Brief Description: Revising provisions relating to annexation of territory of certain cities by water-sewer districts.

Sponsors: Representatives Chase, Schindler, Clibborn and Simpson.

Hearing Date: 2/21/05

Staff: Ethan Moreno (786-7386).

Background:

Water-sewer district powers include the authority to purchase, construct, maintain, and supply waterworks to furnish an ample supply of water to inhabitants within and outside of the district. Water-sewer districts have full authority to regulate and control the use, content, distribution, and price of the supplied water in a manner consistent with legal provisions.

The governing body of a district is a board of commissioners (board) consisting of three, five, or seven members. In accordance with statutory provisions, the board must, by resolution, adopt rules governing the transaction of its business.

Annexation methods for water-sewer districts are provided in statute. Among other annexation methods, current law specifies that qualifying territory may be annexed through an election method requiring approval by the board, the applicable county legislative authority or authorities, and any qualified voters. The election method of annexation is initiated either by ten percent of the registered voters within the territory proposed for annexation or by property owners who own at least a majority of the acreage within the territory.

Summary of Bill:

If a water-sewer district acquires water and/or sewer facilities from a city, and the district and the city within which the facilities are located enter into an agreement stating that the district will seek to annex certain city territory, the district may annex such territory by generally following the election method procedures provided in law. This modified election method of annexation is not required to be initiated by voters or property owners, but rather by district action as the board may initiate proceedings through a resolution describing the territory proposed for annexation and calling for an election by the qualified voters. The adopted resolution must be filed with the county legislative authority of each applicable county. Upon receipt of the resolution, each applicable county legislative authority shall cause a public meeting to be held and the remaining annexation process to be accomplished.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.