SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 11

BYHouse Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Haugen, Madsen, Sayan and S. Wilson) 

Authorizing emergency service communication districts.

House Committe on Local Government

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 23, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

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

                  March 23, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, MARCH 23, 1987

BACKGROUND:

County voters can authorize the imposition of a countywide tax for a six-year period on telephone access lines to finance a countywide system of emergency service communications.  The required vote on a ballot proposition, authorizing the tax is a 60 percent super majority vote, with a 40 percent validation requirement, similar to that required to approve an excess property tax levy.

SUMMARY:

One or more less than countywide emergency service communication districts may be established in a county to finance the provision of emergency service communications systems.  An emergency service communication district is a separate unit of government, with the members of the county legislative authority constituting the district governing body.

A district can impose a telephone access line tax to finance the communication system if authorized by the voters with the same voter approval percentage requirements as for a countywide tax imposed by the county.

Approval of a ballot proposition to create the district is by a simple majority vote.  At the same election, a second ballot proposition may be submitted to the voters of the proposed district to authorize a telephone access line tax to finance the system for a six-year period.  Approval of the second ballot proposition is by the same voter approval percentage requirements as for a countywide tax imposed by the county.

The bill contains an emergency clause.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

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

Senate Committee - Testified: Robert Larson, City of Standwood; Bud Norris, Snohomish County Council; Bob Kane, City of Stanwood