LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE 75th Regular Session May 26, 1997 TO: Honorable Bob Bullock IN RE: Senate Bill No. 572, As Passed 2nd House Lieutenant Governor Fraser Senate Austin, Texas FROM: John Keel, Director In response to your request for a Fiscal Note on SB572 ( Relating to the transfer of the University of Central Texas to the Texas A&M University System.) this office has detemined the following: Biennial Net Impact to General Revenue Funds by SB572-As Passed 2nd House Implementing the provisions of the bill would result in a net negative impact of $(2,178,000) to General Revenue Related Funds through the biennium ending August 31, 1999. The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill. Fiscal Analysis The bill would authorize the transfer of The University of Central Texas to the Texas A&M University System or other university system, if both parties agree to the transfer and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approves it. Methodolgy It is assumed that the University of Central Texas would become a component of the Texas A&M University System or other university system on September 1, 1998. The University of Central Texas has enrolled approximately 500 students over the last three years. It is assumed that 500 students who would have attended a private institution, would attend the new public university. It is also assumed that the enrollment would increase. However, it is assumed that the additional students would have attended other public universities and the increased enrollment would not significantly increase costs to the State. The general revenue cost per full time student at a public university is $4,356. The university currently leases about 30,000 square feet from Central Texas College. It is assumed that the university would continue to lease space from Central Texas College and the costs of the lease would approximate the costs of providing maintenance, and utilities at other public university. Additional costs may also be incurred for planning, faculty recruitment and program development. Special item funding could be provided for these costs. Salary information reported by Sul Ross - Rio Grande, a public upper-level institution with similar enrollment, was used to estimate the additional full-time equivalent employees. The average salary reported by Sul Ross- Rio Grande in its Legislative Appropriation Request is $32,429. Therefore, it is assumed that the additional full-time equivalent employees is equal to the estimated salaries expense divided by the average salary. The probable fiscal implications of implementing the provisions of the bill during each of the first five years following passage is estimated as follows: Five Year Impact: Fiscal Year Probable Change in Number Savings/(Cost) of State from General Employees from Revenue Fund FY 1997 0001 1998 $0 0.0 1998 (2,178,000) 39.0 2000 (2,178,000) 39.0 2001 (2,178,000) 39.0 2002 (2,178,000) 39.0 Net Impact on General Revenue Related Funds: Fiscal Year Probable Net Postive/(Negative) General Revenue Related Funds Funds 1998 $0 1999 (2,178,000) 2000 (2,178,000) 2001 (2,178,000) 2002 (2,178,000) Similar annual fiscal implications would continue as long as the provisions of the bill are in effect. No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. Source: Agencies: 710 Texas A&M University System 323 Teacher Retirement System and Optional Retirement Program 781 Higher Education Coordinating Board LBB Staff: JK ,LP ,RR ,DB