SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5036

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 Passed Senate, February 15, 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: Senators Conway and Takko.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Local Government: 1/17/19, 1/22/19 [DP, DNP].

Floor Activity:

Passed Senate: 2/15/19, 40-7.

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

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Takko, Chair; Salomon, Vice Chair; Short, Ranking Member.

Minority Report: Do not pass.

Signed by Senator Honeyford.

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: Generally, 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: 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: This bill puts these metropolitan park commissioners in parity with other district commissioners. Larger districts with zoos meet more often so a higher annual compensation cap is appropriate. Metro Parks Tacoma is the oldest parks government in the state, with a complex mix of parks and facilities. Our commissioners have reached the annual compensation cap every year since 2015, sometimes as early as halfway through the year.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Andrew Austin, Metro Parks Tacoma.

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