HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5182
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. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Local Government
Title: An act relating to granting fire protection districts and regional fire protection service authorities biennial budget authority.
Brief Description: Granting fire protection districts and regional fire protection service authorities biennial budget authority.
Sponsors: Senators Dammeier and Liias.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Local Government: 3/12/15, 3/17/15 [DPA].
Brief Summary of Bill (As Amended by Committee) |
|
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Takko, Chair; Gregerson, Vice Chair; Taylor, Ranking Minority Member; Griffey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; McBride, McCaslin, Peterson and Pike.
Staff: Ethan Moreno (786-7386).
Background:
Fire Protection Districts.
Fire protection districts (fire districts) are created to provide fire and emergency services to protect life and property in locations outside of cities and towns. A fire district may be established through a process involving a petition by the residents of a proposed district, a public hearing, and voter approval. Fire districts are governed by a board of three or five elected commissioners, and are authorized to impose property taxes, benefit charges, or both.
Each year, fire districts are obligated to prepare and certify district budgets, and to deliver the budgets to the applicable county legislative authority or authorities in ample time for the levying of fire district taxes.
Regional Fire Protection Service Authorities.
In 2004 the Legislature authorized the creation of regional fire protection service authorities (RFAs) as separate taxing districts charged with providing regional fire protection and emergency services within their jurisdictional boundaries. An RFA is formed when elected officials from two or more adjacent fire protection jurisdictions develop a plan for the creation, financing, and operation of an RFA that is subsequently approved by voters within the proposed RFA. The governing body of an RFA is determined by provisions in the plan calling for its creation. An RFA may impose property taxes, benefit charges, or both.
Provisions governing RFAs do not include mandates or authorizations related to the frequency with which budgets must or may be adopted.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Summary of Amended Bill:
In lieu of adopting only annual budgets, fire districts and RFAs may adopt biennial budgets with mid-biennium reviews and modifications for the second year of the biennium.
Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The amended bill specifies that the authority of an RFA to adopt a biennial budget, as proposed in the underlying bill, may be exercised in lieu of adopting an annual budget.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The bill is permissive and will allow fire districts to adopt two-year budgets. This bill will allow thoughtful development of budgets, and will encourage public participation in the budget development process. The amendment to the House companion would be a welcomed amendment to this bill.
This bill allows two-year, long-range planning by fire districts and RFAs, rather than an annual-only process. The public can still be involved in annual budget reviews for fire districts and RFAs.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Dammeier, prime sponsor; and Tanya Robacker, Central Pierce Fire and Rescue.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.