SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5277

BYSenators McCaslin, DeJarnatt and Kreidler

Extending the period for fire district service charges.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 2, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Thorsness, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Sutherland.

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

                  March 3, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 3, 1989

BACKGROUND:

In 1974, the Legislature granted fire protection districts the authority to impose a service charge rather than the third fifty cent property tax levy they are authorized to seek.  The service charge is required to be reasonably proportioned to the measurable benefits to property served by the district. 

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

The charge has never been sought or imposed by any of the fire districts in the state.  Recently, a number of fire protection districts have considered imposing the charge because they are precluded from imposing the third fifty cent property tax levy by certain property tax limitations.  Advocates of the service charge feel that, given the expense of putting the proposition on the ballot, it should be allowed to be imposed for up to six years after voter approval.

SUMMARY:

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

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Pete Spiller, Director, Washington Fire Commissioners Association (pro)