Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Local Government & Housing

HB 1075

Brief Description:  Modifying the board of commissioners of a water‑sewer district.

Sponsors:  Representatives Miloscia, Mulliken, Dunshee, Simpson, Cairnes, Ogden and Pflug.

Brief Summary of Bill

$  Authorizes the board of a district with more than 25,000 customers to increase the number of commissioners to seven by resolution (Includes a petition process to call for a vote of the customers). 

$Repeals the statute authorizing the formation of associations of water‑sewer commissioners. 

Hearing Date:  1/29/01

Staff:  Scott MacColl (786‑7106).

Background:

Water‑sewer districts are governed by three‑member boards of commissioners.  A three‑member commission may put the question to an election to increase to five commissioners by either passing a resolution or receiving a signed petition of ten percent of the registered voters in the district.

However the commissioners of a water‑sewer district with over 10,000 customers may determine by resolution to increase its size to five members.  This decision is subject to a vote in a special election if a signed petition of ten percent of the registered voters in the district is submitted within ninety days of adoption. 

Water/sewer commissioners are authorized to form an association of commissioners of two or more districts to improve the operation and organization of the districts. 

Summary of Bill:   

In water‑sewer districts of 25,000 customers or more, a three‑member or five‑member board of commissioners may by resolution choose to increase the number of commissioners from five to seven without an election.  This decision is subject to a vote in a special election if a signed petition of ten percent of the registered voters in the district that voted in the last municipal election is submitted within ninety days of adoption. 

Authority to create associations of water‑sewer district commissioners is repealed. 

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.