SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5689

As of February 14, 2003

Title: An act relating to annexation interlocal agreements in order to facilitate the transition between a county and a city.

Brief Description: Encouraging interlocal agreements prior to annexation.

Sponsors: Senators Mulliken, Kline and Swecker.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Land Use & Planning: 2/17/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAND USE & PLANNING

Staff: Jennifer Arnold (786-7471)

Background: The Growth Management Act encourages providing adequate urban services to urban growth areas. In the event cities or towns annex territories, there remains an issue of how assets, liabilities, services and staff are to be shared in order to efficiently provide areas outside the boundaries of cities and towns with services before, during, and after annexation.

There are concerns that counties may lack the financial resources necessary to ensure that sufficient urban infrastructure exists in urban growth areas and that the lack of infrastructure may present an obstacle to annexation.

Summary of Bill: Cities and towns must develop interlocal agreements prior to annexations with the county in which the area to be annexed is located. The interlocal agreement must provide for the division of assets and liabilities, provision of services and staff, and community involvement. Further, the agreement must also include the subject areas, policies and procedures that the parties agree to undertake as a result of annexations, which may include subjects such as traffic, surface and storm water management, and recreational areas.

Only those counties and cities that are in compliance with the requirements to establish an interlocal annexation agreement can receive grants, loans, pledges, or financial guarantees from the state public works assistance account and the state water quality account.

After the process for developing an interlocal agreement has been initiated by a city, the agreement must be completed within 90 days, unless the parties agree to an extension. If this time requirement is not met, either party may seek to have mediated negotiations.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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