Brief Description: Modifying disbursement of the metropolitan park district fund.

Sponsors: Representatives Takko, Orcutt, Dunn and Fromhold.

Hearing Date: 1/23/06

Staff: Kasa Tupua (786-7291).

Background:

A metropolitan park district (MPD) is a type of special purpose district that may be created for the management, control, improvement, maintenance, and/or acquisition of parks, parkways, boulevards, and recreational facilities. An MPD may include territory located in portions or in all of one or more cities or counties.

A metropolitan park district may impose two separate regular property tax levies on all property located in the district: (1) a levy not to exceed $.50 per $1,000 of assessed value; and (2) a levy not to exceed $.25 per $1,000 of assessed value. Similar to other taxing district levies, the metropolitan park district levies are subject to the constitutional 1 percent growth rate limit on property taxes.

Proper county officials are designated to collect this levy or these levies, and place the funds in the Metropolitan Park District Fund. These funds are paid out on warrants.

Summary of Bill:

County treasurers are authorized to disburse the metropolitan park district funds through electronic funds transfers and warrants issued.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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