Brief Description: Allowing forgiveness of certain election costs.

Sponsors: Representatives Lantz, McMahan, Haigh, Romero, Rockefeller and Edwards.

Hearing Date: 2/5/04

Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).

Background:

A city, town, or district is liable for the payment of its own election costs. If a city, town, or district holds an election in conjunction with another local governmental entity, each is liable for its own proportionate share of the costs. A county is not responsible for any costs associated with a city, town, or district election.

Summary of Bill:

The general rule requiring that a local park and recreation district pay its own election costs may be waived by the county governing authority for up to two election cycles, provided that two conditions are met:

•    the district board of commissioners of the park and recreation district must petition the county to assume responsibility for the costs of the election(s); and

•    the local park and recreation district must have no current operating levy.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 30, 2004.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.