HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 86

(By Delegates Howell, Pack, Azinger, Bibby, Cadle, Diserio, Hansen, Hicks, Hott, Jeffries, D., Jeffries, J., Martin, Nelson, Paynter, Phillips, Pyles, Staggers, Swartzmiller, Sypolt, Walker, and Worrell)

[Originating in the Committee on Government Organization, March 1, 2019]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the consolidation of municipal, county and municipal, and county and county governments for efficiencies and economies of scale and to determine what appropriate incentives the state can provide.

Whereas, The Legislature recognizes that the 55 county governments and the many municipal governments therein may be able to consolidate municipal and county services including, but not limited to, combining public school districts, library districts, fire districts, and other public services; and

Whereas, The Legislature is committed to ensuring effective, efficient and fiscally responsible governmental services to the citizens of this state; and

            Whereas, The consolidated governmental functions may realize certain economies of scale that the state may be able to enhance through incentives including for road construction and repair; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the consolidation of municipal, county and municipal, and county and county consolidation for efficiencies and economies of scale and to determine what appropriate incentives the state can provide; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the Regular Session of the Legislature 2020 on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, and together with any drafts of legislation necessary to effectuate any recommendations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the State Auditor, the Department of Transportation, the Division of Highways, the State Board of Education, and the State Budget Office and any other agency or entity of state government deemed necessary, shall cooperate with the Legislature and provide such information as may be relevant to perform this study; and be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, prepare a report and draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.