Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Local Government Committee
SSB 5925
Brief Description: Concerning fire protection district commissioner per diem compensation.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Senators Torres, Lovelett, Short and Van De Wege).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Allows commissioners of fire protection districts with an operating budget of $10 million or more to receive 144 per diem payments at a rate determined by the Office of Financial Management.
Hearing Date: 2/16/24
Staff: Elizabeth Allison (786-7129).
Background:

Fire Protection Districts.
Fire protection districts are established for the provision of fire prevention services, fire suppression services, and emergency medical services for the protection of life and property.  Fire protection districts are formed through a petition from the residents of a proposed district, a public hearing, and three-fifths' voter approval.

 

The affairs of the district are managed by a board of elected fire commissioners, initially composed of three commissioners.  Boards of commissioners may be increased to five or seven commissioners through a resolution or petition signed by 10 percent of voters and submitted to the county legislative authority.  After the resolution is submitted, the county legislative authority must call a special election proposing an increase from three members to five or seven members.  A majority of voters must approve the increase.

 

Each commissioner must receive $104 per day for a total of up to $9,984 per year for time spent attending official board meetings or performing other services for the fire protection district.  Ex officio members of the board do not receive compensation.  The dollar thresholds must be adjusted for inflation by the Office of Financial Management every five years, beginning January 1, 2019, based upon changes in the consumer price index during that time period.

 

Beginning January 1, 2024, payment of compensation for each member of the board is set at a rate of $161 per day, with compensation for each commissioner not to exceed $15,456 per year.
Summary of Bill:

Fire protection district commissioners of a district that has an operating budget of $10 million or more may receive up to 144 per diem payments, at the per diem rate specified by the Office of Financial Management, and adjusted for inflation.
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.