HOUSE BILL REPORT

EHB 1383

BYRepresentatives Nutley and Cooper

Authorizing the designation of treasurers and auditors by regional planning commissions.

House Committe on Local Government

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (12)

      Signed by Representatives Haugen, Chair; Cooper, Vice Chair; Ferguson, Ranking Republican Member; Horn, Nealey, Nelson, Phillips, Raiter, Rayburn, Wolfe, Wood and Zellinsky.

House Staff:Steve Lundin (786-7127)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 6, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Regional planning commissions, conferences to study regional problems, and councils of governments can be created by local governments under various statutes.

County treasurers generally act in an ex-officio capacity as the treasurer of local governments unless specified otherwise in the laws relating to the local government.

Moneys of a joint operation between local governments are deposited in the treasury of the entity with the largest population that is party to the joint operation, and are subject to the same audit and fiscal controls that apply to this entity, unless expressly provided to the contrary in law.

The county auditor issues warrants on the accounts or funds of a public entity unless expressly provided to the contrary in law.

SUMMARY:

BILL AS AMENDED:  A regional planning commission, regional agency created to study regional problems, or council of governments is authorized to appoint someone other than the county treasurer to act as its treasurer if authorized by the county treasurer and county auditor.  The person so designated must have experience in financial or fiscal matters.  A designated treasurer acts for the entity in the same capacity as the county treasurer, and acts for the entity in the same capacity as the county auditor concerning financial matters.

AMENDED BILL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL:  The county auditor must also give approval for a separate treasurer to be appointed.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    None Presented.

House Committee - Testified Against:      Randal Finden, Office of State Auditor.

House Committee - Testimony For:    This flexibility is needed.  With the required approval of the county treasurer and auditor, safeguards are provided.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      This is part of a growing trend away from using county treasurers.  A not so qualified person could be appointed.