SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5843

BYSenate Committee on Governmental Operations (originally sponsored by Senators McCaslin, Johnson, Gaspard, Smitherman, Warnke and Wojahn)

Modifying the regulations for metropolitan park districts.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 23, 1989; February 28, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5843 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Barbara Howard (786-7410); Eugene Green (786-7405)

                  March 13, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 10, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Although the general enabling legislation for metropolitan park districts (Chap. 35.61 RCW) dates back at least to the early 1900s, only one such district -- the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma -- is currently in operation.  District programs are supported by a regular property tax levy (currently at 48 cents per $1,000 of assessed value), a special appropriation from the city of Tacoma, and income from fees and charges for park use.

The district manages park and recreational programs for Tacoma and in the neighboring areas.  Its sites include Point Defiance Park, Zoo and Aquarium, the Ruston Way waterfront area, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park near Eatonville, as well as 70 local regional parks.

Over the years, other local taxing districts have acquired powers and financial resources which have not been extended to the metropolitan park districts.  These include the power to issue revenue bonds, to issue nonvoted or "inside" indebtedness beyond 3/40 of 1 percent of assessed value, and some other powers relating to land management.  The district is specifically authorized to employ police personnel; the 12 current officers are commissioned both by Tacoma and Pierce County.  It does not have the power to reimburse its officers for training required of other law enforcement personnel.

SUMMARY:

A metropolitan park district may issue and sell tax exempt revenue bonds payable from park district operating revenues. The maximum allowable debt which may be approved by the park commissioners without approval of the voters is increased to 1/8 of 1 percent of assessed value.

Metropolitan park districts may dispose of property which the park commissioners declare to be surplus for park or other recreational purposes.  In acquiring donated or dedicated property, the district may petition superior court for approval of the sale if the dedicator or other successors cannot be located.  In proposed annexations, the district may submit a proposition to voters in the affected area as to assessing and taxing the property at the same rate as the remainder of the district to support all or any portion of the current outstanding indebtedness.

A district containing a city of more than 100,000 population may commission its own officers with full police powers.  Officers employed after June 30, 1989 must successfully complete the law enforcement training programs required under the Criminal Justice Training Act (Chap. 43.101 RCW).

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Debbie Regala and Jim Salatino, Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma (pro)