SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1291

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Government Operations & Elections, April 2, 2003

Title: An act relating to flood control zone districts.

Brief Description: Providing for elections for flood control zone district supervisors.

Sponsors: House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Blake, Schindler, Hatfield, Romero and Mielke).

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 4/2/03 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Stevens, Vice Chair; Horn, Kastama and McCaslin.

Staff: Diane Smith (786-7410)

Background: Flood control zone districts are special purpose districts that operate as quasi-municipal corporations. Their purpose is to pursue flood control activities that benefit specified areas of the whole county. Flood control zone districts are governed by a "board of supervisors" who are members of the county legislative authority and have the power of condemnation. They are funded by a property tax, benefit assessments, service charges, voluntary assessments, and bonds. Flood control zone districts are administered by the county engineer.

Summary of Bill: A flood control zone district with more than 2,000 residents may choose to elect the board of supervisors for the district. The election may be held upon resolution of the county legislative authority or upon petition submitted to the county auditor of 15 percent or more of the registered voters within the zone. Three elected zone supervisors are elected at large, without primary, for six-year staggered terms. The person receiving the greatest number of votes for each position is elected.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: The people who pay the assessments should elect their own local supervisors.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: PRO: Representative Blake, prime sponsor; George Raiter, Cowlitz County Commissioner.