SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1092

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 of March 21, 2019

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: Representatives Fey and Jinkins.

Brief History: Passed House: 3/11/19, 74-24.

Committee Activity: Local Government: 3/21/19.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Increases maximum amounts for metropolitan park district (MPD) commissioner compensation from $90 to $114—daily and $8,640 to $12,288—annually.

  • Increases maximum compensation amounts in MPDs with certain accredited facilities to $24,578 annually.

  • Changes the date from which the Office of Financial Management must make inflation-based adjustments from 2008 to 2023.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Staff: Bonnie Kim (786-7316)

Background: Metropolitan Park District. 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. The Office of Financial Management (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 MPDs with certain accredited facilities including an aquarium, a wildlife park, and a zoo, the annual compensation maximum amount is $24,576.

The date from which OFM must make inflation adjustments to the compensation thresholds is changed from July 1, 2008, to July 1, 2023.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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 Tacoma was established in 1905. We have a board of five elected commissioners who work very long hours to manage the district. This bill will give Metro Parks Tacoma more flexibility in terms of how much we can compensate our commissioners. Our commissioners hit their maximums by September or October.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Jake Fey, Prime Sponsor; Andrew Austin, Metro Parks Tacoma.

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