SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2539

BYHouse Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Wood, Jacobsen, Ferguson, Nealey and Haugen)

Amending water and sewer district provisions.

House Committe on Local Government

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 19, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Thorsness, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Patrick, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Rod McAulay (786-7754)

                  February 22, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, FEBRUARY 19, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Sewer district and water district commissioners may receive compensation at a rate of up to $50 per day, not to exceed $4,800 per year.  In addition, the commissioner who is the secretary of the board may receive a reasonable amount for clerical services.  No provisions of law exist concerning the insurance benefits for sewer district or water district commissioners.

Sewer districts and water districts are authorized to hire staff and provide staff with compensation as well as health care services, group, and term life insurance.

Whenever a sewer district or water district leases its real property, the district is required to secure the lease by a performance bond with a penalty of an amount equal to the larger of "one-sixth of the term of the lease" or one year's rental.

SUMMARY:

A sewer district, or water district, with 5,000 or more customers providing health, group, or life insurance benefits to its employees may provide its commissioners with the same coverage.

The board of commissioners of a sewer district or water district can require a reasonable security deposit, in lieu of a performance bond, whenever district property is leased.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

Moneys collected by water and sewer districts may be deposited ten working days after receipt rather than 24 hours after receipt as presently required.

Senate Committee - Testified: Joe Daniels, Washington State Association of Water/Waste-Water Districts