FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5244

C 42 L 03

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Authorizing additional powers for unclassified cities.

Sponsors: Senator Hewitt.

Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections

House Committee on Local Government

Background: An unclassified city is a city created by special charter prior to the adoption of the state Constitution that has not since reincorporated under any general statute. Current law grants unclassified cities certain enumerated powers, in addition to the powers granted by their charter. The only unclassified city existing in the state today is Waitsburg, which was created by territorial charter in 1885. Waitsburg's charter calls for the annual election of city officials.

Summary: The legislative body of an unclassified city can adopt, by resolution, any powers granted to code cities, including the power to define the functions and duties of city officers and employees.

The legislative body of an unclassified city can also adopt a resolution implementing a four-year election cycle for city officials, with elections held biennially in odd-numbered years. At the first election under the bill, the terms of the city officers shall be staggered, with a majority of council members elected to four-year terms, and the remaining council members and the treasurer elected to two-year terms.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate       49  0

House       95  0

Effective: July 27, 2003