2006-02-27 Regular Meeting and Workshop Meeting

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ASKINS & ARMSTRONG, P. C. ATTORNEYS AT LAW 702 W. FAIRMONT PARKWAY P.O. BOX 121B LA PORTE. TEXAS 77572-1218 KNOX W. ASKINS JOHN O. ARMSTRONG CLARK T. ASKINS TELEPHONE 281.471.1886 TELECOPIER 281.471.2047 K ASKINS@HOUSTON.RR.COM ,JOHN-A@SWBELl.NET CTASKINS@SWBELL.NET February 7, 2006 Ms. Debra Brooks Feazelle City Manager City of La Porte !iJ~ ~F:::CF: . '" IV K"" . PEB ~D Crry... 0 8 200r . ~'l:cl(. u oJ:[:', l:r.qb. 'CE: "" 1"'8 Mr. John Joerns Assistant City Manager City of La Porte Ms. Cynthia Alexander Assistant city Manager City of La Porte ~ Martha A. Gillett City Secretary City of La Porte Re: Sales Tax Election Dear Folks: As you know, the 2005 session of the Legislature amended the Texas Election Code, to provide for uniform election dates in May, and on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. It is my understanding that city staff is contemplating a special election for sales tax purposes, for the November election date. A sales tax election may be held on the November uniform election date, under the Texas Election Code. However, a general election for state and county officers, will be held on November 7, 2006, at the standard Harris County election precincts. The City of La Porte has its own unique election precincts, as approved by the U.S. Justice Department as part of the most recent Council redistricting. These unique election precincts do not follow Harris County precincts. Therefore, if the sales tax election is held on that date, voters will have to vote at separate locations, in the City election, and the general election for state and county officers. Another issue which Martha Gillett should explore, is whether the Harris County voting mach1ne department would have adequate equipment, and consulting perSonnel, available to the C~ty of La Porte for a November 7, 2006, election, in view of the fact that a general election will be held on the same day.