SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1010

BYHouse Committee on State Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Holm, C. Smith, Chandler, Unsoeld, Moyer, Walk, Rasmussen, D. Sommers, Madsen, Belcher, Brooks, Grant and Winsley)

Revising the method of state payments for fire protection services.

House Committe on State Government

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 17, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Zimmerman, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Garrett, Halsan.

Senate Staff:Desley Brooks (786-7443); Barbara Howard (786-7410)

                  February 17, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, FEBRUARY 17, 1988

BACKGROUND:

State-owned property is not assessed routinely for value and does not generate revenue to support the jurisdictions responsible for providing fire protection services.  Consequently, there are three statutes which provide for state reimbursement of cities, towns, and districts for fire protection of state-owned buildings and equipment.  Each statute allows for a different rate of compensation.

It has been suggested that a study be conducted of the methods used by the state in reimbursing communities and fire protection districts for fire protection of state-owned buildings.  The results of the study would be used to improve the consistency of payment for fire protection services.

SUMMARY:

The Office of Financial Management is directed to study the methods used by the state in reimbursing communities and fire protection districts for fire protection of state-owned buildings.  The study shall make recommendations to improve the consistency of payments.  Under the recommended method, consideration may be given to the type of facility being protected, and payments below a recommended minimum are to be eliminated.

The study will be submitted to the Ways and Means Committees of both the Senate and the House, as well as the Governmental Operations Committee of the Senate and the State Government Committee of the House by December 1, 1988.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Senate Committee - Testified: Janice Cook, Mayor of Ellensburg (pro)