Bill > SB5053

This bill modifies existing Washington state law regarding the formation and governance of public facilities districts (PFDs), which are municipal corporations that can develop and manage regional facilities. The bill expands the circumstances under which cities, towns, and counties can create PFDs, particularly in counties with smaller populations. Key changes include allowing additional PFD creation scenarios, such as enabling three contiguous towns or cities with a combined population of at least 160,000 to create a new district, and specifically permitting a PFD in a county along the eastern Cascade mountains with fewer than 50,000 residents. The bill also provides detailed governance structures for these districts, specifying how board members are appointed, including requirements for representation from local organizations like chambers of commerce and economic development councils. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision requiring that if a county participates in creating a PFD, the county treasurer (or another qualified individual) will serve as the district's ex officio treasurer, with specific bonding requirements. These modifications aim to provide more flexibility for smaller communities in creating and managing public facilities districts while maintaining structured governance and financial oversight.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5053&Year=2025&Initiative=false