House won't vote on MLIRD bill
OLYMPIA - The Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation (MLIRD) reform bill will not be voted on by the state House of Representatives.
The House Ways and Means Committee did not advance the bill in time for the legislative deadline.
"This bill would have increased transparency and voter equality, while requiring the district to ask property owners' permission before increasing assessments above the current rate," stated bill sponsor Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake. "I'm disappointed the house lacked the political will to advance these much-needed reforms this session, but I will continue to work with stakeholders to examine new ideas and put them forward for the 2013 session."
The bill proposed changing voting methods and the process to increase property tax to fund the district.
If passed, the bill would change the procedure from land owners casting one vote per parcel of land they own within the district to one vote per land owner regardless of the number of parcels.
The bill would have allowed MLIRD elections to be by mail and all property tax increases would require approval by district members.
The fast pace of the creation and advancement of the bill through the Senate caused contention amongst district residents and board members. Many voiced opposition to the bill, including board member Ron Covey. Most sought public hearings on the proposed changes.
The bill stems from board member Mick Hansen, who traveled to Olympia to have the bill introduced into the Senate.
The state Senate passed it 46-1.
The bill was moved to the House, where it was then passed by the House Local Government Committee 7-2.
Holmquist Newbry stated the bill was "rerouted" from the House Rules Committee to the House Ways and Means Committee.
When the House Ways and Means Committee did not advance the bill, it became ineligible for further consideration during the 2012 legislative session. The session ends March 8.
The senator stated she wishes to form a stakeholder taskforce to hold hearings and gather input from the community.
"To the many ratepayers who have requested these taxpayer protections, I assure you I will continue to meet with stakeholders this interim and come back to the legislature with a solution that will lead to increased transparency and taxpayer safeguards in the near future," stated Holmquist Newbry.
The senator stated she wants to work with the public and address concerns "that have been highlighted in local media since 2010 and by the many constituents who contacted her."
Once the legislative session ends, Holmquist Newbry stated she will announce details about public hearings and work sessions regarding state efforts for MLIRD reform.
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