HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2606
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 Passed House:
February 7, 2008
Title: An act relating to public utility district commissioner salaries.
Brief Description: Increasing public utility district commissioner salaries.
Sponsors: By Representatives Simpson, Grant, Linville, VanDeWege, Crouse, Appleton, Hudgins, Kretz, Haler, Chase and Ericks.
Brief History:
Local Government: 1/24/08 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/7/08, 95-0.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
|
|
|
|
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Simpson, Chair; Takko, Vice Chair; Warnick, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Eddy, Nelson and Schmick.
Staff: Lyset Cadena (786-7291) and Ethan Moreno (786-7386).
Background:
The public utility districts (PUDs) were created to provide water, electricity, and to conserve
water and power resources. Currently, there are 28 PUDs: 23 provide electricity services; 19
provide water or water and wastewater service; and 13 offer wholesale broadband
telecommunications service. The powers of a PUD are executed by a board of three elected
commissioners.
Commissioners of a PUD are eligible to receive salaries as follows:
The commissioners of PUDs that operate utility properties with total gross revenue of over
$15 million shall receive $1,000 per month. The board of commissioners may pass a
resolution to increase the maximum rate of salary to $1,300 per month.
The commissioners of PUDs that operate utility properties with total gross revenue between
$2 million and $15 million shall receive $700 per month. The board of commissioners may
pass a resolution to increase the maximum rate of salary to $900 per month.
The commissioners of other districts serve without salary, but the board of commissioners
may pass a resolution providing for salaries of up to $400 per month.
In addition, commissioners may receive per diem compensation at a rate of $90 per day and
compensation paid during the year may not exceed $12,600. Commissioners may also
choose to waive all or any portion of their compensation.
Summary of Bill:
The commissioners of PUDs that operate utility properties with total gross revenue of over
$15 million shall receive $1,400 per month. The board of commissioners may pass a
resolution to increase the maximum rate of salary to $1,800 per month.
The commissioners of PUDs that operate utility properties with total gross revenue between
$2 million and $15 million shall receive $1,000 per month. The board of commissioners may
pass a resolution to increase the maximum rate of salary to $1,300 per month.
The commissioners of other districts serve without salary, but the board of commissioners
may pass a resolution providing for salaries up to $600 per month.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Public utility districts (PUDs) provide over half of Washington's water,
wastewater, electricity, and wholesale broadband services to the state's residences. The PUD
commissioners have not received a salary increase since 1996. The salary increases are
reasonable, accurate, and match Seattle's consumer price index.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Vicki Austin, Washington Public Utilities Districts Associations; Bruce Jorgensen, Mason County Public Utilities District #3; and Ned Piper, Cowlitz Public Utilities District.