Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government Committee |
HB 2628
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: Concerning the compensation of commissioners of certain metropolitan park districts.
Sponsors: Representatives Fey, Stambaugh and Jinkins.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/23/18
Staff: Yvonne Walker (786-7841).
Background:
Metropolitan Park Districts.
In Washington, a special purpose district (SPD) is a limited purpose local government separate from a city, town, or county government. Special purpose districts provide an array of services and facilities that are otherwise not available from city or county governments. A metropolitan park district (MPD) is a type of special purpose district created for the control, management, improvement, maintenance, or acquisition of parks, parkways, boulevards, and recreational facilities. A MPD may include territory located in portions or in all of one or more cities or counties.
Metropolitan Park District Board.
Most powers of SPDs are vested in a board of district commissioners, board of district trustees, or board of district directors. Per diem compensation is available for select SPD positions for performance of services on behalf of the district, such as attendance at meetings or time spent devoted to the business of the district.
The officers of a MPD include five elected park commissioners who serve up to six-year terms. The commissioners are elected simultaneously when voters are deciding whether a MPD should be formed. The compensation that MPD commissioners receive is set to a rate of up to $90 per day or $8,640 per year for attendance at official meetings and for other official duties performed on behalf of the district.
A commissioner for two or more special purpose districts may only receive per diem compensation for one of his or her commissioner positions as compensation for attending a meeting or conducting business while representing more than one of his or her districts. Compensation may be collected from more than one district if approval has been granted by resolution of all boards of the affected commissions.
Beginning on July 1, 2008, the dollar thresholds for per diem compensation of MPD commissioners must be adjusted for inflation by the Office of Financial Management every five years based upon changes in the consumer price index during that time period.
Consumer Price Index.
The consumer price index (CPI) is an index prepared and published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor which measures average changes in prices of goods and services. It is used to illustrate the extent that prices have risen or the amount of inflation that has taken place.
Summary of Bill:
The maximum per diem compensation for MPD commissioners is increased to $114 (from $90) and the annual compensation is increased to $10,944 (from $8,640) for duties performed on behalf of the MPD district. However, the maximum annual compensation amount is $22,000 for any MPD with facilities, including an aquarium, wildlife park, and a zoo, that are accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency. The Office of Financial Management is directed to adjust the dollar thresholds for MPD commissioner per diem compensations every five years beginning July 1, 2018 (rather than 2008).
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.