SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5767

               As Passed Senate, March 10, 1995

Title:  An act relating to municipal irrigation assessment districts.

Brief Description:  Authorizing consolidation of municipal irrigation assessment districts.

Sponsors:  Senators Deccio and McCaslin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  2/22/95, 3/1/95 [DP].

Passed Senate, 3/10/95, 45-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Staff:  Rod McAulay (786-7754)

Background:  Cities and towns may acquire and operate irrigation and water delivery systems, and may levy and collect special assessments against the property served by such systems to pay for maintenance or other costs related to acquisition of the system or of water rights.  In some cities, a large number of irrigation systems have been acquired over the years, and their consolidation would make operations more efficient and would enable a more even distribution of annual assessments.

Summary of Bill:  A city or town may consolidate separate irrigation assessment districts for the purposes of construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance.  The consolidated districts need not be in the same neighborhood, and any money previously received from assessments in the component districts may be deposited in a consolidated fund for future expenses within the consolidated district.  A city or town may accumulate reasonable operating fund reserves to pay for system upkeep, repair, operation and maintenance, but the reserve may not exceed the cost of system construction, reconstruction, or refurbishment.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  This will allow the city of Yakima to consolidate 60 little irrigation systems.  It can provide for a more efficient maintenance process, and has the ability to accumulate adequate reserves.  It is less burdensome and erratic.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Deccio, prime sponsor; Liam Buchanan, Yakima.