Title: An act relating to allowing counties to have a lien against properties that were levied for storm water control facilities.

Brief Description: Modifying county lien authority.

Sponsors: House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Takko, Schindler, Simpson, Dunn, Moeller, Ahern and Fromhold).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/08/06, 98-0.

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/21/06 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Berkey, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Fairley, Haugen, Kline, McCaslin, Mulliken and Pridemore.

Staff: Genevieve Pisarski (786-7488)

Background: Counties are authorized to construct and maintain storm water control facilities
for the protection of life and property and to charge those who benefit from them or who contribute to increase of surface water runoff. If charges are not paid, counties can file a lien on the property and subsequently bring a foreclosure action.

Summary of Bill: Liens for delinquent storm water control charges are made automatic, and penalties and costs of foreclosure are included. Counties are given the option of using the collection procedures otherwise used by county treasurers.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Testimony For: The existing requirements are expensive and inefficient. This will allow using the same procedures as for delinquent property taxes, eliminating the need to record the lien and then record its removal. Also, the person who is delinquent won't have to have a lien showing. This adds flexibility, along with lower cost and efficiency, and benefits both the county and the delinquent payer. It is endorsed by the county treasurer's association.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Rep. Takko, Prime Sponsor; Doug Lasher, Clark County Treasurer.