[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 13 (Thursday, January 20, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Page 3610]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-1115]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

U.S. Census Bureau


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Annual Survey 
of State and Local Government Finances

AGENCY: U.S. Census Bureau, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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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: To ensure consideration, written comments must be submitted on 
or before March 21, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 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 Jeff Barnett, Chief, Local Government Finance and 
Statistics Branch, Governments Division, U.S. Bureau of the Census, 
Washington, DC 20233-6800 [(301) 763-2787] (or via the Internet at 
[email protected]).

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 2011 and 2013 Annual Survey of State 
and Local Government Finances and the 2012 Census of Governments: 
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.
    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 Federal Reserve Board, the Congressional 
Research Service, the Government Accountability 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

    These surveys use multiple modes for data collection including: Web 
collection, mail canvass, telephone, e-reporting and central 
collection. Canvass methodology primarily consists of a mail out/mail 
back questionnaire. Responses will be scanned, and then put into an 
electronic format. Other methods used to collect data and maximize 
response include collecting local government data from central state 
sources and compiling from submitted financial audits, comprehensive 
financial reports, and public Internet outputs. Also, the finance forms 
can be completed on-line.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0607-0585.
    Form Number: F-5, F-11, F-12, F-12(S), F-13, F-25, F-28, F-29, F-
32, and F-42.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: State and local governments.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 11,589 (Annual) 50,613 (Census).
    Estimated Time per Response: 2.965 hours (Annual), 2.892 hours 
(Census).
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 34,367 (Annual), 146,379 
(Census).
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: Cost to respondents is estimated to be 
$788,433 (Annual) $3,358,214 (Census)

    Note:  Based upon the average hourly pay for full-time 
employment for the financial administration function within the 2007 
Census of state and local government employment.

    Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.
    Legal Authority: Title 13 U.S.C. 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: January 14, 2011.
Glenna Mickelson,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2011-1115 Filed 1-19-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P