SENATE BILL REPORT
EHB 1989
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 of March 16, 2015
Title: An act relating to water storage asset management services.
Brief Description: Concerning water storage asset management services.
Sponsors: Representatives Dent and Takko.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/03/15, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Agriculture, Water & Rural Economic Development: 3/12/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
Staff: Diane Smith (786-7410)
Background: Some municipal water purveyors own and store water in above-ground water tanks. These tanks need design, management, equipment, maintenance, financing, and so forth on an ongoing basis that the municipality is responsible for providing.
Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.
Summary of Bill (Proposed Amendment): Explicit authority is given to any municipality to choose to contract for asset management services for their water storage assets. A water storage asset is defined as the water storage structure and associated distribution systems, such as the water tank, tower, well, meter, or water filter. Water storage asset management services are defined as the financing, designing, improving, operating, maintaining, administering, testing, inspecting, cleaning, or managing of a water storage asset.
If choosing to contract, the municipality must proceed by a public announcement requesting proposal. The municipality establishes the criteria for the best proposal. A fair and reasonable contract may be negotiated with the firm that submits the best proposal.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill is brought on the behalf of Quincy. This kind of long-term contract gives stability to the city's budgeting. It will save them tax dollars to have long-term management agreements instead of having to contract out for every single operation the water tanks need. The Municipal Research and Services Center stated that audit findings could be made since there is no explicit statutory authority for municipalities to enter into this type of contract. The intent of the bill is to be permissive only.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Dent, prime sponsor; Michael Shaw, Utility Services; Tim Snead, Scott Cave, city of Quincy.