Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government Committee |
SB 5034
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 local government financial reports.
Sponsors: Senators Rivers, Takko and Dansel.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/14/17
Staff: Cassie Jones (786-7303).
Background:
State Auditor.
The State Auditor is authorized to audit public accounts, investigate improper governmental activity, request prosecutions of wrongdoings, and report to the Director of the Office of Financial Management the names of persons who have received moneys belonging to the state that are not accounted for. The Auditor may also conduct independent, comprehensive performance audits of public agencies.
County Treasurer.
County treasurers have various duties and authorities relating to the receipt, processing, and disbursement of funds. Treasurers are the custodian of the county's funds and the administrator of the county's financial transactions. In addition to their duties relating to county functions, treasurers provide financial services to special purpose districts and other units of local government. Treasurers are also responsible for the collection and receipt of taxes due to counties.
Special Purpose Districts.
Special purpose districts are units of local government, separate from a city or county, that are organized for a limited function in providing particular services or facilities. Special purpose districts obtain revenue generally from property taxes or charging fees for services.
Annual Financial Reports.
The State Auditor must require every local government to submit financial reports covering the full fiscal year. The reports must contain statements of:
all collections made or receipts received from all sources;
all uncollected accounts due to the public treasury;
all expenditures and the authority for the expenditures;
costs and income for each public service industry owned and operated by a local government;
the entire public debt of the local government including the purpose for which each item of the debt was created, and the provisions made for its payment;
all receipts and expenditures by any public institution;
all expenditures for labor relations consultants; and
any other information required by the State Auditor.
Summary of Bill:
A county treasurer must prepare, certify, and file financial reports for a special purpose district if: (1) the county treasurer acts as the treasurer for a special purpose district; and (2) the annual revenue of the special purpose district is less than $10,000.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.