Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Local Government Committee

HB 1167

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.

Background:

A fire protection district (district) is a type of special purpose district, typically located in an unincorporated area, with responsibility to provide fire prevention and suppression services and emergency medical response services. A district has the powers and authorities of a municipal corporation.

Districts are generally managed by a board composed of three to seven commissioners. The number of commissioners can vary depending upon the number of commissioner districts, the number of full-time paid personnel employed at the fire department, the annual budget of a district, and whether a majority of the voters in the district have approved an increase in board membership. Commissioners are elected at-large and serve staggered six-year terms.

State statute provides that commissioners receive $104 per day for time spent in actual attendance at official meetings of the board or in performance of other services or duties on behalf of the district. Annual compensation may not exceed $9,984.

The Office of Financial Management (OFM) is required to adjust the compensation amounts for inflation every five years, beginning July 1, 2008. In 2013 the OFM adjusted the amount to $114 per day with an annual compensation limit of $10,944. The adjustments are published in the Washington State Register, but are not reflected in statute. The next adjustment is slated to occur in 2018.

Summary of Bill:

The date that the OFM is required to adjust the dollar threshold for fire commissioners' compensation amounts due to inflation is changed. The compensation amounts must be adjusted by the OFM for inflation every five years, beginning January 1, 2019.