SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5355
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Amended by House, April 7, 2009
Title: An act relating to initial levy rates for rural county library districts.
Brief Description: Regarding initial levy rates for rural county library districts.
Sponsors: Senator Haugen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/02/09, 2/09/09 [DP, DNP].
Passed Senate: 3/07/09, 42-0.Passed House: 4/07/09, 98-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; McDermott, Pridemore and Swecker.
Minority Report: Do not pass.
Signed by Senators Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Benton.
Staff: Edward Redmond (786-7471)
Background: A rural county library district is a library serving all the area of a county not included within the area of incorporated cities and towns. Any city or town with a population of 100,000 or less at the time of annexation, however, may be included in the rural county library district. Establishing a rural county library district requires a petition to be signed by at least 10 percent of the registered voters of the county who voted in the last general election. The county legislative authority places the proposition on the ballot for vote by the people living within the designated county at the next succeeding general or special election.
Summary of Bill: The maximum initial levy rate for the rural county library district may be included as part of the petition. The initial levy rate may not be higher than the rate set by the vote establishing the rural county library district, but may be increased as authorized by statute.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Skagit County has a population of over 150,000 living in unincorporated areas. Approximately 50,000 of these residents are currently without library services. In 1998 and 2005 propositions for establishing rural library districts failed by small margins due to voter uncertainty in the levy rates to be imposed. Permitting initial levy rates to be stated on the petition for the establishment of a rural county library district will help voters make a more informed decision.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Sara Holahan, Mount Vernon City Library.
House Amendment(s): Requires a ballot proposition for the creation of a rural county library district to include the proposed initial maximum levy rate if the petition to create the district included this tax levy information. Requires that the initial levy rate may not exceed the rate limit set in statute or, if applicable, the initial maximum levy rate specified in the ballot proposition approved by the voters.