Brief Description: Concerning the compensation of special purpose district commissioners.

Sponsors: Senators Hatfield, Fairley and Sheldon.

Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections
House Committee on Local Government

Background: Special purpose districts are limited purpose local governments authorized by law to perform a single function or a limited number of functions. Examples of special purpose districts are water-sewer districts, public hospital districts, fire protection districts, and public utility districts. Special purpose districts are governed by a board of commissioners. A board consists of three members and may increase to five or seven members when the board determines it is in the best interest of the district.

Each commissioner receives a per diem amount of $90 per day for the performance of services on behalf of the district. During the 2007 Legislative Session, the per diem compensation increased from $70 to $90. Current law requires water-sewer districts and public hospital districts' boards to pass a resolution prior to increasing a commissioners compensation. As a result, commissioners are required to take this action to receive the per diem increase.

Summary: The resolution requirement for the payment of compensation in water-sewer districts and public hospital districts is removed.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      42   6
House      94   1

Effective: June 12, 2008