Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Local Government Committee

SB 6717

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.

Brief Description: Increasing public utility district commissioner salaries.

Sponsors: Senators Hatfield, Pridemore, Sheldon, Hobbs, Berkey, Fairley, McDermott and Delvin.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Increases the salary of public utility commissioners in districts with annual total gross revenue of over $15 million by $400 to $1,400 per month.
  • Allows the board of commissioners to pass a resolution to increase the maximum rate of salary by $500 to $1,800 per month for districts with annual total gross revenue of over $15 million.
  • Increases the salary of public utility commissioners in districts with annual total gross revenue between $2 million and $15 million by $300 to $1,000 per month.
  • Allows the board of commissioners to pass a resolution to increase the maximum rate of salary by $400 to $1,300 per month for districts with annual total gross revenue between $2 million and $15 million.
  • Allows commissioners of other districts who serve without pay to pass a resolution to receive and increase compensation by $200 to $600 per month.

Hearing Date: 2/28/08

Staff: Lyset Cadena (786-7291).

Background:

The public utility districts (PUDs) were created to provide water and 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 public utility district are eligible to receive salaries as follows:

The commissioners of public utility districts 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 public utility districts 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 public utility districts 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 public utility districts 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: Not requested.

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