HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2694
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 Reported by House Committee On:
Local Government
Title: An act relating to authorizing county treasurers to contract with other treasurers for services.
Brief Description: Authorizing county treasurers to contract with other treasurers for services.
Sponsors: Representatives Volz, Griffey, Holy, Ormsby, Maycumber, Muri and Condotta.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Local Government: 1/25/18, 1/30/18 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Appleton, Chair; McBride, Vice Chair; Griffey, Ranking Minority Member; Pike, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Gregerson, Peterson and Taylor.
Staff: Yvonne Walker (786-7841).
Background:
A county treasurer (treasurer) is the custodian of county money and the administrator of the county's financial transactions. A treasurer may also serve as the ex officio treasurer for a special purpose district (district) (for example, a flood control district, irrigation district, or public utility district) and may provide financial services to districts and other units of local government. Treasurers have many duties enumerated in statute, which include receiving and disbursing money, issuing receipts for money received, and maintaining financial records reflecting receipts and disbursements.
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Summary of Bill:
County treasurers are authorized to contract with another county treasurer, the State Treasurer, or both, for duties performed by the contracting treasurer. However, a contracted treasurer may not perform a duty that is in conflict with his or her own duties as a treasurer or that is in conflict with other statutory or ethical requirements.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill allows two independently elected officials to contract directly with each other for their statutory duties. Some of those duties include banking, investment services, and technology. Most of the large counties have an investment pool that operates independently from the State Treasurer. When dealing with financial contracts, volume is key. The more people and dollars involved allows for more negotiating power that yields better services at a better price.
This bill does not allow a county treasurer to shut his or her doors and send people to another county, as there is ample protection in existing law.
This bill would allow other districts to contract the county treasurer in a three-way agreement with the district in order to deploy money and services, as needed.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Volz, prime sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.