[Federal Register: December 7, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 234)]
[Notices]
[Page 70631]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr07de04-38]
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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 DHynek@doc.gov).
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