SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1016

BYRepresentatives Dellwo and Haugen

Authorizing lien and low-income fee reduction for county fees for water withdrawal and sewage disposal.

House Committe on Local Government

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):April 1, 1987; April 2, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

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

Senate Staff:Sam Thompson (786-7754); Eugene Green (786-7405)

                  April 3, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, APRIL 2, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Legislation was enacted in 1985 that authorized counties to create aquifer protection areas to finance the protection, preservation, and rehabilitation of subterranean water.  An aquifer protection area is created by a vote of the registered voters residing within the boundaries of the proposed area.  Fees for the withdrawal of subterranean water, and/or on-site sewage disposal, are authorized if voters approve a ballot proposition authorizing the imposition of the fees.  The proposal must specify maximum fee levels and state the purposes for which they will be imposed.

SUMMARY:

A county legislative authority may reduce the level of fees imposed in an aquifer protection area on the residential property of a class or classes of low income persons.  The county shall possess a lien for any delinquent fees imposed in an aquifer protection area.  These liens are foreclosed in the manner that liens for delinquent water or sewer service charges are foreclosed by the county.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The county is not entitled to a lien for delinquent fees until at least 18 months have passed since the first billing for a delinquent fee and at least three billing notices and a letter explaining that the lien may be imposed have been mailed to the property owner.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Maryan Hay, Waste Water Management; John McBride, County Commission; Steve Hassen, Utility Administrator, City of Spokane; Ed Thorpe, Coalition for Clean Water; William Mudge, Washington State Association of Sewer Districts; Representative Mike Padden