LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 4, 2005

TO:	Honorable Ray Allen, Chair, House Committee on County Affairs
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB2235 by Baxter (Relating to the merger of emergency services districts.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would authorize two or more emergency services districts to merge into a single district if certain criteria are met. The bill would establish the procedures for merging emergency services districts, including holding an election in each of the districts to obtain voter approval for the merger.

The bill would take effect immediately if it receives the required two-thirds vote in each house; otherwise, it would take effect September 1, 2005.

Local Government Impact

Districts that may consider merging would each incur the costs of conducting an election. According to data submitted by local government entities to the Secretary of State in March 2004, the average cost per registered voter for holding an election is $1.29, although the costs are higher if the election is held on a uniform election date other than the general election date. The election costs would vary by district.

Source Agencies:

LBB Staff:

JOB, DLBa