HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  SB 5380

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                  Government Administration

Title:  An act relating to boundary review board members' per diem.

Brief Description:  Raising the maximum per diem for boundary review board members.

Sponsors:  Senators Horn, Haugen, Benton, Franklin, Zarelli and Bauer.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Government Administration:  3/21/97, 3/25/97 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 12 members:  Representatives D. Schmidt, Chairman; D. Sommers, Vice Chairman; Scott, Ranking Minority Member; Gardner, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Doumit; Dunn; Dunshee; Reams; Smith; L. Thomas; Wensman and Wolfe.

Staff:  Steve Lundin (786-7127).

Background:  Boundary review boards are created by state law in larger counties and the county legislative authority of every other county may create a boundary review board.  If its jurisdiction is invoked, a boundary review board reviews proposed boundary alterations by cities, towns, sewer districts, water districts, fire protection districts, and a few other types of special districts, and may approve, modify and approve, or disapprove the proposed boundary change based upon a number of specified factors.

A boundary review board in a county with a population of 1 million or more consists of 11 persons, three appointed by the governor, three appointed by the county legislative authority, three appointed by joint action of cities and towns in the county, and two appointed by the board from a list of nominees submitted by special districts in the county.

A boundary review board in any other county consists of five persons, two appointed by the Governor, one appointed by the county legislative authority, one appointed by joint action of cities and towns in the county, and one appointed by the board from a list of nominees submitted by special districts in the county.

Boundary review board members receive compensation at a rate of $25 per day, or major portion of a day, actually devoted to the work of the boundary review board.

Summary of Bill:  The rate of compensation for members of a boundary review board is increased from $25 to $50 per day, or major portion of a day, devoted to the work of the boundary review board.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  An increase has never been given since these boards were authorized in 1967.  Members of all other active state boards receive at least $50 per day compensation.

Testimony Against:  An increase should not be provided unless the state fulfills its responsibility to fund half of all boundary review board expenses.

Testified:  Senator Horn, prime sponsor; Dave Pette, Boundary Review Boards (pro); and (con) Gary Lowe, Washington State Association of Counties.