FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: February 06, 2015
Time Requested: 02:58 PM
Agency: Agriculture
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
2847 Introduced HB2657
CBD Subject: Agriculture


FUND(S):

0131

Sources of Revenue:

General Fund

Legislation creates:

Neither Program nor Fund



Fiscal Note Summary


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


It is expected that an amendment to WV Code 19-1C-5 relating to reimbursement of travel expenses for Livestock Care Standards Board members will have little, if any, impact on the cost of this program. Board members' travel expenses are currently reimbursed using the Department of Administration's Travel Management Office guidelines, while the proposed legislation calls for reimbursement under Department of Agriculture Travel Policy and Procedure. While the Department of Agriculture's current travel guidelines allow for a slightly higher mileage reimbursement rate, the agency's meal reimbursement policy uses a fixed statewide amount which is less than the GSA rate utilized by the Travel Management Office. The net effect of these changes is a slightly lower overall travel expense for board activities. It should also be noted that this change will allow for board members' travel to be handled more consistently with other Department of Agriculture travel reimbursements, which will allow for greater processing and auditing efficiency, both under current procedures as well as the forthcoming automated travel management system that is being implemented under the wvOASIS ERP system.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2015
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2016
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 -45 -45
Personal Services 0 0 0
Current Expenses 0 -45 -45
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):


It is estimated that the passage of this legislation will have little to no effect in the current fiscal year due to timing. Beginning in FY 2016, use of the Department of Agriculture's Travel Policy and Procedures to pay for the Livestock Care Standards Board members will result in minimal cost savings of approximately $45 per year. This estimate is based upon current board members participating in 5 meetings per year, being reimbursed at an increased mileage rate of $0.51/mi. (as opposed to the Travel Management Office's $0.47/mi.) and receiving a meal allowance. However, the single-day meal reimbursement rate under the Travel Management Office guidelines is 75% of the standard GSA rate for West Virginia, currently $34.50 (based upon the standard rate of $46/day). Under the Department of Agriculture's current rate, the cost per day would only be $24.00 ($9 for lunch and $15 for dinner). The decreased meal reimbursement rate offsets anticipated increase in mileage reimbursement and results in a total lower overall expense for board member travel.



Memorandum


None noted.



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Alan Clemans, on behalf of Sandra Gillispie, CFO
    Email Address: aclemans@wvda.us