[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 234 (Tuesday, December 7, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Page 70631]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-26783]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Census Bureau


Government Finance Forms

ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort 
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public 
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on 
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before February 7, 
2005.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th 
and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet 
at [email protected]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions 
should be directed to Stephen Poyta, Chief, Public Finance Analysis 
Branch-A, Governments Division, U.S. Bureau of the Census, Washington, 
DC 20233-6800, (301) 763-1580.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Census Bureau plans to request clearance for the forms 
necessary to conduct the public finance program which consists of an 
annual collection of information and a quinquennial collection in the 
census years ending in ``2'' and ``7''. During the upcoming three 
years, we intend to conduct the 2005 and 2006 Annual Survey of 
Government Finance, and the 2007 Census of Government Finance.
    The Annual Survey of State and Local Government Finance collects 
data on state government finances and estimates of local government 
revenue, expenditure, debt, and assets, nationally and within state 
areas. Data are collected for all agencies, departments, and 
institutions of the fifty state governments and for a sample of all 
local governments (counties, municipalities, townships, and special 
districts). Data for school districts are collected under a separate 
survey. In the census year, equivalent data are collected from all 
local governments.
    This survey is a mail canvass survey with an initial mailing and 
one follow-up mailing. Telephone follow-up is used to contact non-
respondents and, as necessary, to correct apparent errors and incorrect 
responses. These forms and procedures are similar to those used in 
previous finance surveys. We are currently in the process of 
redesigning the finance forms, such that items included in the previous 
F-21, F-22, and F-28 will now all be included within a new overall F-28 
form.
    Results of this survey are used by the Bureau of Economic Analysis 
to develop the public sector components of the National Income and 
Product Accounts. Other Federal agencies that make frequent use of 
these data include the U.S. Federal Reserve Board, the Congressional 
Research Service, the General Accounting Office, and the Department of 
Justice. Other users include state and local government executives and 
legislators, policy makers, economists, researchers, and the general 
public.

II. Method of Collection

    Canvass methodology primarily consists of a mail out/mail back 
questionnaire. Responses will be screened manually, then put into an 
electronic format. Other methods used to collect data and maximize 
response include collecting local government data from central state 
sources, compiling from submitted financial audits, comprehensive 
financial reports, and public Internet outputs. Also, the finance forms 
can be completed on the Internet.

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0607-0585.
    Form Number: F-5, F-5A, F-11, F-12, F-13, F-25, F-28, F-29, F-32, 
F-42.
    Type of Review: Regular.
    Affected Public: State and local governments.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 9,753 (annual survey), 45,961 
(Census).
    Estimated Time Per Response: 2.903 (Annual); 2.37 (Census).
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 28,310.5 (Annual); 108,840.5 
(Census).
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: Cost to respondents is estimated to be 
$535,918 (Annual); 2,060,351 (Census).

(Note--Based upon the average hourly pay for full-time employment 
for the financial administration function within the 2002 census of 
local government employment.)

    Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.
    Legal Authority: Title 13, sections 161 and 182.

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; 
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: December 1, 2004.
Madeleine Clayton,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 04-26783 Filed 12-6-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P