SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2628

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 Reported by Senate Committee On:

Local Government, February 20, 2018

Title: An act relating to the compensation of commissioners of certain metropolitan park districts.

Brief Description: Concerning the compensation of commissioners of certain metropolitan park districts.

Sponsors: Representatives Fey, Stambaugh and Jinkins.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/08/18, 72-26.

Committee Activity: Local Government: 2/15/18, 2/20/18 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Increases maximum amounts for metropolitan park district (MPD) commissioner compensation from $90 to $114 daily and $8,640 to $10,944 annually.

  • Increases the maximum annual compensation for Metro Parks Tacoma commissioners to $22,000.

  • Changes the date from which the Office of Financial Management (OFM) must make inflation-based adjustments to the dollar thresholds from 2008 to 2018.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Takko, Chair; Palumbo, Vice Chair; Short, Ranking Member; Angel and Liias.

Staff: Bonnie Kim (786-7316)

Background: MPD. MPDs may be created by majority vote on a ballot proposition for the management, control, improvement, maintenance, and acquisition of parks, parkways, boulevards, and recreational facilities. Generally, MPDs are governed by five elected park commissioners who serve six-year terms. Park commissioners may be compensated at a rate of $90 maximum per day and $8,640 maximum per year. OFM must adjust these dollar thresholds for inflation every five years beginning July 1, 2008.

Summary of Bill: The compensation amounts for park commissioners are increased as follows:

For any district with facilities including an aquarium, a wildlife park, and a zoo, accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency, the annual compensation maximum amount is $22,000. The date from which OFM must make inflation adjustments to the compensation thresholds is changed from July 1, 2008 to July 1, 2018.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Metro Parks Tacoma governs a very extensive suite of facilities. Our six commissioners are currently putting in time without compensation. This bill will allow Tacoma to compensate park commissioners for their work. This bill addresses an administrative issue Metro Parks Tacoma is currently dealing with.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Jake Fey, Prime Sponsor; Joe Brady, Metro Parks Tacoma.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.