State Fiscal Highlights
· The bill creates the War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission as a part of Northwest State Community College (NSCC). Over the six-year life of the Commission, NSCC may incur administrative expenses in its support of the Commission and $50,000 to $100,000 in additional expenses for travel reimbursements to Commission members.
Local Fiscal Highlights
· No direct fiscal effect on political subdivisions.
Detailed Fiscal Analysis
The bill creates the War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, which must hold its first meeting by December 31, 2009 and is to be in existence until December 31, 2015 (about six years). The bill lists the specific duties of the Commission, including various research, planning, and promotion activities having to do with Ohio's commemoration of the War of 1812. The bill also requires that the Commission meet at least twice each year of its existence.
The 17 members of the Commission serve without compensation; however, the bill requires that members receive reimbursement for reasonable and necessary travel expenses incurred while performing Commission duties. Under the bill, the Commission is part of Northwest State Community College (NSCC) for administrative purposes. Presumably, NSCC is responsible for funding the necessary travel reimbursements as well as providing administrative support for the Commission. According to a spokesperson for NSCC, travel reimbursement may total approximately $50,000 to $100,000 over the life of the Commission. NSCC may also incur additional administrative expenses related to the activities of the Commission.
