FINAL BILL REPORT

                  SSB 6119

                          C 326 L 98

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Concerning the assumption of a water‑sewer district by a municipality.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Government Operations (originally sponsored by Senators Schow, Haugen, Patterson, McCaslin and Roach).

Senate Committee on Government Operations

House Committee on Government Administration

Background:  If all the territory of a water or sewer district lies within the corporate boundaries of a city, the city legislative authority may assume jurisdiction of the district by resolution or ordinance.

When either 60 percent or more of the area or 60 percent or more of the assessed valuation of real property lying within the district is included within the corporate boundaries of a city, the city may assume the entire district by ordinance, unless another city is included in whole or in part in the district.  If two or more cities are involved, the cities of the lesser area or valuation must approve the assumption by the city having 60 percent or more.

When less than 60 percent of the area and less than 60 percent of the assessed valuation is within the corporate boundaries of the city, the city may assume by ordinance the portion of the district lying within the city=s corporate boundaries.  If a majority of the voters in the district then so vote, the city must assume responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the entire district.  The district then pays the city for extending these services to the district.

Summary:  The 60 percent statutes remain in place.  A window is provided in which the city must, if it so desires, assume a water-sewer district under the 60 percent statutes, by majority vote of the whole district.  Except for when the district is 100 percent inside the city limits, during the period of the windowCfrom the effective date to July 1, 1999Cthe assumption cannot be accomplished by ordinance.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 41 8

House     79 19 (House amended)

Senate        (Senate refused to concur)

House         (House refused to recede)

Senate    22 13 (Senate concurred; failed)

Senate    29 20 (Senate reconsidered)

Effective:  April 3, 1998