Title
Resolution - A Resolution Approving a Joint Election Agreement Between the City of Mansfield and the Mansfield Independent School District for the May 10, 2014 General Election
Requested Action
Approve the resolution approving a Joint Election Agreement for Election Services with the Mansfield Independent School District.
Recommendation
City staff recommends the City Council approve the Joint Election Agreement between the City of Mansfield and the Mansfield Independent School District.
Description/History
In 2006, HB 1 was passed requiring school districts that have joint elections with municipalities to have formal agreements with the entity.
Since 2000, the City of Mansfield has contracted with the Tarrant County Elections Administration (TCEA) to conduct the city's election. TCEA has made the decision to only conduct the portion of the city's election for the voters in Tarrant County. This decision affects the voters in the city as well as the school district. The City of Mansfield consists of voters located in Tarrant, Johnson and Ellis Counties. The Mansfield Independent School District (MISD) consists of voters located in Tarrant and Johnson Counties. Therefore, arrangements need to be made to accommodate the voters in Johnson and Ellis Counties for the city and school voters.
The 2014 General Elections ordered by the City and MISD are to be held on the same day. This agreement provides for a combined election, with all races on one voting ballot for the City's registered voters and a separate ballot for the MISD registered voters. The purpose of combining the elections is to maintain consistency and accessibility in voting practices, polling places, and election procedures in order to best assist the voters of Mansfield. Early Voting and Election Day polling places will be combined, making it more convenient for voters. The City will be responsible for conducting both elections, providing for significant cost savings for the City and MISD.
Both the City and MISD will have their own areas at the Mansfield City Hall for their respective election. All aspects of the election are separate except for the joint use of the ES&S AutoMark machine for electronic voting.
The City of Mansfield and the MISD have agreed to sign a joint election agreement holding our elections together and allowing the city to run the election that involve the voters in Johnson and Ellis counties (city) and Johnson County (school).
These are terms in the agreement for payment for election supplies and services. MISD trustees will consider the City's resolution approving the Joint Election Agreement at their regular scheduled meeting on February 25, 2014.
This will be the second year the election will be held jointly between the City of Mansfield and the ISD.
Justification
Voting for current issues will be done in one location making the process easier for the voters.
Funding Source
All elections costs are budgeted in the City Council account 01-8806-11-01. MISD will pay 50% of the cost of the election as stated in the joint agreement.
Prepared By
Vicki Collins, TRMC, City Secretary, City Secretary's Office
817-276-4204
vicki.collins@mansfield-tx.gov