CLG-Local Govt. and School Consolidation (language only)

Item 107 #1c

Language
Page 92, after line 23, insert:
"It is the Commonwealth's goal to encourage amicable consolidations that improve local fiscal sustainability and, when possible, realize state or local savings and local service improvements.  Therefore, the Commission on Local Government shall develop a process to determine an appropriate calculation for additional state funds for future local consolidations. The Commission's recommendations shall be submitted to the Governor and Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees no later than December 1, 2015.  The amount of additional funding for local consolidation should be based primarily on the projected cost of consolidation.  The length of time additional funding is provided should be based primarily on the complexity and length of time necessary for the consolidation.  The process should be developed in coordination with the Department of Education and State Board of Education with input from other stakeholders."

Explanation
(This amendment reflects several recommendations of the September 2014 Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission's Report on Local Government and School Division Consolidation. There is a companion amendment in Item 136, Direct Aid to Public Education.)