Opinion ID: 2600008
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: LID formation and assessments

Text: ¶ 6 To pay the costs of special construction, reconstruction, betterment or improvement or purchase or acquisition of improvements already constructed, RCW 87.03.480, an irrigation district's board of directors may initiate the process to form an LID, RCW 87.03.485. The board must adopt a resolution specifying the lands proposed to be included... or by describing the exterior boundaries. Id. The resolution must describe the proposed improvement to be built and set a time and place for a public hearing on the matter. Id. The resolution must state that unless a majority of the holders of title or of evidence of title to lands within the proposed local improvement district file their written protest at or before said hearing, consent to the improvement will be implied. Id. A copy of the resolution must be published and also mailed to owners of property within the proposed LID boundaries. Id. If, after a hearing, the district board decides to move forward with the improvement, the board shall enter an order establishing the boundaries of the improvement district. RCW 87.03.490. ¶ 7 After the board establishes the LID, the irrigation district must pay for the improvement costs, operations, and maintenance by levying a special assessment on the LID properties in proportion to the benefits accruing thereto. RCW 87.03.495. The levy and calculation of the assessments must be in the manner provided by law for the levy and collection of land assessments or toll assessments. Id. If the LID properties are unable to pay any bonds sold to pay for the improvement, the amount delinquent shall be paid by the general warrants of the irrigation district at large. RCW 87.03.500.