[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 24 (Monday, February 6, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6036-6037]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-1527]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

U.S. Census Bureau


2007 Census of Governments Prelist Survey of Special Districts

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 April 7, 2006.

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 Owens, Chief, Government Organization and 
Special Programs Branch, Governments Division, U.S. Census Bureau, 
Washington, DC 20233-6800 (301 763-5149).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The U.S. Census Bureau plans to request approval of data collection 
Form G-24, Prelist Survey of Special Districts. This form will be used 
to verify the existence of special districts for the 2002 Census of 
Governments, to obtain current mailing addresses, and to identify new 
districts. The quinquennial Census of Governments enumerates five types 
of local governments: county governments, municipal governments, 
township governments, school district governments, and special district 
governments. Lists of county, municipal and township governments are 
kept up-to-date through the Boundary and Annexation Survey conducted 
annually by the Geography Division of the Census

[[Page 6037]]

Bureau. School district governments and other ``local education 
agencies'' are kept current through data sharing arrangements with 
state education agencies, and the National Center for Education 
Statistics. There is no national source of information on special 
district governments. We, therefore, enlist the help of county clerks, 
and other county officials to provide information on changes in special 
districts, including the creation of new districts, disincorporation of 
existing districts, and address changes. An updated list is necessary 
for subsequent phases of the Census of Governments to ensure complete 
coverage and to minimize the need for remailings caused by inaccurate 
addresses.

II. Method of Collection

    Each of the approximately 1,500 counties, consolidated city-county 
governments, and independent cities designated for the survey will be 
sent a printed list of previously identified special districts within 
their county areas. Respondents will be requested to review and update 
the list to identify those districts that are no longer active, 
districts with address changes, and districts that are not included in 
the list. For new special districts, respondents will be requested to 
provide, in addition to the district name, mailing addresses and the 
names of counties included in the service area.
    This data collection effort will offer fax and e-mail as electronic 
response options, but no electronic form on the Internet. The Census 
Bureau explored the possibility of an electronic form during the 
previous survey cycle and determined that the nature of the 
information--unique and specific for every respondent--rendered this 
too costly. The effort required to develop and deploy a comprehensive 
and effective electronic response instrument would far exceed both the 
budget and potential benefits of such a method.
    In addition, in keeping with Governments Division policy, we will 
accept responses prepared by the respondents from their own files in 
either electronic, or printed form.

III. Data

    OMB Number: None.
    Form Number: G-24.
    Type of Review: Regular.
    Affected Public: County governments, consolidated city-county 
governments, and independent cities.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,500.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 0.5 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 750.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: $15,000.00.
    Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.
    Legal Authority: Title 13 U.S.C. Section 161.

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: January 31, 2006.
Madeleine Clayton,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. E6-1527 Filed 2-3-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P