Brief (1)
SB 635 amends or repeals all known statutes which prescribe responsibilities for the Division of Accounts and Reports of the Department of Administration with respect to municipal accounting functions. As amended, the bill also requires that a copy of each county's budget is to be filed with the Kansas Association of Counties and that a copy of each city's budget is to be filed with the League of Kansas Municipalities.
Background
As part of the Governor's FY 2001 budget proposals to the 2000 Legislature, the Municipal Accounting and Training Services Office of the Division of Accounts and Reports of the Department of Administration, is recommended to be abolished. The Office provides technical assistance, training, and standard budgetary forms for local units of government. In conjunction with the abolishment of the office, S.B. 635 was introduced to repeal the Office's statutory duties and responsibilities.
Testifying in opposition to the bill as introduced were representatives of the League of Kansas Municipalities, the Kansas Association of Counties, the Kansas Association of County Commissioners, the Kansas County Clerk's Association, and the Kansas Recreation and Park Association. Also providing testimony opposed to the bill were the Mayor of Countryside, Kansas, and Pottberg, Gassman & Associated, Chartered, Certified Public Accountants. The Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants provided neutral testimony, with suggested amendments to retain references to the Kansas Municipal Audit Guide.
There were no proponents for the bill.
The Senate Ways and Means Committee amended the bill to require the filing of county and city budgets with the Kansas Association of Counties and the League of Kansas Municipalities at the suggestion of those organizations.
The fiscal note prepared by the Division of the budget on SB 635 states that the FY 2001 budget request for the office totaled $240,241, including $155,454 from the State General Fund, and 4.0 FTE positions. The funding and positions are removed from the budget recommended by the Governor.
1. *Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at http://www.ink.org/public/legislative/bill_search.html