District, and Bell County engaging Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta to perform redistricting services in relation to the 2020 Census.
Summary
DATE: July 6, 2021
FROM: Kent Cagle, City Manager
SUBJECT: Interlocal Cooperation Contract for Redistricting Services
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
Every ten years, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a census to determine the number of people living in the United States. That information is used by federal, state, and local governmental entities to draw their voting boundaries. “Cities with single-member voting districts, such as Killeen, are constitutionally required to draw their single-member voting districts so that each district has equal or nearly equal population and complies with the Voting Rights Act.
On March 19, 2021, representatives of Killeen, Temple, and Bell County interviewed law firms with expertise in leading the joint redistricting efforts of cities, counties, and school districts. The law firm of Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta (“Bickerstaff”) was selected as the firm having the most experience. While each entity has different redistricting needs and timelines, there are aspects that can be coordinated among the entities to allow the community to benefit from economies of scale and efficiency. Bickerstaff has experience successfully coordinating joint redistricting efforts in multiple communities including Bexar County, the City of San Antonio, and Alamo College District; Brazos County, the Cities of Bryan and College Station, and Bryan ISD; and Galveston County, the City of Galveston, and Galveston ISD.
Bickerstaff will provide an initial assessment to determine whether Killeen’s districts are out of balance and will require rebalancing to comply with state and federal legal requirements. If the districts are out of balance, Bickerstaff will work with the City to develop a redistricting process that allows the redrawing of boundaries in compliance with state and federal law and with appropriate public input. A redistricting plan will also be developed to adjust the district boundaries and bring them into “one person - one vote” balance.
Under the proposed Interlocal Cooperation Contract, each entity will solely direct and supervise Bickerstaff’s work on that entity’s redistricting plan. The County will be the contracting agent and contract administrator, but each entity is responsible for paying their own costs.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
1. Leave the voting districts the same and be out of compliance with the state and federal requirements.
2. Seek redistricting services without regional cooperation.
2. Enter into an Interlocal Cooperation Contract with Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta to determine if Killeen's voting districts require rebalancing to stay in compliance with state and federal requirements.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Entering into an Interlocal Cooperation Contract with Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta provides the best option to prevent split districts within Bell County.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
Conforms to City Policy.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
Each entity will be responsible for paying their own estimated costs. The cost for the City of Killeen is estimated to be approximately $27,190.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
Yes
Is this expenditure budgeted?
Yes, funds are available in account 010-9501-491.47-01.
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 approval of the Interlocal Cooperation Contract with Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta law firm.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Purchasing
Finance
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Proposal
Contract