SENATE 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 Passed Senate, February 11, 2008
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:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 1/17/08, 1/21/08 [DP, DNP].
Passed Senate: 2/11/08, 42-6.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Kline, McDermott and Pridemore.
Minority Report: Do not pass.Signed by Senator Roach, Ranking Minority Member.
Staff: Cindy Calderon (786-7784)
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 dollars per day for the performance of
services on behalf of the district. During the 2007 Legislative Session, the per diem
compensation increased from 70 dollars to 90 dollars. 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 of Bill: The resolution requirement for the payment of compensation in water sewer districts and public hospital districts is removed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The Legislature passed a per diem increase last year. The State Auditor's Office has concern about receiving the increase given current language in the statute requiring a resolution, and the prohibitions of receiving pay increases addressed in the state constitution. We want to remove the resolution requirement. This will put us in line with other districts that do not have the resolution provision, and are able to receive pay increases during their term of office. Also, the new escalator clause creates uncertainty.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Joe Daniels, Washington Association of Water-Sewer Districts.