reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.20 - Local Improvement Districts. › 52.20.010 - L.I.D.'s authorized—Petition or resolution method.

RCW 52.20.010
L.I.D.'s authorized—Petition or resolution method.
If, for fire protection or emergency medical purposes the acquisition, maintenance, and operation of real property, buildings, apparatus, and instrumentalities needed to provide such services are of special benefit to part or all of the lands in the fire protection district, the board of fire commissioners may include the lands in a local improvement district, and may levy special assessments under a mode of annual installments extending over a period not exceeding twenty years on all property specially benefited by any local improvement, on the basis of the special benefits to pay in whole or in part the damages or costs of improvements ordered in the local improvement district. Local improvement districts may be initiated either by resolution of the board of fire commissioners or by petition signed by the owners of a majority of the acreage of lands to be included within the local improvement district.
If the petition procedure is followed, the petition shall set forth generally the necessity for the creation of a local improvement district, outline the plan of fire or emergency medical protection to be accomplished, and the means by which the cost shall be financed. Upon receipt of a petition, the board of fire commissioners of the district shall at its next regular meeting review the petition. The owners of the lands as shown on the general tax roll in the county treasurer's office, last equalized, shall be used to determine the ownership of the lands to be included in the local improvement district. If the petition is sufficient, the district board shall consider the petition and determine whether the proposed local improvement appears feasible and of special benefit to the lands concerned.
If the board of fire commissioners desire[s] to initiate the formation of a local improvement district by resolution, it shall adopt a resolution declaring its intention to order the proposed improvement, set forth the nature and territorial extent of the proposed improvement, designate the number of the proposed district, describe the boundaries, state the estimated costs and expenses of the improvement and the proportionate amount of the costs which will be borne by the property within the proposed district, and fix a date, time, and place for a public hearing on the formation of the proposed district.
[ 1984 c 230 § 48; 1975 1st ex.s. c 130 § 2; 1961 c 161 § 1; 1939 c 34 § 40; RRS § 5654-140.]
NOTES:
Severability—Construction—1975 1st ex.s. c 130: See note following RCW 52.16.070.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.20 - Local Improvement Districts. › 52.20.020 - Dismissal, approval of petition or resolution of intention—Notice of hearing.

RCW 52.20.020
Dismissal, approval of petition or resolution of intention—Notice of hearing.
If the petition is found insufficient or if the district board determines that a local improvement district is not feasible or is of no special benefit to the lands concerned, it shall dismiss the petition. If the district board approves the petition or adopts a resolution of intention to order an improvement, it shall fix a date, hour, and place for hearing the matter and shall (1) mail notice of the hearing at least fifteen days before the date fixed for the public hearing to the owner or reputed owner of each lot, tract, or parcel of land within the proposed local improvement district as shown on the tax rolls of the county treasurer at the address shown thereon, and (2) publish notice of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, for three consecutive weeks prior to the day of the hearing. The cost of publication shall be paid by the fire protection district. The notices shall describe the boundaries of the proposed local improvement district and the plan of fire or emergency medical protection proposed, or may refer to the resolution of intention describing the nature and territorial extent of the proposed improvement. The notices shall state the means by which the cost shall be financed, shall state the date, hour, and place of the hearing on the petition and shall be signed by the secretary of the fire protection district. In addition, the notice given each owner or reputed owner by mail shall state the estimated cost and expense of the improvement to be borne by the particular lot, tract, or parcel.
[ 1984 c 230 § 49; 1975 1st ex.s. c 130 § 3; 1961 c 161 § 2; 1939 c 34 § 41; RRS § 5654-141.]
NOTES:
Severability—Construction—1975 1st ex.s. c 130: See note following RCW 52.16.070.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.20 - Local Improvement Districts. › 52.20.022 - Notice must contain statement that assessments may vary from estimates.

RCW 52.20.022
Notice must contain statement that assessments may vary from estimates.
Any notice given to the public or to the owners of specific lots, tracts, or parcels of land relating to the formation of a local improvement district shall contain a statement that actual assessments may vary from assessment estimates so long as they do not exceed a figure equal to the increased true and fair value the improvement adds to the property.
[ 1989 c 243 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.20 - Local Improvement Districts. › 52.20.025 - Hearing and subsequent proceedings to be in accordance with laws applicable to cities and towns—Definitions.

RCW 52.20.025
Hearing and subsequent proceedings to be in accordance with laws applicable to cities and towns—Definitions.
The hearing and all subsequent proceedings in connection with the local improvement, including but not limited to the levying, collection, and enforcement of local improvement assessments, and the authorization, issuance, and payment of local improvement bonds and warrants shall be in accordance with the provisions of law applicable to cities and towns set forth in chapters 35.43, 35.44, 35.45, 35.49, 35.50, and 35.53 RCW. Fire protection districts may exercise the powers set forth in those chapters: PROVIDED, That no local improvement guaranty fund may be created: PROVIDED FURTHER, That for the purposes of RCW 52.16.070, 52.20.010, 52.20.020, and 52.20.025, with respect to the powers granted and the duties imposed in chapters 35.43, 35.44, 35.45, 35.50, and 35.53 RCW:
(1) The words "city or town" mean fire protection district.
(2) The secretary of a fire protection district shall perform the duties of the "clerk" or "city or town clerk."
(3) The board of fire commissioners of a fire protection district shall perform the duties of the "council" or "city or town council" or "legislative authority of a city or town."
(4) The board of fire commissioners of a fire protection district shall perform the duties of the "mayor."
(5) The word "ordinance" means a resolution of the board of fire commissioners of a fire protection district.
(6) The treasurer or treasurers of the county or counties in which a fire protection district is located shall perform the duties of the "treasurer" or "city or town treasurer."
[ 1989 c 63 § 32; 1984 c 230 § 50; 1975 1st ex.s. c 130 § 4; 1961 c 161 § 3.]
NOTES:
Severability—Construction—1975 1st ex.s. c 130: See note following RCW 52.16.070.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.20 - Local Improvement Districts. › 52.20.027 - Lands subject to forest fire protection assessments exempt—Separation of forest-type lands for tax and assessment purposes.

RCW 52.20.027
Lands subject to forest fire protection assessments exempt—Separation of forest-type lands for tax and assessment purposes.
RCW 52.20.010, 52.20.020, and 52.20.025 shall not apply to any tracts or parcels of wholly forest-type lands within the district which are required to pay forest fire protection assessments, as required by RCW 76.04.610; however, both the tax levy or special assessments of the district and the forest fire protection assessment shall apply to the forestland portion of any tract or parcel which is in the district containing a combination of both forest-type lands and nonforest-type lands or improvements: PROVIDED, That an owner has the right to have forest-type lands of more than twenty acres in extent separated from land bearing improvements and from nonforest-type lands for taxation and assessment purposes upon furnishing to the assessor a written request containing the proper legal description.
[ 1986 c 100 § 54; 1984 c 230 § 51; 1961 c 161 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.20 - Local Improvement Districts. › 52.20.060 - Coupon or registered warrants—Payment—Interest—Registration.

RCW 52.20.060
Coupon or registered warrants—Payment—Interest—Registration.
(1) The district board may also, if in accordance with the adopted method of financing the local improvement district, issue and sell at par and accrued interest coupon or registered warrants payable within three years from the date thereof exclusively from the local improvement fund of the district. The coupon or registered warrants shall bear semiannual interest and shall be in such form as the board determines and shall state on their face that they are payable exclusively from the local improvement fund of the district. Interest shall be payable on the first day of January and of July. Such warrants may be registered as provided in RCW 39.46.030.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, such warrants may be issued and sold in accordance with chapter 39.46 RCW.
[ 1984 c 230 § 52; 1983 c 167 § 129; 1970 ex.s. c 56 § 68; 1969 ex.s. c 232 § 90; 1939 c 34 § 45; RRS § 5654-145.]
NOTES:
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 52.20 - Local Improvement Districts. › 52.20.070 - Contracts not general district obligations.

RCW 52.20.070
Contracts not general district obligations.
A fire protection district shall not be liable under any contract creating an obligation chargeable against the lands of any local improvement district therein, unless the liability and the extent thereof is specifically stated in the contract.
[ 1984 c 230 § 53; 1939 c 34 § 21; RRS § 5654-121.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.22 - Special Proceedings. › 52.22.011 - Legislative validation.

RCW 52.22.011
Legislative validation.
The respective areas, organized and established or attempted to be organized and established under the authority granted in Title 52 RCW which since their organization and establishment or attempted organization and establishment have continuously maintained their organization as fire protection districts established under the authority of these statutes are declared to be properly organized fire protection districts existing under and by virtue of the statutes having in each case, the boundaries set forth in the respective organization proceedings of each of them as shown by the files and records in the offices of the legislative authority or authorities and auditor or auditors of the county or counties in which the particular area lies.
[ 1989 c 63 § 33; 1984 c 230 § 66; 1947 c 230 § 1; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-151o. Formerly RCW 52.32.010.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.22 - Special Proceedings. › 52.22.021 - Special proceedings for judicial confirmation of organization, bonds, warrants, contracts, etc.

RCW 52.22.021
Special proceedings for judicial confirmation of organization, bonds, warrants, contracts, etc.
The board of fire commissioners of a fire protection district now existing or which may be organized under the laws of this state may commence a special proceeding in the superior court of the state of Washington. These proceedings for the organization of the fire district, for the formation of any local improvement district therein, or proceedings for the authorization, issuance, and sale of coupon or registered warrants or general obligation bonds issued pursuant to RCW 52.16.061, either of the fire district or for a local improvement district therein, or both, whether the bonds or coupon or registered warrants have been sold, or proceedings for any contract of the district involving the fire district or any local improvement district therein, and any other proceedings that may affect the legality of the proceedings concerned or any or all of the proceedings above outlined, may be judicially examined, approved, and confirmed.
[ 1984 c 230 § 67; 1983 c 167 § 130; 1947 c 255 § 1; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-153a. Formerly RCW 52.34.010 and 52.32.020.]
NOTES:
Liberal construction—Severability—1983 c 167: See RCW 39.46.010 and note following.
Severability—1947 c 255: "If any section or provision of this act shall be adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the act as a whole or of any section, provision, or part thereof not adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional." [ 1947 c 255 § 10.] This applies to RCW 52.22.021 through 52.22.101.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.22 - Special Proceedings. › 52.22.031 - Petition.

RCW 52.22.031
Petition.
The board of fire commissioners of the fire protection district shall file in the superior court of the county in which the fire protection district was organized, a petition requesting in effect that the proceedings be examined, approved, and confirmed by the court. The petition shall state the facts showing any of the proceedings that the petition asks the court to examine, approve, and confirm, but need allege only generally that the fire protection district was properly organized and that the first board of fire commissioners was properly elected.
[ 1984 c 230 § 68; 1947 c 255 § 2; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-153b. Formerly RCW 52.34.020 and 52.32.030.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.22 - Special Proceedings. › 52.22.041 - Hearing date to be fixed—Notice.

RCW 52.22.041
Hearing date to be fixed—Notice.
The court shall fix the time for the hearing of the petition and direct the clerk of the court to give notice of the filing of the petition and of the time and place fixed for the hearing. The notice shall state the time and place of the hearing of the petition and that any person interested in the proceedings sought by the petition to be examined, approved, and confirmed by the court, may on or before the date of the hearing of the petition, answer the petition. The petition may be referred to and described in the notice as the petition of the board of fire commissioners of . . . . . . county fire protection district No. . . . . . . . . . (giving the county and its number or any other name by which it is officially designated), requesting that the proceedings (naming them as set out in the request of the petition), be examined, approved, and confirmed by the court, and shall be signed by the clerk.
The notice shall be given by posting and publishing for the same length of time that the notice of the hearing on the petition before the county legislative body to form the district was required by law to be posted and published, and it may be published in any legal newspaper designated in the order of the court fixing the time and place of the hearing of the petition and directing the clerk of the court to give notice thereof.
[ 1984 c 230 § 69; 1947 c 255 § 3; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-153c. Formerly RCW 52.34.030 and 52.32.040.]
NOTES:
Public hearing—Notice—Publication and posting: RCW 52.02.050.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.22 - Special Proceedings. › 52.22.051 - Answer of petition.

RCW 52.22.051
Answer of petition.
A person interested in the fire protection district, or in a local improvement district therein, involved in the petition or in any proceedings sought by the petition to be examined, approved, and confirmed by the court, may answer the petition. The statutes of this state respecting answers to verified complaints are applicable to answers to the petition. The person so answering the petition shall be the defendant in the special proceeding, and the board of fire commissioners shall be the plaintiff. Every material statement of the petition not specifically controverted by the answer must, for purposes of the special proceedings, be taken as true, and each person failing to answer the petition is deemed to admit as true all the material statements of the petition.
[ 1984 c 230 § 70; 1947 c 255 § 4; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-153d. Formerly RCW 52.34.040 and 52.32.050.]
NOTES:
Pleadings: Chapters 4.32, 4.36 RCW.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.22 - Special Proceedings. › 52.22.061 - Pleading and practice—Motion for new trial.

RCW 52.22.061
Pleading and practice—Motion for new trial.
The rules of pleading and practice governing civil actions are applicable to the special proceedings provided for except where inconsistent with this chapter. A motion for a new trial must be made upon the minutes of the court and in case of an order granting a new trial, the order must specify the issue to be reexamined at the new trial. The findings of the court on the other issues shall not be affected by the order granting a new trial.
[ 1984 c 230 § 71; 1947 c 255 § 5; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-153e. Formerly RCW 52.34.050 and 52.32.060.]
NOTES:
New trials: Chapter 4.76 RCW.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.22 - Special Proceedings. › 52.22.071 - Jurisdiction of court.

RCW 52.22.071
Jurisdiction of court.
At the hearing of the special proceedings, the court has power and jurisdiction to examine and determine the legality and validity of, and to approve and confirm, each and all of the proceedings for the organization of the fire protection district and for the formation of any local improvement district therein under the law relating to such districts from and including the petition for the organization of the fire district and for the formation of any local improvement district therein and all other proceedings which affect the legality of the districts, or the validity and legality of any coupon or registered warrants or bonds either of the fire district or for a local improvement district therein and all proceedings conducted by the fire district for a contract of the district involving the fire district or a local improvement district therein, and any other proceeding which may affect the legality of the proceedings concerned.
[ 1984 c 230 § 72; 1983 c 167 § 131; 1947 c 255 § 6; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-153f. Formerly RCW 52.34.060 and 52.32.070.]
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 52.22 - Special Proceedings. › 52.22.081 - Minor irregularities to be disregarded.

RCW 52.22.081
Minor irregularities to be disregarded.
The court has full authority and jurisdiction to consider any question of laches, estoppel, and other infirmities in the position and claims of the defendants, to question the legality of the proceedings sought by the plaintiff to be confirmed by the court, and to pass upon and determine them. The court, in inquiring into the regularity, legality, and correctness of the proceedings sought by the board of fire commissioners in its petition to be examined, approved, and confirmed by the court, must disregard any error, irregularity, or omission which does not affect the substantial rights of the parties to the special proceedings. The court may approve and confirm the proceedings in part, and disapprove and declare illegal or invalid other or subsequent parts of the proceedings, or it may approve and confirm all of the proceedings, and make and enter its decree accordingly.
[ 1984 c 230 § 73; 1947 c 255 § 7; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-153g. Formerly RCW 52.34.070 and 52.32.080.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.22 - Special Proceedings. › 52.22.091 - Costs.

RCW 52.22.091
Costs.
The court shall find and determine, in these special proceedings, whether the notice of the filing of the petition and of the time and place of hearing on the petition has been properly posted and published for the time and in the manner prescribed in this chapter. The costs of the special proceedings may be allowed and apportioned between all the parties, in the court's discretion.
[ 1984 c 230 § 74; 1947 c 255 § 8; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-153h. Formerly RCW 52.34.080 and 52.32.090.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.22 - Special Proceedings. › 52.22.101 - Appellate review.

RCW 52.22.101
Appellate review.
Appellate review of an order granting or refusing a new trial, or from the judgment, in the special proceedings must be taken by the party aggrieved within thirty days after the entry of the order or the judgment.
[ 1988 c 202 § 50; 1984 c 230 § 75; 1947 c 255 § 9; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5654-153i. Formerly RCW 52.34.090 and 52.32.100.]
NOTES:
Rules of court: Cf. RAP 2.2, 18.22.
Severability—1988 c 202: See note following RCW 2.24.050.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.22 - Special Proceedings. › 52.22.111 - Districts governed by Title 52 RCW.

RCW 52.22.111
Districts governed by Title 52 RCW.
All fire protection districts are governed by Title 52 RCW.
[ 1984 c 230 § 86.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.26 - Regional Fire Protection Service Authorities. › 52.26.010 - Findings.

RCW 52.26.010
Findings.
The legislature finds that:
(1) The ability to respond to emergency situations by many of Washington state's fire protection jurisdictions has not kept up with the state's needs, particularly in urban regions;
(2) Providing a fire protection service system requires a shared partnership and responsibility among the federal, state, local, and regional governments and the private sector;
(3) There are efficiencies to be gained by regional fire protection service delivery while retaining local control; and
(4) Timely development of significant projects can best be achieved through enhanced funding options for regional fire protection service agencies, using already existing taxing authority to address fire protection emergency service needs and new authority to address critical fire protection projects and emergency services.
[ 2004 c 129 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.26 - Regional Fire Protection Service Authorities. › 52.26.020 - Definitions.

RCW 52.26.020
Definitions.
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Board" means the governing body of a regional fire protection service authority.
(2) "Elected official" means an elected official of a participating fire protection jurisdiction or a regional fire protection district commissioner created under RCW 52.26.080.
(3) "Fire protection jurisdiction" means a fire district, regional fire protection service authority, city, town, port district, municipal airport, or Indian tribe.
(4) "Participating fire protection jurisdiction" means a fire protection jurisdiction participating in the formation or operation of a regional fire protection service authority.
(5) "Reasonable proximity" means geographical areas near enough to each other so that governance, management, and services can be delivered effectively.
(6) "Regional fire protection service authority" or "authority" means a municipal corporation, an independent taxing authority within the meaning of Article VII, section 1 of the state Constitution, and a taxing district within the meaning of Article VII, section 2 of the state Constitution, whose boundaries are coextensive with two or more fire protection jurisdictions located within reasonable proximity and that has been created by a vote of the people under this chapter to implement a regional fire protection service authority plan.
(7) "Regional fire protection service authority plan" or "plan" means a plan to develop and finance a regional fire protection service authority project or projects including, but not limited to, specific capital projects, fire operations and emergency service operations pursuant to RCW 52.26.040(3)(b), and preservation and maintenance of existing or future facilities.
(8) "Regional fire protection service authority planning committee" or "planning committee" means the advisory committee created under RCW 52.26.030 to create and propose to fire protection jurisdictions a regional fire protection service authority plan to design, finance, and develop fire protection and emergency service projects.
(9) "Regular property taxes" has the same meaning as in RCW 84.04.140.
[ 2018 c 28 § 5; 2017 c 196 § 7. Prior: 2011 c 141 § 1; 2006 c 200 § 1; 2004 c 129 § 2.]
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 52.26 - Regional Fire Protection Service Authorities. › 52.26.030 - Planning committee—Formation—Powers.

RCW 52.26.030
Planning committee—Formation—Powers.
Regional fire protection service authority planning committees are advisory entities that are created, convened, and empowered as follows:
(1) Any two or more fire protection jurisdictions located within reasonable proximity may create a regional fire protection service authority and convene a regional fire protection service authority planning committee. No fire protection jurisdiction may participate in more than one created authority.
(2) Each governing body of the fire protection jurisdictions participating in planning under this chapter shall appoint three elected officials to the authority planning committee. Members of the planning committee may receive compensation of seventy dollars per day, or portion thereof, not to exceed seven hundred dollars per year, for attendance at planning committee meetings and for performance of other services in behalf of the authority, and may be reimbursed for travel and incidental expenses at the discretion of their respective governing body.
(3) A regional fire protection service authority planning committee may receive state funding, as appropriated by the legislature, or county funding provided by the affected counties for start-up funding to pay for salaries, expenses, overhead, supplies, and similar expenses ordinarily and necessarily incurred. Upon creation of a regional fire protection service authority, the authority shall within one year reimburse the state or county for any sums advanced for these start-up costs from the state or county.
(4) The planning committee shall conduct its affairs and formulate a regional fire protection service authority plan as provided under RCW 52.26.040.
(5) At its first meeting, a regional fire protection service authority planning committee may elect officers and provide for the adoption of rules and other operating procedures.
(6) The planning committee may dissolve itself at any time by a majority vote of the total membership of the planning committee. Any participating fire protection jurisdiction may withdraw upon thirty calendar days' written notice to the other jurisdictions.
[ 2018 c 28 § 3; 2017 c 196 § 8; 2004 c 129 § 3.]
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 52.26 - Regional Fire Protection Service Authorities. › 52.26.050 - Service plan—Taxes and benefit charges.

RCW 52.26.050
Service plan—Taxes and benefit charges.
(1) A regional fire protection service authority planning committee may, as part of a regional fire protection service authority plan, recommend the imposition of some or all of the following revenue sources, which a regional fire protection service authority may impose upon approval of the voters as provided in this chapter:
(a) Benefit charges under RCW 52.26.180 through 52.26.270;
(b) Property taxes under RCW 52.26.140 through 52.26.170 and 84.52.044 and RCW 84.09.030, 84.52.010, 84.52.052, and 84.52.069; or
(c) Both (a) and (b) of this subsection.
(2) The authority may impose taxes and benefit charges as set forth in the regional fire protection service authority plan upon creation of the authority, or as provided for in this chapter after creation of the authority. If the plan authorizes the authority to impose benefit charges or sixty percent voter approved taxes, the plan and creation of the authority must be approved by an affirmative vote of sixty percent of the voters within the boundaries of the authority voting on a ballot proposition as set forth in RCW 52.26.060. However, if the plan provides for alternative sources of revenue that become effective if the plan and creation of the authority is approved only by a majority vote, then the plan with alternative sources of revenue and creation of the authority may be approved by an affirmative vote of the majority of those voters. If the plan does not authorize the authority to impose benefit charges or sixty percent voter approved taxes, the plan and creation of the authority must be approved by an affirmative vote of the majority of the voters within the boundaries of the authority voting on a ballot proposition as set forth in RCW 52.26.060. Except as provided in this section, all other voter approval requirements under law for the levying of property taxes or the imposition of benefit charges apply. Revenues from these taxes and benefit charges may be used only to implement the plan as set forth in this chapter.
[ 2006 c 200 § 3; 2004 c 129 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.26 - Regional Fire Protection Service Authorities. › 52.26.060 - Service plan—Submission to voters.

RCW 52.26.060
Service plan—Submission to voters.
The governing bodies of two or more fire protection jurisdictions located within reasonable proximity, upon receipt of the regional fire protection service authority plan under RCW 52.26.040, may certify the plan to the ballot, including identification of the revenue options specified to fund the plan. The governing bodies of the fire protection jurisdictions may draft a ballot title, give notice as required by law for ballot measures, and perform other duties as required to put the plan before the voters of the proposed authority for their approval or rejection as a single ballot measure that both approves formation of the authority and approves the plan. Authorities may negotiate interlocal agreements necessary to implement the plan. The electorate is the voters voting within the boundaries of the proposed regional fire protection service authority. A simple majority of the total persons voting on the single ballot measure to approve the plan and establish the authority is required for approval. However, if the plan authorizes the authority to impose benefit charges or sixty percent voter approved taxes, then the percentage of total persons voting on the single ballot measure to approve the plan and establish the authority is the same as in RCW 52.26.050. The authority must act in accordance with the general election laws of the state. The authority is liable for its proportionate share of the costs when the elections are held under RCW 29A.04.321 and 29A.04.330.
[ 2018 c 28 § 6; 2006 c 200 § 4; 2004 c 129 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.26 - Regional Fire Protection Service Authorities. › 52.26.070 - Service authority—Formation—Challenges.

RCW 52.26.070
Service authority—Formation—Challenges.
If the voters approve the plan, including creation of a regional fire protection service authority and imposition of taxes and benefit charges, if any, and the election results are certified, the authority is formed on the effective date as set forth in the plan or the next January 1st or July 1st, whichever occurs first. A party challenging the procedure or the formation of a voter-approved authority must file the challenge in writing by serving the prosecuting attorney of each county within, or partially within, the regional fire protection service authority and the attorney general within thirty days after the final certification of the election. Failure to challenge within that time forever bars further challenge of the authority's valid formation.
[ 2017 c 196 § 14; 2017 c 37 § 4; 2006 c 200 § 5; 2004 c 129 § 7.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2017 c 37 § 4 and by 2017 c 196 § 14, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
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 52.26 - Regional Fire Protection Service Authorities. › 52.26.080 - Organization and composition of governing board—Commissioner positions, districts.

RCW 52.26.080
Organization and composition of governing board—Commissioner positions, districts.
(1) The board shall adopt rules for the conduct of business. The board shall adopt bylaws to govern authority affairs, which may include:
(a) The time and place of regular meetings;
(b) Rules for calling special meetings;
(c) The method of keeping records of proceedings and official acts;
(d) Procedures for the safekeeping and disbursement of funds; and
(e) Any other provisions the board finds necessary to include.
(2) The governing board shall be determined by the plan. However, only elected officials of participating fire protection jurisdictions and elected commissioners of the authority as provided in subsection (3) of this section are eligible to serve on the board.
(3)(a) A regional fire protection service authority plan may create one or more regional fire protection service authority commissioner positions to serve on a governing board. The following provisions define the qualifications, compensation, terms, and responsibilities of regional fire protection service authority commissioner positions:
(i) RCW 52.14.010 governs the compensation, qualifications, and ability to serve as a volunteer firefighter;
(ii) RCW 52.14.030 governs the polling places for elections; and
(iii) RCW 52.14.050 governs commissioner vacancies.
(b) The terms of office for regional fire protection service authority commissioner positions may be established by the plan, however, no single term may exceed six years and the terms of multiple positions must be staggered.
(c) Regional fire protection service authority commissioners shall take an oath of office in the manner specified by RCW 52.14.070.
(4)(a) A regional fire protection service authority plan may create commissioner districts. If commissioner districts are created, the population of each commissioner district must be approximately equal. Commissioner districts must be redrawn as provided in chapter 29A.76 RCW.
(b) Commissioner districts shall be used as follows: (i) 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 (ii) only voters of a commissioner district may vote at a primary to nominate candidates for a commissioner of the commissioner district. All voters of the proposed authority must be eligible to vote at a general election to elect a commissioner of the commissioner district. If a plan includes elected officials from participating fire protection jurisdictions, the commissioner districts may be based, in part, on the jurisdictional boundaries of the participating jurisdictions.
[ 2011 c 141 § 3; 2004 c 129 § 8.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.26 - Regional Fire Protection Service Authorities. › 52.26.090 - Powers of governing board—Designation of some other person as treasurer, when authorized.

RCW 52.26.090
Powers of governing board—Designation of some other person as treasurer, when authorized.
(1) The governing board of the authority is responsible for the execution of the voter-approved plan. Participating jurisdictions shall review the plan every ten years. The board may:
(a) Levy taxes and impose benefit charges as authorized in the plan and approved by authority voters;
(b) Enter into agreements with federal, state, local, and regional entities and departments as necessary to accomplish authority purposes and protect the authority's investments;
(c) Accept gifts, grants, or other contributions of funds that will support the purposes and programs of the authority;
(d) Monitor and audit the progress and execution of fire protection and emergency service projects to protect the investment of the public and annually make public its findings;
(e) Pay for services and enter into leases and contracts, including professional service contracts;
(f) Hire, manage, and terminate employees; and
(g) Exercise powers and perform duties as the board determines necessary to carry out the purposes, functions, and projects of the authority in accordance with this title if one of the fire protection jurisdictions is a fire district, unless provided otherwise in the regional fire protection service authority plan, or in accordance with the statutes identified in the plan if none of the fire protection jurisdictions is a fire district.
(2) An authority with more than $10,000,000 in annual revenues for the preceding three years, or an authority that is being formed by participating jurisdictions that cumulatively had more than $10,000,000 in annual revenues for three years prior to the formation of the authority, may designate by resolution some other person having experience in financial or fiscal matters as the treasurer of the authority. 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 fire district and the county auditor with regard to district financial matters under chapter 52.16 RCW and other applicable statutes.
(3) An authority may enforce fire codes as provided under chapter 19.27 RCW.
[ 2022 c 90 § 4; 2006 c 200 § 6; 2004 c 129 § 9.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.26 - Regional Fire Protection Service Authorities. › 52.26.120 - Dissolution of fire protection district—Election—Transfer of responsibilities.

RCW 52.26.120
Dissolution of fire protection district—Election—Transfer of responsibilities.
Any fire protection district within the authority may be dissolved by a majority vote of the registered electors of the district at an election conducted by the election officials of the county or counties in which the district is located in accordance with the general election laws of the state. The proceedings for dissolution may be initiated by the adoption of a resolution by the board. The dissolution of the district shall not cancel outstanding obligations of the district or of a local improvement district within the district, and the county legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties in which the district was located may make annual levies against the lands within the district until the obligations of the districts are paid. All powers, duties, and functions of a dissolved fire protection jurisdiction within the authority boundaries, pertaining to providing fire protection services may be transferred, by resolution, to the regional fire protection service authority.
[ 2004 c 129 § 12.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.26 - Regional Fire Protection Service Authorities. › 52.26.130 - Debt—Interlocal contracts—General obligation bonds.

RCW 52.26.130
Debt—Interlocal contracts—General obligation bonds.
(1) An authority may incur general indebtedness for authority purposes, issue bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness not to exceed an amount, together with any outstanding nonvoter approved general obligation debt, equal to three-fourths of one percent of the value of the taxable property within the authority. The maximum term of the obligations may not exceed twenty years. The obligations may pledge benefit charges and may pledge payments to an authority from the state, the federal government, or any fire protection jurisdiction under an interlocal contract. The interlocal contracts pledging revenues and taxes are binding for a term not to exceed twenty-five years, and taxes or other revenue pledged by an interlocal contract may not be eliminated or modified if it would impair the pledge of the contract.
(2) An authority may also issue general obligation bonds for capital purposes not to exceed an amount, together with any outstanding general obligation debt, equal to one and one-half percent of the value of the taxable property within the authority. The authority may provide for the retirement of the bonds by excess property tax levies. The voters of the authority must approve a proposition authorizing the bonds and levies by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of those voting on the proposition at an election. At the election, the total number of persons voting must constitute not less than forty percent of the voters in the authority who voted at the last preceding general state election. The maximum term of the bonds may not exceed twenty-five years. Elections shall be held as provided in RCW 39.36.050.
(3) Obligations of an authority shall be issued and sold in accordance with chapters 39.46 and 39.50 RCW, as applicable.
[ 2006 c 200 § 10; 2004 c 129 § 14.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.26 - Regional Fire Protection Service Authorities. › 52.26.140 - Levy of taxes—Levies authorized by special election—Indebtedness—Definition.

RCW 52.26.140
Levy of taxes—Levies authorized by special election—Indebtedness—Definition.
(1) To carry out the purposes for which a regional fire protection service authority is created, as authorized in the plan and approved by the voters, the governing board of an authority may annually levy the following taxes:
(a) An ad valorem tax on all taxable property located within the authority not to exceed fifty cents per thousand dollars of assessed value;
(b) An ad valorem tax on all property located within the authority 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. This levy, or any portion of this 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; and
(c) An ad valorem tax on all taxable property located within the authority not to exceed fifty cents per thousand dollars of assessed value if the authority has at least one full-time, paid employee, or contracts with another municipal corporation for the services of at least one full-time, paid employee. This 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 or statutory limitations or both.
(2) Levies in excess of the amounts provided in subsection (1) of this section or in excess of the aggregate dollar rate limitations or both may be made for any authority purpose when so authorized at a special election under RCW 84.52.052. Any such tax when levied must 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 authority fund or funds as provided by law, and must be paid out on warrants of the auditor of the county in which all, or the largest portion of, the authority is located, upon authorization of the governing board of the authority.
(3) Authorities may provide for the retirement of general indebtedness by excess property tax levies as set forth in RCW 52.26.130.
(4) For purposes of this chapter, the term "value of the taxable property" has the same meaning as in RCW 39.36.015.
[ 2006 c 200 § 11; 2004 c 129 § 15.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.26 - Regional Fire Protection Service Authorities. › 52.26.150 - Levy of taxes—To be made by county or counties where authority is located.

RCW 52.26.150
Levy of taxes—To be made by county or counties where authority is located.
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 regional fire protection service authority is located shall make the required levies for authority purposes against the real and personal property in the authority in accordance with the equalized valuations of the property for general tax purposes and as a part of the general taxes. The tax levies are part of the general tax roll and must be collected as a part of the general taxes against the property in the authority.
[ 2004 c 129 § 16.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.26 - Regional Fire Protection Service Authorities. › 52.26.160 - Taxation of lands lying within authority and forest protection assessment area.

RCW 52.26.160
Taxation of lands lying within authority and forest protection assessment area.
In the event that lands lie within both a regional fire protection service authority and a forest protection assessment area they shall be taxed and assessed as follows:
(1) If the lands are wholly unimproved, they are subject to forest protection assessments but not to authority levies;
(2) If the lands are wholly improved, they are subject to authority levies but not to forest protection assessments; and
(3) If the lands are partly improved and partly unimproved, they are subject both to authority levies and to forest protection assessments. However, 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 are subject only to forest protection assessments.
[ 2004 c 129 § 17.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.26 - Regional Fire Protection Service Authorities. › 52.26.170 - Collection of taxes.

RCW 52.26.170
Collection of taxes.
It is the duty of the county treasurer of the county in which the regional fire protection service authority created under this chapter is located to collect taxes authorized and levied under this chapter. However, when a regional fire protection service authority is located in more than one county, the county treasurer of each county in which the authority is located shall collect the regional fire protection service authority's taxes that are imposed on property located within the county and transfer these funds to the treasurer of the county in which the majority of the authority lies.
[ 2004 c 129 § 18.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 52 - Fire Protection Districts › Chapter 52.26 - Regional Fire Protection Service Authorities. › 52.26.190 - Benefit charges—Exemptions.

RCW 52.26.190
Benefit charges—Exemptions.
All personal property not assessed and subjected to ad valorem taxation under Title 84 RCW, all property under contract or for which the regional fire protection service authority is receiving payment for as authorized by law, all property subject to chapter 54.28 RCW, and all property that is subject to a contract for services with an authority, is exempt from the benefit charge imposed under this chapter.
[ 2004 c 129 § 25.]