HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No. SSB 5853

Fire Protection Dists/Issue Warrants                 Hrg Date:  2/18/98

Brief Title

Senators Going/McCaslin                                   Staff: Caroleen Dineen

Sponsor                                    Comm. on Govt. Admin.

                                           Phone: 786-7156

BACKGROUND:

The county treasurer serves as the financial agent of a fire protection district(s) located within the county=s boundaries.  The county treasurer receives and disburses fire protection district revenues and maintains specified funds, including expense, reserve and improvement funds, for the district.

The county treasurer is required to disburse fire protection district funds on warrants issued by the county auditor on vouchers approved by the board of fire protection district commissioners.  The county treasurer submits monthly reports identifying receipts and disbursal of district funds to the fire protection district secretary.

SUMMARY: 

Certain fire protection districts may adopt by resolution a policy to issue their own warrants.  The authorization is granted only to fire protection districts with annual operating budgets of at least $5 million per year for the preceding three years. 

The district secretary of a qualifying fire protection district may issue warrants.  The board of fire protection district commissioners may issue one general certificate authorizing the county treasurer to pay all of the warrants identified in the certificate.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.                                                  

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.