Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Local Government Committee

HB 1225

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Clarifying the method for calculating port commissioner compensation.

Sponsors: Representatives Angel, Takko, Warnick, Van De Wege and Fitzgibbon.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Modifies the method of calculating port district commissioner compensation to expressly provide that per diem and salary thresholds must be adjusted for inflation by the Office of Financial Management.

Hearing Date: 1/25/11

Staff: Miranda Leskinen (786-7291).

Background:

Port districts, which are a type of special purpose district, build and operate shipping terminals, motor vehicle transfer and terminal facilities, marinas and docks, airports, railroads, industrial sites, and parks and recreational facilities.

A board of three or five elected commissioners, who serve four or six-year staggered terms of office, governs each port district.

Commissioner per diem compensation ranges from $90 a day to a maximum of $8,640 annually, or $10,800 in a port district with a preceding annual gross operating income over $25 million. Additionally, commissioners in port districts with gross operating revenues in the preceding year that meet or exceed $25 million receive a monthly salary of $500. Commissioners receive $200 per month in port districts with gross operating revenues in the preceding year of at least $1 million and less than $25 million.

Summary of Bill:

The method for determining port district commissioner compensation is modified to expressly provide that required salary and per diem thresholds must be adjusted for inflation by the OFM.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.