HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2449
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 Amended by the Senate
Title: An act relating to water-sewer district commissioner compensation.
Brief Description: Concerning water-sewer district commissioner compensation.
Sponsors: Representatives Griffey and Gregerson.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Local Government: 1/28/20, 1/31/20 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/12/20, 95-0.
Senate Amended.
Passed Senate: 3/4/20, 47-0.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 6 members: Representatives Pollet, Chair; Duerr, Vice Chair; Kraft, Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Goehner and Senn.
Staff: Kellen Wright (786-7134).
Background:
The governing body of a water-sewer district consists of three, five, or seven commissioners. The number of commissioners can be increased through a ballot measure, or by resolution if the district serves a sufficient number of customers. The number of commissioners can also be decreased through a ballot measure.
The commissioners, regardless of number, may be reimbursed for the reasonable expenses incurred in connection with district business. Additionally, commissioners are compensated at a rate of $90 per day spent in district meetings or in other duties performed on behalf of the district. This compensation is capped, however, at $8,640 per year, and no commissioner can be employed full-time by a district. Every five years, beginning on July 1, 2008, the dollar thresholds for commissioner compensation are adjusted for inflation based on the consumer price index. Commissioners may waive any or all of the compensation that they would be paid by filing a written waiver with the district.
Summary of Bill:
Beginning on January 1, 2024, water-sewer district commissioners' compensation is adjusted for inflation every five years based on the consumer price index.
EFFECT OF SENATE AMENDMENT(S):
The Senate amendment delays the inflation-based adjustment of commissioner compensation to January 1, 2024, for metropolitan park districts; cemetery districts; public hospital districts; diking districts; drainage districts; diking, drainage, and sewerage improvement districts; diking and drainage districts in two or more counties; consolidated diking, drainage, diking improvement, and drainage improvement districts; flood control districts; flood control zone districts; irrigation districts; port districts; public utility districts; and public transportation benefit authorities.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Currently, compensation increases for commissioners occur in July, which causes administrative problems and can cause issues with audits. This bill would fix this issue by moving the compensation increases to January, which matches the districts' fiscal year. This is a good change and allows managers to run their offices more efficiently.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Griffey, prime sponsor; and Joe Daniels, Washington Association of Water-Sewer Districts.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.