Title: An act relating to limiting property tax levies for ports in counties with large populations.

Brief Description: Limiting property tax levies for ports in counties with large populations.

Sponsors: Senators Keiser, Eide, Kauffman, McDermott, Kline and Roach.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 1/31/08.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)

Background: Washington has 76 ports in 33 of the state's 39 counties. The primary purpose of a port district is to promote economic development. Port districts are authorised to acquire, construct, maintain, operate, develop and regulate within the district: harbor improvements; rail or motor vehicle transfer and terminal facilities, and other commercial transportation, transfer, handling, storage and terminal facilities; and industrial improvements.

Port districts are authorized to levy a tax up to $0.45 per $1,000 of assessed value on property in the port district. In addition, special property tax levies are authorized for dredging, canal construction, land leveling or filling; these levies cannot exceed the $0.45 per $1,000 dollar rate.

Summary of Bill: The authority of a port district located in a county with a population of one million or more to levy taxes is limited to levying taxes dedicated to paying the principal or interest on bonds existing as of January 1, 2008, and may be used solely for the purpose of retiring the bond payments.

The definition of taxing district does not include a port district in a county with a population of one million or more.

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.