SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6030
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 Passed Senate, February 9, 2018
Title: An act relating to simplifying the process for donating low-value surplus property owned by a city-owned utility.
Brief Description: Simplifying the process for donating low-value surplus property owned by a city-owned utility.
Sponsors: Senators Cleveland, Keiser and Saldaña.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Local Government: 1/09/18, 1/11/18 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed Senate: 2/09/18, 45-1.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Takko, Chair; Short, Ranking Member; Angel and Liias.
Staff: Greg Vogel (786-7413)
Background: A city may lease or sell any public utility land, property, or equipment it owns. The lease or sale is subject to a public bidding process and voter-approved ordinance, unless the city determines that the land, property, or equipment is surplus and not required for providing continued public utility service. If a city determines that any public utility land, property, or equipment is surplus and not required for providing continued public utility service, then the city may by resolution and after a public hearing lease, sell, or convey the land, property, or equipment.
Summary of Bill: The sale, lease, or conveyance of city-owned utility land, property, or equipment that is surplus to the city's needs and is not required for providing continued public utility service and has an estimated value of $50,000 or less is no longer subject to state law provisions on the sale or lease of municipal utilities.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill helps make the process of donating surplus property more efficient, streamlined, and standardized. The city of Vancouver recently had a piece of used office equipment that it was wishing to donate to charity, but due to the fact that it was owned by the city utility, the city was required to prepare a formal resolution and hold a public hearing just to surplus this piece of equipment to a non-profit to be used. Ironically, if the equipment had just been owned by the city, and not the city utility, the city would not have had to go through this process.
Whether property is utility-owned or not, the city has ordinances for protocols and procedures, depending on value, on how to surplus property. The state auditor oversees these processes and procedures.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Annette Cleveland, Prime Sponsor; Brian Carlson, Public Works Director, City of Vancouver; Mark Brown, City of Vancouver.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.