Brief Description: Requiring voter approval of certain city assumptions of water-sewer districts.

Sponsors: Representatives Schindler, Romero, Cooper, Sump, Kristiansen, Linville, Pearson, Simpson, G., Cox, O'Brien, Chase, Roach, Miloscia, Mielke, Boldt and Ormsby.

Hearing Date: 1/22/04

Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).

Background:

Current law sets forth legislative and electoral mechanisms, based upon geographic location and property valuation, for the assumption of jurisdiction of water-sewer districts (districts) by cities or towns.

Whenever all of the territory of a district is located within the corporate boundaries of a city, the city legislative body may adopt a resolution or ordinance to assume jurisdiction over the entire district.

Whenever a portion of a district equal to at least sixty percent of its area, or sixty percent of the assessed valuation of the real property lying within the district, is included within the corporate boundaries of a city, the city may assume by ordinance the full and complete management and control of that portion of the entire district not included within another city.

Related statutes specify that under certain circumstances the district may, upon a favorable vote of a majority of all voters within the district, require a city to assume responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the district's property, facilities and equipment throughout the entire district.

Whenever the portion of a district included within the corporate boundaries of a city is less than sixty percent of the area of the district and less than sixty percent of the assessed valuation of the real property within the district, the city may assume, by ordinance, jurisdiction of the district's responsibilities, property, facilities and equipment within the corporate limits of the city. The city may also assume responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the district's property, facilities and equipment throughout the entire district upon a favorable vote of a majority of all voters within the district.

Whenever more than one city, in whole or in part, is included within a district, the city which has within its boundaries sixty percent or more of the area of the assessed valuation of the district may, with the approval of any other city containing part of such district, assume responsibility for operation and maintenance of the district's property, facilities and equipment within such other city.

Summary of Bill:

A city may not assume the jurisdiction of all or part of a water-sewer district serving a population greater than five thousand residents and containing, within its boundaries, the territory of two or more cities, or one city and unincorporated territory, unless voters of the entire water-sewer district approve a ballot proposition authorizing the assumption. The cost of the election must be borne by the city seeking to assume such jurisdiction.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 22, 2004.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.