SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5207

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

           Government Operations, February 21, 1995

Title:  An act relating to annexation of unincorporated territory by municipal corporations providing sewer or water service.

Brief Description:  Clarifying annexation authority by municipal corporations providing sewer or water service of unincorporated territory.

Sponsors:  Senators Winsley, Haugen and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  2/9/95, 2/21/95 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5207 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Sheldon, Vice Chair; Drew, Hale, Heavey, McCaslin and Winsley.

Staff:  Rod McAulay (786-7754)

Background:  Unincorporated territory of less than 100 acres with at least 80 percent of its boundaries contiguous with two sewer or water districts may be annexed into one of the districts with the consent of the other district following notice and a public hearing.  The annexation is subject to referendum election in the area annexed.  This annexation authority does not exist for municipal corporations, other than sewer and water districts that provide sewer or water services.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  Unincorporated territory of less than 100 acres, with at least 80 percent of its boundaries contiguous with two municipal corporations providing sewer or water service, may be annexed into one of the municipal corporations if a majority of the legislative authority of the other contiguous municipal corporation concurs.  The annexation is subject to referendum election in the area annexed.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The annexation process could only be initiated by a water or sewer district.  The substitute gives a city or town providing water or sewer service to also initiate an annexation under this provision.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  It will allow cities and towns which provide water or sewer service to exercise the same annexation powers as water and sewer districts.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Tim Schellberg, WA State Sewer & Water Assn.