SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5063

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Government Operations & Elections, February 4, 2003

Title: An act relating to flood control zone districts.

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

Sponsors: Senators Doumit, Zarelli and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 1/28/03, 2/4/03 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5063 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Stevens, Vice Chair; Horn 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 county or the whole county. They are governed by 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.

They are administered by the county engineer.

Summary of Substitute Bill: A zone with more than 2000 residents may choose to elect 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.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: The original bill was not considered.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For: Flood control zone districts serve extremely important purposes in unique areas. As an example, the silt is still a problem in the Mt. St. Helens blast area. The best governance comes from those who live in these unique areas, walk the dikes and know the streams.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: PRO: George Raitor, Cowlitz County Commissioner; Ed Fraser, Lexington Flood Control Advisory Committee.