LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE, 77th Regular Session May 10, 2001 TO: Honorable Frank Madla, Chair, Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations FROM: John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE: HB3695 by Merritt (Relating to the creation of an additional county court at law in Gregg County.), As Engrossed ************************************************************************** * No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. * ************************************************************************** Local Government Impact The bill would create an additional county court at law for Gregg County, subject to a vote in favor by the qualified voters of the county. The court would be created January 1, 2003. The bill would take effect immediately. Currently, Gregg County has one county court at law. According to the Gregg County Auditor's Office, the operating costs for the current court are approximately $234,000 per year. This includes ancillary personnel and supplies. It is estimated that up to an additional $10,000 would be needed for equipment and furnishings as a one-time cost for a newly established county court at law. An auxiliary courtroom is available so no construction costs are anticipated if the provisions of the bill are implemented. The cost to Gregg County would be approximately $244,000 during the first year of operation. Thereafter, the cost is estimated be $234,000 per year. Source Agencies: 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts LBB Staff: JK, DB