Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Local Government Committee

HB 2618

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: Modifying provisions governing public works projects of code cities.

Sponsors: Representatives Gregerson, Ryu, Takko and Jinkins.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Authorizes code cities with a population of 20,000 or more to have public works performed by city employees in any annual or biennial budget period at an amount equal to or less than 9 percent of the public works construction budget.

  • Increases the monetary limits for public works projects that city employees can perform in code cities with a population of 20,000 or more.

Hearing Date: 1/30/14

Staff: Amanda Ondrick (786-7296) and Ethan Moreno (786-7386).

Background:

Created in 1967, the Optional Municipal Code provides an alternative to the basic statutory classification system of municipal government. The optional municipal code provides broad statutory home rule authority to code cities in matters of local concern.

A code city may have public works performed by city employees in any budget period equal to a dollar value not to exceed 10 percent of the public works construction budget, including any amount in a supplemental public works construction budget, over the budget period. Qualifying public works projects are limited to $90,000 for projects involving more than one trade or craft, and $45,000 for projects involving only a single craft or trade or if the project is street signalization or street lighting.

Summary of Bill:

Code cities with a population of 20,000 or more may have public works performed by city employees in any annual or biennial budget period at an amount equal to or less than 9 percent of the public works construction budget, including any amounts in a supplemental public works construction budget for the same budget period. These same code cities may not have city employees perform public works projects in excess of $200,000 if more than one trade or craft is involved in the project or $60,000 if only a single craft or trade is involved in the project or if the project is street signalization or street lighting.

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.