FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5277

                              C 27 L 89

BYSenators McCaslin, DeJarnatt and Kreidler

Extending the period for fire district service charges.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

House Committe on Local Government

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

In 1974, the Legislature granted fire protection districts the authority to impose service charges.  If a district imposes service charges, it may not impose its third regular property tax levy of 50 cents per thousand dollars of assessed valuation.  Service charges must be reasonably proportional to measurable benefits to property served by the district. 

Service charges must be approved by a 60 percent majority of the district voters voting on the proposition.  If approved, they may be imposed for up to three years.

Service charges have never been sought or imposed by any of the fire protection districts in the state.  Recently, a number of districts have considered imposing service charges because they are precluded from imposing the third 50 cent property tax levy by certain property tax limitations.

SUMMARY:

The maximum period for the imposition of service charges within a fire protection district is increased from three years to six years after voter approval.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

     Senate   47    0

     House 91  0

EFFECTIVE:July 23, 1989