Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government & Housing Committee |
HB 2456
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: Concerning population thresholds that determine the number of local councilmembers and receipt of local funds.
Sponsors: Representatives Schmick, Springer, Short and Fagan.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/13/10
Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129)
Background:
Population Thresholds and City Council Membership
A code city that adopts the mayor-council plan of government is subject to statutes regulating the number of city council members it may have in accordance with specified population thresholds. Subject to specified exceptions, the general rule is that the greater a city's population the more council members it must have. For the purpose of determining such population thresholds, the population of a code city is determined by reference to the either the most recent state or federal census, or the population statistics compiled by the Office of Financial Management. State law is silent as to whether the inmates of a state correctional facility located within a code city or town may be counted as part of the population threshold determination.
Small City Pavement and Sidewalk Account
Cities and towns with a population of less than five thousand are eligible to receive funding from the Small City Pavement and Sidewalk Account (account). Funding is made available through the account for the maintenance, repair, and resurfacing of city streets. State law is silent as to whether the inmates of a state correctional facility located within a city may be counted in determining whether the city meets population requirements for the receipt of funding under the account.
Summary of Bill:
A code city or town with a mayor-council form of government mayinclude the population of any state correctional facility within its jurisdiction in calculating the population thresholds pertinent to determining the requisite number of city council members.
In determining its eligibility to obtain funding from the Small City Pavement and Sidewalk Account, a city or town may include the population of any state correctional facility within its jurisdiction in calculating the population thresholds relevant to such eligibility.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 11, 2010.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.