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Task force urges procedural changes, new web tool and modest staffing to speed local fiscal analysis
Summary
The Commission's Task Force for Fiscal Impact Review recommended changes to Code of Virginia Section 30‑19.03 to clarify referral authority, soliciting broader professional input, a $35,000 web application with DHCD to streamline fiscal impact statements, and contracting $30,000 per year for additional assistance during the General Assembly; the Commission approved the task force report.
The Commission on Local Government approved a task‑force report recommending procedural changes intended to speed and expand local fiscal analysis.
Ed Lanza, senior public finance analyst, told the Commission that the task force recommends amending Section 30‑19.03 of the Code of Virginia to allow the Department of Planning and Budget and the Department of Taxation to forward legislation to the Commission on Local Government for local fiscal analysis. The task force also recommended soliciting input from professional organizations in addition to local governments.
Mr. Lanza said the task force recommended developing a web‑based application with the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) at an estimated cost of approximately $35,000 to help staff complete fiscal impact statements more quickly. The task force further recommended that the Commission be allowed to contract for outside help at about $30,000 per year during the General Assembly to handle increased workload, and that bills be introduced no later than the first day of the General Assembly session to allow more time for local analysis. Mr. Hendrix asked about report timing; Mr. Lanza said the report is due to Senate Finance and House Appropriations by Dec. 1, 2013 and that suggested code edits will be forwarded to Delegate Landes for bill drafting.
The Commission approved the report with technical edits by unanimous motion (mover: Mr. Bannister; second: Mr. Hendrix). The minutes record no further changes to the recommendations.
