SB 5065 - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 2/28/01)

     Finds and declares that:

     (1) Article XXX, section 1 of the state Constitution permits midterm salary increases for municipal officers who do not fix their own compensation;

     (2) The Washington citizens' commission on salaries for elected officials established pursuant to Article XXVIII, section 1 of the state Constitution with voter approval has assured that the compensation for state and county elected officials will be fair and certain, while minimizing the dangers of midterm salary increases being used to influence those officers in the performance of their duties;

     (3) The same public benefits of independent salary commissions should be extended to the setting of compensation of municipal elected officers; and

     (4) This act is intended to clarify the intent of the legislature that existing state law authorizes:

     (a) The establishment of independent salary commissions to set the salaries of city or town elected officials, county commissioners, and county councilmembers; and

     (b) The authority of the voters of such cities, towns, and counties to review commission decisions to increase or decrease such salaries by means of referendum.