FISCAL NOTE



FUND(S):

2281

Sources of Revenue:

Special Fund

Legislation creates:

A New Program



Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


This bill requires that all personal computers and other information systems, technology and equipment be donated to the schools rather than to surplus property to be sold. It also allows for surplus property to charge a reasonable fee related to the costs, care, handling and distribution related to the transfer. The passage of this bill would have a detrimental impact on the budget of surplus property and their ability to pay their employees. The passage of the bill could result in layoffs of employees as surplus property is a self-funded agency with revenue for operation and personnel services generated from the sale of surplus property. If this bill passes then surplus property could not continue to operate with its current staff unless the legislature would be required to find alternative sources of income to compensate for the loss of funds.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2009
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2010
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost -100,000 -100,000 -100,000
Personal Services 0 0 0
Current Expenses 0 0 0
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 0 0


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):


The exact impact of the bill is unknown because no set amount is established in the bill for a “reasonable fee related to the costs, of the care, handling and distribution related to the transfer”. However, the Department of Administration would like to recommend fees equal to the current charges assessed to the schools for the transfer of this equipment. Current fees range from $75.00 to $200.00 for a computer system. The revenue that has been generated for surplus property from the sale of personal computers and other information systems, technology and equipment is: 2005: $131,459.39 2006: $122,649.60 2007: $ 89,007.25 Eligible organizations and state agencies that have purchased computer equipment over the past three years include public schools, private schools, municipalities, Volunteer Fire Departments, Public Service Districts, and various state agencies.



Memorandum


The Auditor ran a bill in the past that provided for computers to be donated to schools. The bill was amended to allow only the Auditor’s computers to be donated due to the fiscal impact on surplus property. The bill as written limits the equipment available for schools to state agencies that currently retire property to Surplus Property. This excludes Higher Education, i.e. colleges and universities. Additionally, the Chief Technology Officer has indicated that most of the computers that are donated would not meet the minimum criteria for use in the public school system.



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Diane M. Holley
    Email Address: Diane.M.Holley@wv.gov