SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5938

BYSenators McDonald, Wojahn and Saling

Providing excess levies for community colleges.

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 1, 1989

Senate Staff:Linda Brownell; Terry Wilson (786-7715)

AS OF MARCH 1, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Community colleges receive no local funding in Washington.  Local support is provided to community colleges in 27 other states.

School districts are authorized to levy property taxes in excess of the 1 percent limitation for maintenance and operation.  School districts are also authorized to issue general obligation bonds for capital purposes equal to 2-1/2 percent of the value of the taxable property in the district.  Bonds issued in excess of three-eighths of 1 percent require approval of three-fifths of the voters voting on the proposition.  School districts are also authorized to retire the bonds by excess property tax levy.

Excess property tax levies must be approved by three-fifths of the electors voting on the proposition.  In addition, the number of electors approving the proposition must at least equal 24 percent of the number of electors voting at the last general election.

SUMMARY:

Community college districts are authorized to levy property taxes in excess of the 1 percent limitation for a one-year period to be used for the acquisition of supplies, equipment, and library books.

Community college districts are authorized to issue general obligation bonds for capital purposes equal to 2-1/2 percent of the value of the taxable property in the district when approved by three-fifths of the voters in the district voting on the proposition.  An excess property tax levy is authorized to retire the bonds.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    yes

Fiscal Note:      requested February 20, 1989