HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 6271
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Local Government
Title: An act relating to compensation of special purpose district commissioners.
Brief Description: Concerning the compensation of special purpose district commissioners.
Sponsors: Senators Hatfield, Fairley and Sheldon.
Brief History:
Local Government: 2/21/08 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 6 members: Representatives Simpson, Chair; Takko, Vice Chair; Warnick, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Nelson and Schmick.
Staff: Lyset Cadena (786-7291) and Ethan Moreno (786-7386).
Background:
Special Purpose Districts
In Washington, a special purpose district (SPD) is a limited purpose local government
separate from a city, town, or county government. Special purpose districts provide an array
of services and facilities that are otherwise not available or provided by city or county
governments. Most powers of SPDs are vested in a board of district commissioners, board of
district trustees, or board of district directors. Per diem compensation is available for select
SPD positions for performing services on behalf of the district, such as attending meetings or
time spent devoted to the business of the district.
Water-sewer and public hospital districts provide by resolution a $90 per diem compensation
to all commissioners who attend official meetings and perform official services or duties on
behalf of the district. The compensation provisions for commissioners must be stipulated by
resolution of the commission.
Legislation enacted in 2007 increased the maximum per diem compensation for SPDs. The
Office of Financial Management is directed to adjust the "dollar thresholds" for per diem
compensations for SPDs every five years, beginning July 1, 2008.
Summary of Bill:
Each water-sewer and public hospital district's commissioners must receive $90 for each day
or portion thereof spent in actual attendance at official meetings of the district commission,
or in performance of other official services or duties on behalf of the district. No resolution
is required to provide compensation.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Legislation enacted in 2007 increased the maximum per diem compensation for
special purpose districts. Water-sewer and public hospital districts thought they could legally
adopt the per diem compensation increase without adopting a new resolution. The State
Auditor and the Attorney General released an opinion stating that water-sewer and public
hospital districts would have to adopt a new resolution in order for commissioners to receive
the per diem rate increase. This bill removes the provision requiring water-sewer and public
hospital districts to adopt a resolution in order for commissioners to receive per diem
compensation.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Joe Daniels, Washington Association of Water/Sewer Districts.