SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 6058

BYSenate Committee on Energy & Utilities (originally sponsored by Senator Conner)

Providing for elections for annexed territory or service areas of a public utility district.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 6, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6058 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Williams, Chairman; Benitz, Cantu, Nelson, Smitherman, Stratton.

Senate Staff:Paul Parker (786-7455)

                  March 13, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 13, 1987

BACKGROUND:

About 1,200 Jefferson County residents in the Brinnon area now receive electric power from Mason County PUD  1.  These Jefferson County residents live within the boundaries of and receive water service from Jefferson County PUD, a PUD that provides only water service.

Persons who receive services from a PUD but who live outside its boundary want to participate in PUD elections.  Current law allows PUD annexation of a service area in another county, such as the area served by Mason PUD  1 in Jefferson County, only if that area is not located in another PUD.  Current law also fails to specify election procedures when a PUD extends beyond a county boundary.

SUMMARY:

A PUD may annex territory within its service area and located within another PUD not providing electrical service as of January 1, 1987, upon petition of the registered voters in that area and approval of the boards of both PUDs.  The annexing PUD becomes responsible for providing the area annexed with the services previously provided by the other PUDs.  Where the annexation extends PUD boundaries across county lines, county officials are directed to coordinate elections, the levy and collection of taxes and other duties.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Conner; Dave Rogers, Washington PUD Association