Title
Resolution - A Resolution of the City of Mansfield, Texas, Approving a Joint Election Agreement Between the City of Mansfield and Mansfield Independent School District for a Joint Election to be Held May 7, 2016; Providing for Early Voting Procedures; and Providing for Early Voting and Election Day Polling Locations in the Event of Cancellation Due to Unopposed Candidates.
Requested Action
Approval of the Joint Election Agreement for Election Services with Mansfield Independent School District (MISD).
Recommendation
City staff recommends approval of the Resolution and Joint Election Agreement between the City of Mansfield and MISD.
Description/History
The Election Code authorizes cities to hold an election jointly with one or more other political subdivisions if the elections are to be on the same day in all or part of the same territory, and the governing bodies enter into an agreement to hold the elections jointly in the election precincts that can be served by common polling places. Although optional for cities, joint elections are required for school districts. Pursuant to Section 11.0581 of the Education Code, an election for trustees of an independent school district must be held jointly with and on the same date as the election for members of the governing body of a city located in the school district.
The City of Mansfield and MISD have participated in the joint election conducted by Tarrant County Elections Administration (TCEA) for a number of years. In recent years, however, TCEA has limited the joint election to Tarrant County voters. Therefore, the City of Mansfield and MISD typically enter into an additional joint election agreement to accomodate voters residing in Johnson and Ellis counties. The proposed Joint Election Agreement between the City of Mansfield and MISD provides that Jeanne Heard, as City Secretary, will serve as administrator for the joint election and that costs will be shared equally between the two entities.
The MISD Board of Trustees is scheduled to consider approval of the Joint Election Agreement at its meeting on February 23, 2016.
Justification
Joint elections streamline the election process for both voters and staff while reducing election costs for the participating entities.
Funding Source
Funds are allocated in the City Council budget (Line Item 01-8806-11-01) for this expenditure. MISD will reimburse the City of Mansfield for fifty percent (50%) of the joint election expenses as provided by the Joint Election Agreement.
Prepared By
Jeanne Heard, TRMC, City Secretary
City Secretary's Office
jeanne.heard@mansfieldtexas.gov
817-276-4204