HB 1170 Summary

• Each county must contract with a state board of accounts-certified independent person to conduct an efficiency review of county government in 2011 and every 10 years thereafter, with the review completed and reported within six months.

• Efficiency reviews must study county fiscal and management practices, tax rates and staffing compared to similar counties, service delivery efficiency, potential department consolidations, and whether performance measures exist.

• County voters may place efficiency review recommendations on the ballot through petition if signed by at least 2% of voters, with each recommendation voted on separately and a simple majority required for approval.

• Approved recommendations must be implemented by the county, with transfers of elected officer duties becoming effective only at the end of that officer's current term of office.

• Counties failing to contract for an efficiency review will have 5% of their state income tax and motor vehicle highway fund distributions withheld by the auditor of state until they comply.