SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6258

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 Senate Committee On:

Local Government, January 23, 2018

Title: An act relating to the compensation of commissioners of certain metropolitan park districts.

Brief Description: Concerning the compensation of commissioners of certain metropolitan park districts.

Sponsors: Senators Conway and Takko.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Local Government: 1/23/18, 1/23/18 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Increases maximum amounts for metropolitan park district (MPD) commissioner compensation from $90 to $114 (daily) and $8,640 to $10,944 (annually).

  • Changes the date from which the Office of Financial Management (OFM) must make inflation-based adjustments to the dollar thresholds from 2008 to 2018.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Takko, Chair; Palumbo, Vice Chair; Short, Ranking Member; Angel and Liias.

Staff: Bonnie Kim (786-7316)

Background: MPD. MPDs may be created by majority vote on a ballot proposition for the management, control, improvement, maintenance, and acquisition of parks, parkways, boulevards, and recreational facilities. Generally, MPDs are governed by five elected park commissioners who serve six-year terms. Park commissioners may be compensated at a rate of $90 maximum per day and $8,640 maximum per year. OFM must adjust these dollar thresholds for inflation every five years beginning July 1, 2008.

Summary of Bill: The compensation amounts for park commissioners are increased as follows:

For any district with facilities including an aquarium, a wildlife park, and a zoo, accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency, the annual compensation maximum amount is $22,000. The date from which OFM must make inflation adjustments to the compensation thresholds is changed from July 1, 2008 to July 1, 2018.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Metro parks are a major authority in Tacoma with 80 parks and recreation facilities. The current compensation cap does not give park commissioners enough time to effectively manage the parks. This bill will allow commissioners to work more days.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Steve Conway, Prime Sponsor; Pete Mayer, Deputy Executive Director, Metro Parks Tacoma.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.