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Minutes for HB2188 - Committee on Local Government
Short Title
Dissolving the White Clay watershed district no. 26, city of Atchison assumes obligations and amending the tax lid relating to the dissolution of any taxing subdivision.
Minutes Content for Mon, Feb 18, 2019
Hearing on: HB2188 - Dissolving the White Clay watershed district no. 26, city of Atchison assumes obligations and amending the tax lid relating to the dissolution of any taxing subdivision.
The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and opened the hearing for HB 2188.
Staff Mike Heim briefed the Committee on the bill; he explained that the bill authorized the City of Atchison to assume responsibility for the maintenance and repair of the White Clay watershed District No. 26 on or after January 1, 2020, at which time the water district would be dissolved. The city would acquire the property, assume any debts, and become the successor to the watershed district. Mr. Heim also noted that the bill contains a provision identical to HB 2063. This provision would make exempt a tax levy increase resulting from the dissolution of one taxing entity and transfer of its responsibilities to another city or county from the provisions of the property tax lid requiring a city or county election as long as the levy increase does not exceed the prior levy of the dissolved entity, and stated if HB2188 bill is passed, the language from HB 2063 and HB 2188 will be reconciled at the end of the legislative session. Joe Warren, Director of Administration Services, City of Atchison, testified in support of the bill (Attachment 1). He commented that, through an agreement dating back to 1966, the City of Atchison owns, insures, and maintains the 25 dams within the water district. In addition, finding individuals willing to serve on the water district board has been increasingly difficult. Since the City bears all the expense for administration, eliminating the district will make budgeting simpler for the City. Responding to a question, Mr. Warren replied that the district's tax-levy funds (2.5 mils) come to the City.
Trey Cocking, Deputy Director, Kansas League of Municipalities, spoke in support of the bill (Attachment 2). He noted that this bill will reflect work done last year through HB 2626 to allow smaller units of government to dissolve into a city or county.
The Chair closed the hearing on HB 2188.
A motion was made by Representative Clark to suspend the Committee's rules and advance HB 2188 to final action. Seconded by Representative Long, the motion passed.
Representative Curtis expressed concern about suspending the rules; however, noting the time restraints on the Committee to address the bills before it, she would support the motion.
A motion was made by Representative Bergquist, seconded by Representative Capps, and passed unanimously by the Committee to recommend the bill as favorable for passage.
