HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2503

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                  Government Administration

Title:  An act relating to storm water control facilities.

Brief Description:  Authorizing consideration of the income level of customers when setting rates and charges for a storm water control facility.

Sponsors:  Representatives Robertson, Sullivan and Carrell.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Government Administration:  1/30/98, 2/3/98 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives D. Schmidt, Chairman; D. Sommers, Vice Chairman; Scott, Ranking Minority Member; Gardner, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Doumit; Dunn; Dunshee; Smith; L. Thomas; Wensman and Wolfe.

Staff:  Caroleen Dineen (786-7156).

Background:  County legislative authorities are authorized to fix the rates and charges for furnishing storm water control services by resolution.  These rates and charges may be levied against anyone who receives services or benefits from any storm water control facility or anyone who contributes to an increase of surface water runoff.

When fixing rates and charges, counties have discretion to consider five factors:

-the services furnished;

-the benefits received;

-the character and use or water runoff characteristics of the land being served;

-the nonprofit public benefit status of the land user; or

-any other matters presenting a reasonable difference as a ground for distinction.

Summary of Bill:  Counties are authorized to consider a sixth factor when fixing rates for storm water control facilities. 

In addition to the other specified factors, a county legislative authority may consider the income level of persons, including senior citizens and disabled persons, provided storm water control benefits. 

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  This bill is requested by two Pierce County Council members, who seek the legal authority to give relief to low income senior citizens and disabled persons.  Pierce County recently had to significantly increase storm  water fees because of extensive flooding and substantial costs associated with obtaining a federal pollution discharge permit.  Increased costs negatively impact senior citizens and disabled persons.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representatives Eric Robertson and Brian Sullivan, sponsors; and Jan Shabro and Sarah Casada, Pierce County Council.