FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6208

C 202 L 04

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Regarding temporary water-sewer connections.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Roach, Kastama and McCaslin).

Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections

House Committee on Local Government

Background: One of the powers granted to water-sewer districts is the power to fix rates and charges for the service they supply and to charge property owners who wish to connect to the district's system a connection charge in addition to the cost of connection. The connection charge is set by the water-sewer district commissioners so that the connecting property owners bear their equitable share of the cost of the system. The calculation of the connection charge must be a pro rata share of the sum of three cost centers, as follows: the cost of existing facilities; the cost of facilities planned, in an adopted comprehensive plan, to be constructed within the next ten years; and other costs the district must pay that are directly attributable to the improvements required by the property owners seeking to connect.

Summary: If a property owner seeks a temporary connection to a water-sewer system when the district is not planning to install permanent local facilities, the district is given two alternatives. One alternative is to permit connection to its system by means of temporary facilities and to collect from the property owners seeking this connection by means of temporary facilities, a proportionate share of the cost of future local facilities needed to serve the property. The amount collected is held, together with interest, to be used for contribution towards the costs of construction of permanent local facilities by other developers. If these permanent facilities are not constructed within 15 years of the date of payment, the amount collected, including accrued interest, is returned to the property owner. The other alternative is to allow the property owner to pay the connection charge and agree to connect to the permanent facilities if they are installed.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate       48  0

House       96  0    (House amended)

Senate                   (Senate refused to concur)

House                   (House refused to recede)

Senate                   (Senate refused to concur)

House       95  0    (House amended)

Senate       49  0    (Senate concurred)

Effective: June 10, 2004