DEPARTMENT: Office of the City Clerk
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Leticia M. Vacek, City Clerk
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: District 9
SUBJECT:
Contract for Election Services for the May 10, 2014 Special City Election to fill the Vacancy in Council District 9.
SUMMARY:
An Ordinance authorizing the execution of a contract in the amount of $54,553.47 for Election Services with the Bexar County Elections Office for the City's Saturday, May 10, 2014 Special City Election to fill the Vacancy in Council District 9.
This Ordinance will authorize the conduct of the Election, list City of San Antonio precincts to be utilized, establish Early Voting and Election Day polling sites, set forth routine procedures for Early Voting, and provide for required public notices.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Section 271.002(a) of the Texas Election Code authorizes two or more political subdivisions to enter into an agreement to hold elections jointly in the election precincts that can be served by common polling places.
ISSUE:
Participation in a joint election with Bexar County and other political subdivisions allows the entities to share common expenses for voting machines, election facilities, and poll workers, thereby reducing the cost of the election for each political subdivision. It also provides greater convenience to voters to participate in the elections of multiple political subdivisions at one polling place using a single ballot.
If necessary, a Run-off Election is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2014 with an estimated total cost of $250,000 that would be distributed between all of the entities participating in the Run-off Election.
ALTERNATIVES:
Adoption of the Ordinance will provide for the scheduled conduct of the May 10, 2014 Special Election.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This Ordinance authorizes the execution of a contract in the amount of $54,553.47 with the Bexar County Elections Office for the May 10, 2014 Special Election. The cost of the election is being distributed across all participating entities and the City's portion represents 9% of the total cost of the election.
Funding for the May 10, 2014 election is available in the FY 2014 Municipal Elections General Fund Budget.
If another election is required, the Office of the City Clerk will return to City Council to request the authorization of an additional contract.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Office of the City Clerk requests approval of the Contract for Election Services with Bexar County.