reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.14 - Commissioners. › 52.14.013 - Commissioner districts—Creation—Boundaries.

RCW 52.14.013
Commissioner districts—Creation—Boundaries.
The board of fire commissioners of a fire protection district may adopt a resolution by unanimous vote causing a ballot proposition to be submitted to voters of the district authorizing the creation of commissioner districts. The board of fire commissioners shall create commissioner districts if the ballot proposition authorizing the creation of commissioner districts is approved by a simple majority vote of the voters of the fire protection district voting on the proposition. Three commissioner districts shall be created for a fire protection district with three commissioners, five commissioner districts shall be created for a fire protection district with five commissioners, and seven commissioner districts shall be created for a fire protection district with seven commissioners. No two commissioners may reside in the same commissioner district.
No change in the boundaries of any commissioner district shall be made within one hundred twenty days next before the date of a general district election, nor within twenty months after the commissioner districts have been established or altered unless pursuant to RCW 29A.92.040 or 29A.92.110. However, if a boundary change results in one commissioner district being represented by two or more commissioners, those commissioners having the shortest unexpired terms shall be assigned by the commission to commissioner districts where there is a vacancy, and the commissioners so assigned shall be deemed to be residents of the commissioner districts to which they are assigned for purposes of determining whether those positions are vacant.
The population of each commissioner district shall include approximately equal population. Commissioner districts shall be redrawn as provided in chapter 29A.76 RCW. Commissioner districts shall be used as follows: (1) Only a registered voter who resides in a commissioner district may be a candidate for, or serve as, a commissioner of the commissioner district; and (2) only voters of a commissioner district may vote at a primary to nominate candidates for a commissioner of the commissioner district. Voters of the entire fire protection district may vote at a general election to elect a person as a commissioner of the commissioner district.
When a board of fire commissioners that has commissioner districts has been increased to five or seven members under RCW 52.14.015, the board of fire commissioners shall divide the fire protection district into five or seven commissioner districts before it appoints the two or four additional fire commissioners. The two or four additional fire commissioners who are appointed shall reside in separate commissioner districts in which no other fire commissioner resides.
[ 2019 c 454 § 8; 2012 c 174 § 3; 1994 c 223 § 49; 1992 c 74 § 2.]
NOTES:
Retroactive application—Effective date—2019 c 454: See notes following RCW 29A.92.050.
Creation of commissioner districts upon merger: RCW 52.06.085.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.14 - Commissioners. › 52.14.015 - Increase in the number of commissioners—Election.

RCW 52.14.015
Increase in the number of commissioners—Election.
In the event a board of commissioners of any fire protection district determines by resolution that it would be in the best interest of the district to increase the number of commissioners to five or seven, or in the event the board is presented with a petition signed by 10 percent of the registered voters resident within the district who voted in the last general municipal election calling for such an increase in the number of commissioners of the district, the board shall submit a resolution to the county legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties in which the district is located requesting that an election be held. Upon receipt of the resolution, the legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties shall call a special election to be held within the fire protection district at which election the following proposition shall be submitted to the voters substantially as follows:
Shall the board of commissioners of . . . . . county fire protection district no. . . . . . be increased from (three or five) members to (five or seven) members?
Yes . . . . .
No  . . . . .
If the fire protection district is located in more than a single county, this proposition shall indicate the name of the district.
If the proposition receives a majority approval at the election, the board of commissioners of the fire protection district shall be increased to five or seven members. The additional members shall be appointed in the same manner as provided in RCW 52.14.020.
[ 2021 c 34 § 1; 2012 c 174 § 4; 1994 c 223 § 50; 1990 c 259 § 14; 1989 c 63 § 20; 1984 c 230 § 85.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.14 - Commissioners. › 52.14.017 - Decrease in the number of commissioners—Election—Disposition of commissioner districts.

RCW 52.14.017
Decrease in the number of commissioners—Election—Disposition of commissioner districts.
Except as provided in RCW 52.14.020, in the event a five-member or seven-member board of commissioners of any fire protection district determines by resolution that it would be in the best interest of the fire protection district to decrease the number of commissioners from five to three or from seven to five, or in the event the board is presented with a petition signed by ten percent of the registered voters resident within the district who voted in the last general municipal election calling for such a decrease in the number of commissioners of the district, the board shall submit a resolution to the county legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties in which the district is located requesting that an election be held. Upon receipt of the resolution, the legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties shall call a special election to be held within the fire protection district at which election the following proposition shall be submitted to the voters substantially as follows:
Shall the board of commissioners of . . . . . . county fire protection district no. . . . be decreased from five (seven) members to three (five) members?
Yes . . . .
No  . . . .
If the fire protection district has commissioner districts, the commissioners of the district must pass a resolution, before the submission of the proposition to the voters, to either redistrict from five or seven commissioner districts to three or five commissioner districts or eliminate the commissioner districts. The resolution takes effect upon approval of the proposition by the voters.
If the fire protection district is located in more than a single county, this proposition shall indicate the name of the district.
If the proposition receives a majority approval at the election, the board of commissioners of the fire protection district shall be decreased to five or three members. The two members shall be decreased in accordance with RCW 52.06.085.
[ 2012 c 174 § 5; 1997 c 43 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.14 - Commissioners. › 52.14.020 - Number of commissioners in district—Terms of first appointees.

RCW 52.14.020
Number of commissioners in district—Terms of first appointees.
(1) In a fire protection district with elected commissioners that maintains a fire department consisting wholly of personnel employed on a full-time, fully-paid basis, there shall be five fire commissioners. A fire protection district with an annual budget of ten million dollars or more may have seven fire commissioners.
(2)(a) If two positions are created on boards of fire commissioners by this section, such positions shall be filled initially as for a vacancy, except that the appointees shall draw lots, one appointee to serve until the next general fire district election after the appointment, at which two commissioners shall be elected for six-year terms, and the other appointee to serve until the second general fire district election after the appointment, at which two commissioners shall be elected for six-year terms.
(b) If four positions are created on boards of fire commissioners by this section, such positions shall be filled initially as for a vacancy, except that the appointees shall draw lots, three appointees to serve until the next general fire district election after the appointment, at which three commissioners shall be elected for six-year terms and two commissioners shall be elected for four-year terms, and the other appointee to serve until the second general fire district election after the appointment, at which two commissioners shall be elected for six-year terms.
[ 2017 c 328 § 8; 2012 c 174 § 2; 1984 c 230 § 29; 1971 ex.s. c 242 § 3. Formerly RCW 52.12.015.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.14 - Commissioners. › 52.14.030 - Polling places.

RCW 52.14.030
Polling places.
The polling places for a fire protection district election may be located inside or outside the boundaries of the district, as determined by the auditor of the county in which the fire protection district is located, and the elections of the fire protection district shall not be held to be irregular or void on that account.
[ 1994 c 223 § 51; 1984 c 230 § 31; 1939 c 34 § 24; RRS § 5654-124. Formerly RCW 52.12.030.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.14 - Commissioners. › 52.14.050 - Vacancies.

RCW 52.14.050
Vacancies.
Vacancies on a board of fire commissioners shall occur as provided in chapter 42.12 RCW. In addition, if a fire commissioner is absent from the district for three consecutive regularly scheduled meetings unless by permission of the board, the office shall be declared vacant by the board of commissioners. However, such an action shall not be taken unless the commissioner is notified by mail after two consecutive unexcused absences that the position will be declared vacant if the commissioner is absent without being excused from the next regularly scheduled meeting. Vacancies on a board of fire commissioners shall be filled as provided in chapter 42.12 RCW.
[ 1994 c 223 § 52; 1989 c 63 § 21; 1984 c 238 § 2; 1977 c 64 § 1; 1974 ex.s. c 17 § 1; 1971 ex.s. c 153 § 1; 1939 c 34 § 26; RRS § 5654-126. Formerly RCW 52.12.050.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.14 - Commissioners. › 52.14.060 - Commissioner's terms.

RCW 52.14.060
Commissioner's terms.
The initial three members of the board of fire commissioners shall be elected at the same election as when the ballot proposition is submitted to the voters authorizing the creation of the fire protection district. If the district is not authorized to be created, the election of the initial fire commissioners shall be null and void. If the district is authorized to be created, the initial fire commissioners shall take office immediately when qualified. Candidates shall file for each of the three separate fire commissioner positions. Elections shall be held as provided in chapter 29A.52 RCW, with the county auditor opening up a special filing period as provided in RCW 29A.24.171 and 29A.24.181, as if there were a vacancy. The person who receives the greatest number of votes for each position shall be elected to that position. The terms of office of the initial fire commissioners shall be staggered as follows: (1) The person who is elected receiving the greatest number of votes shall be elected to a six-year term of office if the election is held in an odd-numbered year or a five-year term of office if the election is held in an even-numbered year; (2) the person who is elected receiving the next greatest number of votes shall be elected to a four-year term of office if the election is held in an odd-numbered year or a three-year term of office if the election is held in an even-numbered year; and (3) the other person who is elected shall be elected to a two-year term of office if the election is held in an odd-numbered year or a one-year term of office if the election is held in an even-numbered year. The initial commissioners shall take office immediately when elected and qualified and their terms of office shall be calculated from the first day of January in the year following their election.
The term of office of each subsequent commissioner shall be six years. Each commissioner shall serve until a successor is elected and qualified and assumes office in accordance with RCW 29A.60.280.
[ 2015 c 53 § 75; 1994 c 223 § 53; 1989 c 63 § 22; 1984 c 230 § 33; 1979 ex.s. c 126 § 33; 1939 c 34 § 27; RRS § 5654-127. Formerly RCW 52.12.060.]
NOTES:
Purpose—1979 ex.s. c 126: See RCW 29A.60.280(1).
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.14 - Commissioners. › 52.14.065 - Voluntary change to electoral system.

RCW 52.14.065
Voluntary change to electoral system.
The board of fire commissioners of a fire protection district may authorize a change to its electoral system pursuant to RCW 29A.92.040 by majority vote.
[ 2018 c 113 § 208.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—Short title—2018 c 113: See RCW 29A.92.005 and 29A.92.900.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.14 - Commissioners. › 52.14.070 - Oath of office.

RCW 52.14.070
Oath of office.
Before beginning the duties of office, each fire commissioner shall take and subscribe the official oath for the faithful discharge of the duties of office as required by RCW 29A.04.133, which oath shall be filed in the office of the auditor of the county in which all, or the largest portion of, the district is located.
[ 2015 c 53 § 76; 1989 c 63 § 23; 1986 c 167 § 22; 1984 c 230 § 34; 1939 c 34 § 29; RRS § 5654-129. Formerly RCW 52.12.070.]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 167: See note following RCW 29A.16.040.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.14 - Commissioners. › 52.14.080 - Chair—Secretary—Duties and oath.

RCW 52.14.080
Chair—Secretary—Duties and oath.
The fire commissioners shall elect a chair from their number and shall appoint a secretary of the district, who may or may not be a member of the board, for such term as they shall by resolution determine. The secretary, if a member of the board, shall not receive additional compensation for serving as secretary.
The secretary of the district shall keep a record of the proceedings of the board, shall perform other duties as prescribed by the board or by law, and shall take and subscribe an official oath similar to that of the fire commissioners which oath shall be filed in the same office as that of the commissioners.
[ 2010 c 8 § 15003; 1984 c 230 § 35; 1965 c 112 § 2; 1939 c 34 § 30; RRS § 5654-130. Formerly RCW 52.12.080.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.14 - Commissioners. › 52.14.090 - Office—Meetings.

RCW 52.14.090
Office—Meetings.
(1) The office of the fire commissioners and principal place of business of the district shall be at some place within the county in which the district is situated, to be designated by the board of fire commissioners.
(2) The board shall hold regular monthly meetings at a place and date as it determines by resolution, and may adjourn its meetings as required for the proper transaction of business. Special meetings of the board shall be called at any time under the provisions of RCW 42.30.080.
[ 1984 c 230 § 36; 1947 c 254 § 8; 1939 c 34 § 31; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-131. Formerly RCW 52.12.090.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.14 - Commissioners. › 52.14.100 - Meetings—Powers and duties of board.

RCW 52.14.100
Meetings—Powers and duties of board.
All meetings of the board of fire commissioners shall be conducted in accordance with chapter 42.30 RCW and a majority constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. All records of the board shall be open to inspection in accordance with chapter 42.56 RCW. The board has the power and duty to adopt a seal of the district, to manage and conduct the business affairs of the district, to make and execute all necessary contracts, to employ any necessary services, and to adopt reasonable rules to govern the district and to perform its functions, and generally to perform all such acts as may be necessary to carry out the objects of the creation of the district.
[ 2005 c 274 § 326; 1984 c 230 § 37; 1939 c 34 § 32; RRS § 5654-132. Formerly RCW 52.12.100.]
NOTES:
Open public meetings: Chapter 42.30 RCW.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.14 - Commissioners. › 52.14.120 - Purchases and public works—Competitive bidding procedures.

RCW 52.14.120
Purchases and public works—Competitive bidding procedures.
(1) Notice of the call for bids shall be given by publishing the notice in a newspaper of general circulation within the district at least thirteen days before the last date upon which bids will be received. If no bid is received on the first call, the commissioners may readvertise and make a second call, or may enter into a contract without a further call.
(2) A public work involving three or more specialty contractors requires that the district retain the services of a general contractor as defined in RCW 18.27.010.
[ 1993 c 198 § 12; 1984 c 238 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.14 - Commissioners. › 52.14.130 - Low bidder claiming error—Prohibition on later bid for same project.

RCW 52.14.130
Low bidder claiming error—Prohibition on later bid for same project.
A low bidder who claims error and fails to enter into a contract with a fire protection district for a public works project is prohibited from bidding on the same project if a second or subsequent call for bids is made for the project.
[ 1996 c 18 § 10.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.16 - Finances. › 52.16.010 - County treasurer as financial agent—Designation of some other person as treasurer, when authorized.

RCW 52.16.010
County treasurer as financial agent—Designation of some other person as treasurer, when authorized.
(1) It is the duty of the county treasurer of the county in which all, or the largest portion of, any fire protection district created under this title is located to receive and disburse district revenues, to collect taxes and assessments authorized and levied under this title, and to credit district revenues to the proper fund. However, where a fire protection district is located in more than one county, the county treasurer of each other county in which the district is located shall collect the fire protection district's taxes and assessments that are imposed on property located within the county and transfer these funds to the county treasurer of the county in which the largest portion of the district is located.
(2) The board of commissioners of a district with more than $10,000,000 in annual revenues for the preceding three consecutive years may designate by resolution some other person having experience in financial or fiscal matters as the treasurer of the district. Such a treasurer shall possess all of the powers, responsibilities, and duties of, and shall be subject to the same restrictions as provided by law for, the county treasurer with regard to a district and the county auditor with regard to district financial matters.
[ 2022 c 90 § 1; 1989 c 63 § 24; 1984 c 230 § 38; 1939 c 34 § 33; RRS § 5654-133.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.16 - Finances. › 52.16.020 - Funds.

RCW 52.16.020
Funds.
In each county in which a fire protection district is situated, there shall be in the county treasurer's office of each district the following funds: (1) Expense fund; (2) reserve fund; (3) local improvement district No. . . . . fund; (4) general obligation bond fund; and (5) such other funds as the board of commissioners of the district may establish. Taxes levied for administrative, operative, and maintenance purposes and for the purchase of firefighting and emergency medical equipment and apparatus and for the purchase of real property, when collected, and proceeds from the sale of general obligation bonds shall be placed by the treasurer in the proper fund. Taxes levied for the payment of general obligation bonds and interest thereon, when collected, shall be placed by the treasurer in the general obligation bond fund. The board of fire commissioners may include in its annual budget items of possible outlay to be provided for and held in reserve for any district purpose, and taxes shall be levied therefor. Such taxes, when collected, shall be placed by the treasurer in the reserve fund. The reserve fund, or any part of it, may be transferred by the treasurer to other funds of the district at any time by order of the board of fire commissioners. Special assessments levied against the lands in any improvement district within the district, when collected, shall be placed by the treasurer in the local improvement district fund for the local improvement district.
[ 2022 c 90 § 2; 1984 c 230 § 39; 1983 c 167 § 120; 1959 c 221 § 1; 1955 c 134 § 1; 1953 c 176 § 2; 1951 2nd ex.s. c 24 § 1; 1949 c 22 § 1; 1947 c 254 § 9; 1939 c 34 § 34; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 5654-134.]
NOTES:
Liberal construction—Severability—1983 c 167: See RCW 39.46.010 and note following.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.16 - Finances. › 52.16.030 - Budget for each fund—Biennial budget authority.

RCW 52.16.030
Budget for each fund—Biennial budget authority.
(1) Annually after the county board or boards of equalization of the county or counties in which the district is located have equalized the assessments for general tax purposes in that year, the secretary of the district shall prepare and certify a budget of the requirements of each district fund, and deliver it to the county legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties in which the district is located in ample time for the tax levies to be made for district purposes.
(2) In lieu of adopting an annual budget, a fire protection district may adopt a biennial budget with a mid-biennium review and modification for the second year of the biennium.
[ 2015 c 40 § 1; 1989 c 63 § 25; 1984 c 230 § 40; 1939 c 34 § 35; RRS § 5654-135.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.16 - Finances. › 52.16.040 - Tax levies—Assessment roll—Collection.

RCW 52.16.040
Tax levies—Assessment roll—Collection.
At the time of making general tax levies in each year the county legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties in which a fire protection district is located shall make the required levies for district purposes against the real and personal property in the district in accordance with the equalized valuations of the property for general tax purposes and as a part of the general taxes. The tax levies shall be a part of the general tax roll and shall be collected as a part of the general taxes against the property in the district.
[ 1989 c 63 § 26; 1984 c 230 § 41; 1939 c 34 § 36; RRS § 5654-136.]
NOTES:
Levy of taxes: Chapter 84.52 RCW.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.16 - Finances. › 52.16.061 - General obligation bonds—Issuance—Limitations.

RCW 52.16.061
General obligation bonds—Issuance—Limitations.
The board of fire commissioners of the district shall have authority to contract indebtedness and to refund same for any general district purpose, including expenses of maintenance, operation and administration, and the acquisition of firefighting facilities, and evidence the same by the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds of the district payable at such time or times not longer than twenty years from the issuing date of the bonds. Such bonds shall be issued and sold in accordance with chapter 39.46 RCW. Such bonds shall not exceed an amount, together with any outstanding nonvoter approved general obligation indebtedness, equal to three-eighths of one percent of the value of the taxable property within the fire protection district, as the term "value of the taxable property" is defined in RCW 39.36.015.
[ 1993 c 231 § 1; 1984 c 186 § 39; 1983 c 167 § 122; 1970 ex.s. c 56 § 66; 1969 ex.s. c 232 § 89; 1955 c 134 § 2; 1953 c 176 § 3.]
NOTES:
Purpose—1984 c 186: See note following RCW 39.46.110.
Liberal construction—Severability—1983 c 167: See RCW 39.46.010 and note following.
Purpose—1970 ex.s. c 56: See note following RCW 39.52.020.
Validation—Saving—Severability—1969 ex.s. c 232: See notes following RCW 39.52.020.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.16 - Finances. › 52.16.070 - Obligations shall not exceed taxes, revenues, and cash balances—Exceptions.

RCW 52.16.070
Obligations shall not exceed taxes, revenues, and cash balances—Exceptions.
Except as authorized by the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds, the creation of local improvements districts, and the issuance of local improvement bonds and warrants of the fire protection district, the board of fire commissioners may not incur expenses or other financial obligations payable in any year in excess of the aggregate amount of taxes levied for that year, revenues derived from all other sources, and the cash balances on hand in the expense and reserve funds of the district on the first day of that year. In the event that there are any unpaid warrants drawn on any district funds for expenses and obligations incurred and outstanding at the end of any calendar year, the warrants may be paid from taxes collected in the subsequent year or years and from other income.
[ 1984 c 230 § 43; 1983 c 167 § 123; 1975 1st ex.s. c 130 § 1; 1972 ex.s. c 16 § 1; 1959 c 221 § 2; 1955 c 134 § 3; 1951 2nd ex.s. c 24 § 10; 1947 c 254 § 11; 1943 c 106 § 1; 1941 c 70 § 5; 1939 c 34 § 39; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-139.]
NOTES:
Liberal construction—Severability—1983 c 167: See RCW 39.46.010 and note following.
Severability—Construction—1975 1st ex.s. c 130: "If any section, clause, or other provision of this 1975 amendatory act, or its application to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of such 1975 amendatory act, or the application of such section, clause, or provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected. The rule of strict construction shall have no application to this 1975 amendatory act, but the same shall be liberally construed, in order to carry out the purposes and objects for which this 1975 amendatory act is intended. When this 1975 amendatory act comes in conflict with any provision, limitation, or restriction in any other law, this 1975 amendatory act shall govern and control." [ 1975 1st ex.s. c 130 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.16 - Finances. › 52.16.080 - Bonds may be issued for capital purposes—Excess property tax levies.

RCW 52.16.080
Bonds may be issued for capital purposes—Excess property tax levies.
Fire protection districts additionally are authorized to incur general indebtedness for capital purposes and to issue general obligation bonds not to exceed an amount, together with any outstanding general obligation indebtedness, equal to three-fourths of one percent of the value of the taxable property within such district, as the term "value of the taxable property" is defined in RCW 39.36.015, and to provide for the retirement thereof by excess property tax levies, when the voters of the district have approved a proposition authorizing such indebtedness and levies by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of those voting on the proposition at such election, at which election the total number of persons voting shall constitute not less than forty percent of the voters in the fire protection district who voted at the last preceding general state election. The maximum term of such bonds may not exceed twenty years. Such bonds shall be issued and sold in accordance with chapter 39.46 RCW. Such elections shall be held as provided in RCW 39.36.050.
[ 1984 c 186 § 40; 1973 1st ex.s. c 195 § 50; 1970 ex.s. c 42 § 30; 1953 c 176 § 4; 1951 2nd ex.s. c 24 § 3.]
NOTES:
Purpose—1984 c 186: See note following RCW 39.46.110.
Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.
Severability—Effective date—1970 ex.s. c 42: See notes following RCW 39.36.015.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.16 - Finances. › 52.16.130 - General levy authorized—Limit—Excess levy at special election.

RCW 52.16.130
General levy authorized—Limit—Excess levy at special election.
To carry out the purposes for which fire protection districts are created, the board of fire commissioners of a district may levy each year, in addition to the levy or levies provided in RCW 52.16.080 for the payment of the principal and interest of any outstanding general obligation bonds, an ad valorem tax on all taxable property located in the district not to exceed fifty cents per thousand dollars of assessed value: PROVIDED, That in no case may the total general levy for all purposes, except the levy for the retirement of general obligation bonds, exceed one dollar per thousand dollars of assessed value. Levies in excess of one dollar per thousand dollars of assessed value or in excess of the aggregate dollar rate limitations or both may be made for any district purpose when so authorized at a special election under RCW 84.52.130. Any such tax when levied shall be certified to the proper county officials for the collection of the tax as for other general taxes. The taxes when collected shall be placed in the appropriate district fund or funds as provided by law, and shall be paid out on warrants of the auditor of the county in which all, or the largest portion of, the district is located, upon authorization of the board of fire commissioners of the district.
[ 2002 c 180 § 3; 1989 c 63 § 27; 1985 c 7 § 121; 1984 c 230 § 44; 1983 c 167 § 126; 1973 1st ex.s. c 195 § 52; 1971 ex.s. c 105 § 1; 1963 ex.s. c 13 § 2; 1951 2nd ex.s. c 24 § 8.]
NOTES:
Contingent effective date—2002 c 180: See note following RCW 84.52.052.
Liberal construction—Severability—1983 c 167: See RCW 39.46.010 and note following.
Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.16 - Finances. › 52.16.140 - General levy may exceed limit—When.

RCW 52.16.140
General levy may exceed limit—When.
Notwithstanding the limitation of dollar rates contained in RCW 52.16.130, the board of fire commissioners of any district may levy, in addition to any levy for the payment of the principal and interest of outstanding general obligation bonds, an ad valorem tax on all property located in the district of not to exceed fifty cents per thousand dollars of assessed value and which will not cause the combined levies to exceed the constitutional or statutory limitations, and the additional levy, or any portion of the levy, may also be made when dollar rates of other taxing units are released by agreement with the other taxing units from their authorized levies.
[ 1984 c 230 § 45; 1983 c 167 § 127; 1973 1st ex.s. c 195 § 53; 1951 2nd ex.s. c 24 § 9.]
NOTES:
Liberal construction—Severability—1983 c 167: See RCW 39.46.010 and note following.
Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.
Levy of taxes: Chapter 84.52 RCW.
Protection from levy prorationing: RCW 84.52.120.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.16 - Finances. › 52.16.150 - Donations and bequests to district.

RCW 52.16.150
Donations and bequests to district.
A fire protection district may accept and receive in behalf of the district any money or property donated, devised, or bequeathed to the district, and may carry out the terms of the donation, devise, or bequest, if within the powers granted by law to fire protection districts. In the absence of such terms, a fire protection district may expend or use the money or property for district purposes as determined by the board.
[ 1984 c 230 § 46; 1951 2nd ex.s. c 24 § 11.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.16 - Finances. › 52.16.160 - Tax levy authorized.

RCW 52.16.160
Tax levy authorized.
Notwithstanding the limitation of dollar rates contained in RCW 52.16.130, and in addition to any levy for the payment of the principal and interest of any outstanding general obligation bonds and in addition to any levy authorized by RCW 52.16.130, 52.16.140 or any other statute, the board of fire commissioners of any fire protection district within such county is hereby authorized to levy each year an ad valorem tax on all taxable property within such district of not to exceed fifty cents per thousand dollars of assessed value, which levy may be made only if it will not affect dollar rates which other taxing districts may lawfully claim nor cause the combined levies to exceed the constitutional and/or statutory limitations.
[ 2017 c 107 § 1; 2002 c 84 § 1; 1985 c 112 § 1; 1983 c 167 § 128; 1973 1st ex.s. c 195 § 54; 1969 ex.s. c 243 § 2; 1961 c 53 § 9.]
NOTES:
Liberal construction—Severability—1983 c 167: See RCW 39.46.010 and note following.
Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.
Severability—1969 ex.s. c 243: "If any provision of this act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1969 ex.s. c 243 § 8.]
Protection from levy prorationing: RCW 84.52.120.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.16 - Finances. › 52.16.170 - Taxation and assessment of lands lying both within a fire protection district and forest protection assessment area.

RCW 52.16.170
Taxation and assessment of lands lying both within a fire protection district and forest protection assessment area.
In the event that lands lie within both a fire protection district and a forest protection assessment area they shall be taxed and assessed as follows:
(1) If the lands are wholly unimproved, they shall be subject to forest protection assessments but not to fire protection district levies;
(2) If the lands are wholly improved, they shall be subject to fire protection district levies but not to forest protection assessments;
(3) If the lands are partly improved and partly unimproved they shall be subject both to fire protection district levies and to forest protection assessments: PROVIDED, That upon request, accompanied by appropriate legal descriptions, the county assessor shall segregate any unimproved portions which each consist of twenty or more acres, and thereafter the unimproved portion or portions shall be subject only to forest protection assessments.
[ 1984 c 230 § 47; 1963 ex.s. c 13 § 3.]
NOTES:
Forest protection assessments: RCW 76.04.610.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.18 - Benefit Charges. › 52.18.020 - Personal property, improvements to real property—Defined.

RCW 52.18.020
Personal property, improvements to real property—Defined.
The term "personal property" for the purposes of this chapter shall include every form of tangible personal property, including but not limited to, all goods, chattels, stock in trade, estates, or crops: PROVIDED, That all personal property not assessed and subjected to ad valorem taxation under Title 84 RCW, all property under contract or for which the district is receiving payment for as authorized by RCW 52.30.020 and all property subject to the provisions of chapter 54.28 RCW, or all property that is subject to a contract for services with a fire protection district, shall be exempt from the benefit charge imposed under this chapter: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the term "personal property" shall not include any personal property used for farming, field crops, farm equipment or livestock: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That the term "improvements to real property" shall not include permanent growing crops, field improvements installed for the purpose of aiding the growth of permanent crops, or other field improvements normally not subject to damage by fire.
[ 1990 c 294 § 2; 1987 c 325 § 2; 1985 c 7 § 123; 1974 ex.s. c 126 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.18 - Benefit Charges. › 52.18.030 - Resolution establishing benefit charges—Contents—Listing—Collection.

RCW 52.18.030
Resolution establishing benefit charges—Contents—Listing—Collection.
The resolution establishing benefit charges as specified in RCW 52.18.010 shall specify, by legal geographical areas or other specific designations, the charge to apply to each property by location, type, or other designation, or other information that is necessary to the proper computation of the benefit charge to be charged to each property owner subject to the resolution. The county assessor of each county in which the district is located shall determine and identify the personal properties and improvements to real property which are subject to a benefit charge in each fire protection district and shall furnish and deliver to the county treasurer of that county a listing of the properties with information describing the location, legal description, and address of the person to whom the statement of benefit charges is to be mailed, the name of the owner, and the value of the property and improvements, together with the benefit charge to apply to each. These benefit charges shall be certified to the county treasurer for collection in the same manner that is used for the collection of fire protection charges for forestlands protected by the department of natural resources under RCW 76.04.610 and the same penalties and provisions for collection shall apply.
[ 1990 c 294 § 3; 1989 c 63 § 29; 1987 c 325 § 3; 1986 c 100 § 53; 1974 ex.s. c 126 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.18 - Benefit Charges. › 52.18.040 - Reimbursement of county for administration and collection expenses.

RCW 52.18.040
Reimbursement of county for administration and collection expenses.
Each fire protection district shall contract, prior to the imposition of a benefit charge, for the administration and collection of the benefit charge by each county treasurer, who shall deduct a percent, as provided by contract to reimburse the county for expenses incurred by the county assessor and county treasurer in the administration of the resolution and this chapter. The county treasurer shall make distributions each year, as the charges are collected, in the amount of the benefit charges imposed on behalf of each district, less the deduction provided for in the contract.
[ 1990 c 294 § 4; 1989 c 63 § 30; 1987 c 325 § 4; 1974 ex.s. c 126 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.18 - Benefit Charges. › 52.18.050 - Voter approval of benefit charges required—Election—Ballot.

RCW 52.18.050
Voter approval of benefit charges required—Election—Ballot.
(1)(a) The initial imposition of a benefit charge authorized by this chapter must be approved by not less than sixty percent of the voters of the district voting at a general election or at a special election called by the district for that purpose.
(b) An election held for the initial imposition of a benefit charge must be held not more than twelve months prior to the date on which the first charge is to be assessed.
(c) A benefit charge approved at an election expires in six or fewer years as authorized by the voters unless subsequently reapproved by the voters.
(2) Ballot measures calling for the initial imposition of a benefit charge must be submitted so as to enable voters favoring the authorization of a benefit charge to vote "Yes" and those opposed to vote "No," and the ballot question must be as follows:
"Shall . . . . . . county fire protection district No. . . . . be authorized to impose benefit charges each year for . . . . (insert number of years not to exceed six) years, not to exceed an amount equal to sixty percent of its operating budget, and be prohibited from imposing an additional property tax under RCW 52.16.160?
YES
NO
□
□"
(3)(a) The continued imposition of a benefit charge authorized by this chapter may be approved for six consecutive years, ten consecutive years, or permanently.
A ballot measure calling for the continued imposition of a benefit charge for six consecutive years or ten consecutive years must be approved by a majority of the voters of the district voting at a general election or at a special election called by the district for that purpose.
A ballot measure calling for the continued imposition of a benefit charge as a permanent benefit charge must be approved by not less than sixty percent of the voters of the district voting at a general election or at a special election called by the district for that purpose.
(b) Ballot measures calling for the continued imposition of a benefit charge must be submitted so as to enable voters favoring the continued imposition of the benefit charge to vote "Yes" and those opposed to vote "No." The ballot question must be substantially in the following form:
"Shall . . . . . . county fire protection district No. . . . . be authorized to continue voter-authorized benefit charges. . . . . (insert "each year for six consecutive years," "each year for ten consecutive years," or "permanently"), not to exceed an amount equal to sixty percent of its operating budget, and be prohibited from imposing an additional property tax under RCW 52.16.160?
YES
NO
□
□"
[ 2020 c 99 § 1; 2017 c 196 § 4; 2013 c 49 § 1; 1998 c 16 § 2; 1990 c 294 § 5; 1989 c 27 § 1; 1987 c 325 § 5; 1974 ex.s. c 126 § 5.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2017 c 196 §§ 1-9, 11, 13, and 14: See note following RCW 52.26.220.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.18 - Benefit Charges. › 52.18.060 - Public hearing—Required—Report—Benefit charge resolution to be filed—Notification to property owners.

RCW 52.18.060
Public hearing—Required—Report—Benefit charge resolution to be filed—Notification to property owners.
(1) Not less than ten days nor more than six months before the election at which the proposition to impose the benefit charge is submitted as provided in this chapter, the board of fire commissioners of the district shall hold a public hearing specifically setting forth its proposal to impose benefit charges for the support of its legally authorized activities which will maintain or improve the services afforded in the district. A report of the public hearing shall be filed with the county treasurer of each county in which the property is located and be available for public inspection.
(2) Prior to November 15 of each year the board of fire commissioners shall hold a public hearing to review and establish the fire district benefit charges for the subsequent year.
All resolutions imposing or changing the benefit charges shall be filed with the county treasurer or treasurers of each county in which the property is located, together with the record of each public hearing, before November 30 immediately preceding the year in which the benefit charges are to be collected on behalf of the district.
After the benefit charges have been established, the owners of the property subject to the charge shall be notified of the amount of the charge.
[ 1990 c 294 § 6; 1989 c 63 § 31; 1987 c 325 § 6; 1974 ex.s. c 126 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.18 - Benefit Charges. › 52.18.065 - Property tax limited if benefit charge imposed.

RCW 52.18.065
Property tax limited if benefit charge imposed.
A fire protection district that imposes a benefit charge under this chapter shall not impose all or part of the property tax authorized under RCW 52.16.160.
[ 1990 c 294 § 7; 1987 c 325 § 9.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.18 - Benefit Charges. › 52.18.070 - Review board.

RCW 52.18.070
Review board.
After notice has been given to the property owners of the amount of the charge, the board of fire commissioners of a fire protection district imposing a benefit charge under this chapter shall form a review board for at least a two-week period and shall, upon complaint in writing of a party aggrieved owning property in the district, reduce the charge of a person who, in their opinion, has been charged too large a sum, to a sum or amount as they believe to be the true, fair, and just amount.
[ 1990 c 294 § 8; 1987 c 325 § 7; 1974 ex.s. c 126 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.18 - Benefit Charges. › 52.18.080 - Model resolution.

RCW 52.18.080
Model resolution.
The Washington fire commissioners association, as soon as practicable, shall draft a model resolution to impose the fire protection district benefit charge authorized by this chapter and may provide assistance to fire protection districts in the establishment of a program to develop benefit charges.
[ 1990 c 294 § 9; 1987 c 325 § 8; 1974 ex.s. c 126 § 8.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.18 - Benefit Charges. › 52.18.090 - Exemptions.

RCW 52.18.090
Exemptions.
A person who is receiving the exemption contained in RCW 84.36.381 through 84.36.389 shall be exempt from any legal obligation to pay a portion of the charge imposed by this chapter according to the following.
(1) A person who meets the income limitation contained in RCW 84.36.381(5)(a) and does not meet the income limitation contained in RCW 84.36.381(5)(b) (i) or (ii) shall be exempt from twenty-five percent of the charge.
(2) A person who meets the income limitation contained in RCW 84.36.381(5)(b)(i) shall be exempt from fifty percent of the charge.
(3) A person who meets the income limitation contained in RCW 84.36.381(5)(b)(ii) shall be exempt from seventy-five percent of the charge.
[ 1990 c 294 § 10.]