(a) Initial allocation of automated equipment. When
requested by resolution of the commissioners court of a county, and
subject to the terms and conditions specified in subsection (d) of
this section, the department will:
(1) make a fair share allocation of automated equipment
available to that county to be used by its county tax assessor-collector
in implementing and operating RTS;
(2) provide the county tax assessor-collector with
computer programs and personnel training; and
(3) furnish official automated forms and, for the initial
start-up of the system, automated equipment supplies.
(b) Additional automated equipment. At the request
of the county tax assessor-collector of a county, subject to the terms
and conditions specified in subsection (d) of this section, and for
an amount of consideration that will cover the department's costs,
the department will enter into an agreement with the commissioners
court of that county under which the department will lease automated
equipment to that county in addition to the fair share allocation
for that county. Leased equipment will remain the property of the
department and will be used primarily for RTS.
(c) Automated Registration and Titling System fee.
The department will collect an additional fee of $.50 for each registration
for the purposes set forth in Transportation Code, §502.356.
The fee shall be deposited into a subaccount in the Texas Department
of Motor Vehicles fund.
(d) Conditions of availability.
(1) A county must:
(A) meet electrical power supply criteria specified
by the department prior to installation of the automated equipment;
(B) bear all costs incurred for 24-hour per day electrical
power consumption for operation of the equipment;
(C) provide for the physical security and protection
of the equipment and shall indemnify the department for any loss or
damages to the equipment while in the custody and control of the county;
(D) provide the department's maintenance personnel
access to the equipment during business hours of the involved county
office; and
(E) notify the department not less than 30 working
days prior to relocating or adding automation equipment, or of the
closing or remodeling of an office, that may affect automated equipment
operations.
(2) At the discretion of a county tax assessor-collector,
automated equipment may be located at sites other than those of the
county tax assessor-collector, including privately owned, for-profit
enterprises performing registration and title functions for the county
tax office. With regard to equipment located at sites other than those
of the county tax assessor-collector, the department's responsibility
will be limited to ensuring that the equipment remains operational.
The county will be responsible for all training, user support, forms,
supplies, user policy and procedures, and other support associated
with this equipment.
(3) Automated equipment made available to a county
pursuant to this section shall remain the property of the department
and must be used by the county tax assessor-collector for operation
of RTS; provided, however, that while not in RTS usage, the equipment
may be utilized for another statutory duty or function of that office.
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Source Note: The provisions of this §217.72 adopted to be effective March 12, 2015, 40 TexReg 1096; amended to be effective August 8, 2016, 41 TexReg 5777; amended to be effective March 1, 2018, 43 TexReg 1146 |