SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5122
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 Passed Senate, February 1, 2017
Title: An act relating to fire commissioner compensation.
Brief Description: Concerning fire commissioner compensation.
Sponsors: Senators Takko and Rivers.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Local Government: 1/19/17, 1/24/17 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed Senate: 2/01/17, 49-0.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Angel, Vice Chair; Palumbo and Sheldon.
Staff: Alex Fairfortune (786-7416)
Background: Fire protection districts (districts) are municipal corporations established to provide fire protection and emergency medical services, primarily in unincorporated areas outside of cities. Districts are governed by a board of three, five, or seven elected fire commissioners (commissioners). Each commissioner may receive up to $104 per day in compensation, or a portion of that amount, for time spent at official board meetings or performing duties on behalf of the district. The total compensation for each commissioner may not exceed $9,984 each year. In addition, each commissioner may receive reimbursement for expenses incurred while engaged in district business.
Every five years, beginning on July 1, 2008, the Office of Financial Management must adjust the commissioner compensation threshold amount for inflation. The adjustment is based on changes in the consumer price index for wage earners and clerical workers, as compiled by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. As of 2013, the new compensation threshold amount calculated by the Office of Financial Management was $114 per day, with an annual compensation limit of $10,944.
Summary of Bill: The date at which the Office of Financial Management must begin adjusting the commissioner compensation threshold for inflation is changed from July 1, 2008 to January 1, 2019.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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: We used to come to the Legislature every 5-6 years to ask for small inflation increases. Then we decided to make the increases automatic, but we asked for it to be on the fiscal year (July) even though we all budget on the calendar year beginning in January. So when we do get it we can't budget for it. We moved it back six months to January 2019 because we didn't want you to think we were being greedy or that we wanted our money early.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Ryan Spiller, Washington Fire Commissioners.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.