LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 83RD LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
March 5, 2013

TO:
Honorable Harold V. Dutton, Jr., Chair, House Committee On Urban Affairs
 
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
HB832 by Giddings (Relating to the abatement of mosquitoes in stagnant water located on certain uninhabited residential property.), As Introduced

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend Chapter 341 of the Health and Safety Code to authorize a municipality, a county, or other local health authority to perform mosquito abatement of stagnant water on abandoned or uninhabited residential property that is a public health nuisance without prior notice. The bill would require a notice to be posted on the front door of the residence stating the identity of the treatment authority and certain aspects regarding the type of treatment.

Local Government Impact

The fiscal impact to a local governmental entity for mosquito abatement would vary depending on the size of the locality; the number and cost of abatements performed; and whether or not a locality currently has an established division and resources.
 
According to the Jefferson County Mosquito Control Division (JCMCD), the annual budget is $2.0 million, of which $725,000 is for chemicals. JCMCD stated that an estimated 25 mosquito abatements of stagnant water are performed each year and that associated costs would be insignificant to the county. Jefferson County is 1,111 square miles with an estimated population of 252,802.
 
According to the City of Stafford Mosquito Control and Spraying division, a mosquito abatement of stagnant water for a pool with 20,000 gallons of water would cost the city an estimated $50. The division stated that the city currently treats standing water in right-of-ways and storm sewers that requires approximately 60 pounds of materials and costs the city less than $500. However, if a city had to hire a contractor, costs would be an estimated $100 to $150 per abatement. The City of Stafford is seven square miles with an estimated population of 18,348.
 
According to the Lubbock County Commissioner, Precinct 1, the affected department’s current fiscal year budget is $149,350. The commissioner reported new costs would be an estimated $243,774 for nine additional employee’s salaries and benefits ($154,195); supplies ($50,622); maintenance/fuel ($27,550); and indirect amounts ($11,407). Lubbock County is 901 square miles with an estimated population of 278,000.
 

According to the Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services (HCPHES), no significant costs to the mosquito control program are anticipated. HCPHES added that there would be greater efficiencies and reduced costs associated with the elimination of multiple trips when a nuisance site that is initially identified by mosquito control staff must be revisited by an individual who is currently authorized by law to abate the property.



Source Agencies:
LBB Staff:
UP, KKR, TP, CL