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title-85•Title 85 RCW — Diking and Drainage
Any portion of a county requiring diking may be organized into a diking district, and when so organized, such district, and the board of commissioners hereinafter provided for, shall have and possess the power herein conferred or that may hereafter be conferred by law upon such district and board of commissioners, and said district shall be known and designated as diking district No. . . . . (here insert number) of the county of . . . . . . (here insert the name of county) of the state of Washington, and shall have the right to sue and be sued by and in the name of its board of commissioners hereinafter provided for, and shall have perpetual succession, and shall adopt and use a seal. The commissioners hereinafter provided for, and their successors in office, shall, from the time of the organization of such diking district, have the power, and it shall be their duty, to manage and conduct the business and affairs of the district; make and execute all necessary contracts, employ and appoint such agents, officers and employees as may be required, and prescribe their duties, and perform such other acts as hereinafter provided, or that may hereafter be provided by law.
[ 1921 c 146 s 1; 1895 c 117 s 1; RRS s 4236. Cf. 1888 p 90 s 1; Code 1881 s 2519. Formerly RCW 85.04.005, part. ]
Diking districts shall possess the authority and shall be created, district voting rights shall be determined, and district elections shall be held as provided in chapter 85.38 RCW.
[ 1985 c 396 s 31. ]
All diking districts organized under the provisions of this act shall have the right of eminent domain with the power by and through its board of commissioners to cause to be condemned and appropriated private property for the use of said organization, in the construction and maintenance of a system of dikes and make just compensation therefor; that the property of private corporations may be subjected to the same rights of eminent domain as private individuals, and said board of commissioners shall have the power to acquire by purchase all of the real property necessary to make the improvements provided for by this act. All diking districts and the commissioners thereof now organized and existing, and all diking districts hereafter to be organized, and the commissioners thereof shall have in addition to the rights, powers and authority now conferred by any law of this state:
(1) The right, power and authority to straighten, widen, deepen and improve any and all rivers, watercourses or streams, whether navigable or otherwise, flowing through or located within the boundaries of such diking district, or any rivers, watercourses or streams which shall at any time by their overflow damage the land within the boundaries of any such diking district.
(2) To construct all needed and auxiliary dikes, drains, ditches, canals, flumes, locks and all other necessary artificial appliances, wherever situated, in the construction of a diking system and which may be necessary or advisable to protect the land in any diking district from overflow, or to provide an efficient system of drainage for the land situated within such diking district, or to assist and become necessary in the preservation and maintenance of such diking system.
(3) In the accomplishment of the foregoing objects, the commissioners of such diking districts are hereby given, in addition to the right and power of eminent domain now conferred by law upon the commissioners of any diking district, the right, power and authority by purchase, or the exercise of the power and authority of eminent domain, or otherwise, to acquire all necessary or needed rights-of-way in the straightening, deepening or widening of such rivers, watercourses or streams, and such auxiliary drains, ditches or canals hereinabove mentioned, and when so acquired shall have and are hereby given the right, power and authority, by and with the consent and approval of the United States government, in cases where such consent is necessary, to divert, alter or change the bed or course of any such river, watercourse or stream aforesaid, or to deepen or widen the same.
All diking districts and the commissioners thereof are further given the right, power and authority to join and contract with any other diking district or districts for the joint construction of any of the foregoing works, appliances, or improvements, whether such works, appliances or improvements are located within the boundaries of any or all of the contracting districts.
[ 1939 c 117 s 1; 1915 c 153 s 1; 1907 c 95 s 1; 1895 c 117 s 7; RRS s 4243. Prior: 1883 p 30 s 1; Code 1881 s 2523. Formerly RCW 85.04.410. ]
Before entering upon the construction of any system of drainage for the land situated within such diking district, the commissioners thereof shall adopt a resolution which shall contain a brief and general description of the proposed improvement, a statement that the costs thereof shall be paid by warrants drawn and payable in like manner as for the original construction of the dikes of such district, and fixing a time and place within such district for hearing objections to such proposed improvement or for the proposed method of paying the costs thereof. The time so fixed shall be not less than thirty days or more than sixty days from the date said resolution shall be adopted. Such resolution may be adopted by the commissioners upon their own motion and it shall be their duty to adopt such resolution at any time when a petition signed by the owners of sixty percent or more of the acreage within such diking district is presented, requesting them to do so.
[ 1915 c 153 s 2; RRS s 4244. Formerly RCW 85.04.450. ]
Notice of the hearing shall be given by posting in three public places within the district a true copy of the resolution signed by the commissioners of the diking district and attested with the seal thereof, which notice shall be posted for at least ten days prior to the day fixed in the resolution for the hearing. Notice shall also be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the district at least ten days before the date of the hearing.
[ 1985 c 469 s 67; 1915 c 153 s 3; RRS s 4245. Formerly RCW 85.04.455. ]
At the time fixed, the commissioners shall meet and if no objections have been made to the proposed improvement or to the proposed method of paying the costs thereof, they shall adopt an order reciting that fact and shall thereupon proceed to construct such system of drainage and pay the costs thereof in accordance with the terms specified in the resolution.
[ 1915 c 153 s 4; RRS s 4246. Formerly RCW 85.04.460, part. ]
But if objections in writing are filed either to the proposed improvement or to the proposed method of paying the costs thereof, the commissioners shall proceed to hear and consider the same and may, thereupon, order that such proposed improvement be abandoned for the time being or may direct such improvement to be constructed and the order of the commissioners in that regard shall be final and conclusive on all parties interested: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That no such proceeding shall be abandoned unless the owners of at least twenty-five percent of the acreage within said district shall have at or prior to said hearing, filed protests against the same. But nothing contained in *this act shall be held to forbid the commissioners in their discretion overruling all protests and directing the construction of such improvement.
Commissioners shall likewise hear and consider all objections that may be filed to the proposed method of paying the cost of such improvement.
[ 1915 c 153 s 5; RRS s 4247. Formerly RCW 85.04.460, part. ]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: "this act" appears in 1915 c 153 codified as RCW 85.05.070 through 85.05.079. See also reviser's note following chapter digest.
In case the commissioners at such hearing shall determine that the benefits accruing to any lot or parcel of lands within said district by reason of the construction of such drainage system are greater or less than the amount theretofore fixed in the original or any subsequent proceeding for the construction of dikes, they shall determine the amount of such benefits to each lot or parcel of land and certify their findings and determination in that regard to the county auditor and the county auditor shall note the same on the transcript of the judgment (and in case there has been any readjustment of assessments of such diking district, then upon such transcript as readjusted).
[ 1915 c 153 s 6; RRS s 4248. Formerly RCW 85.04.465. ]
Any person deeming himself or herself aggrieved by the assessment for benefits made against any lot or parcel of land owned by him or her, may appeal therefrom to the superior court for the county in which the diking district is situated; such appeal shall be taken within the time and substantially in the manner prescribed by the laws of this state for appeals from justices' courts and all notices of appeal shall be filed with the said board, and the board of diking commissioners shall at the appellant's expense certify to the superior court so much of the record as appellant may request, and the hearing in said superior court shall be de novo, and the superior court shall have power and authority to reverse or modify the determination of the commissioners and to certify the result of its determination to the county auditor and shall have full power and authority to do anything in the premises necessary to adjust the assessment upon the lots or parcels of land involved in the appeal in accordance with the benefits.
[ 2013 c 23 s 382; 1915 c 153 s 7; RRS s 4249. Formerly RCW 85.04.475, part. ]
In all cases wherein it is finally determined that the assessments for the system of drainage differ from the assessment theretofore made, as to any tract or parcel of land within said diking district, the diking commissioners in making their annual estimate shall segregate the amount necessary to be raised for the construction, repair and maintenance of the system of drainage or for the payment of the principal or interest of any bonds issued for drainage purposes from the amount necessary to be raised for all other diking purposes and the county auditor in apportioning said estimate for drainage purposes to the lands in such district shall base such apportionment upon the assessment fixed for drainage purposes and shall apportion the remainder of such estimate upon the basis fixed in the original or any subsequent proceeding for all other diking purposes. But in all other cases, the estimate and apportionment shall be made in accordance with existing laws.
[ 1915 c 153 s 8; RRS s 4250. Formerly RCW 85.04.470. ]
Authority is hereby given to any diking district heretofore organized, or that may be hereafter organized, to issue bonds of such diking district for the purpose of procuring funds with which to construct a drainage system, such bonds to be issued in accordance with the terms of *RCW 85.05.480.
[ 1915 c 153 s 9; RRS s 4251. Formerly RCW 85.04.480. ]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 85.05.480 was repealed by 1986 c 278 s 46.
Either the dike commissioners or any landowner who has appealed to the superior court in accordance with the provisions of *this act may seek appellate review within the time and in the manner prescribed by existing law.
[ 1988 c 202 s 72; 1971 c 81 s 156; 1915 c 153 s 10; RRS s 4252. Formerly RCW 85.04.475, part. ]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: "this act," see note following RCW 85.05.074.
Severability—1988 c 202: See note following RCW 2.24.050.
The right, power and authority to acquire the necessary and needed rights-of-way for any and all purposes now existing by law or created by this act, may be acquired by the commissioners of any diking district over, across and upon any land, or interest therein, of the state of Washington or any county of this state, and streets, avenues, alleys or public places of any city, town or municipal corporation of this state: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That the construction of such dike or dikes shall not have the effect of impairing any right, power or authority now existing on the part of any city or town to construct in, upon, underneath, above or across such dike or dikes, sewers, water pipes, mains, or the granting of any franchise thereon, or the improvement by way of planking, replanking, paving, repaving or any other power, right or authority which but for this act such city or town would have in or to such street, avenue, alley or public place; except, however, that such right, power or authority on behalf of such city or town shall not be exercised either by such city or town or by any person, persons, firms or corporations to whom it might grant any right or franchise, which will materially impair the efficiency of such dike or dikes. The provisions of this section as regards said system of dikes to be located within the boundaries of any incorporated city or town shall apply to the extension or enlargement of any dike or dikes already existing upon, over and across any street, avenue, alley or public place of any city or town, as well as the original construction thereof.
[ 1907 c 95 s 2; RRS s 4253. Formerly RCW 85.04.415. ]
In all proceedings hereafter had to organize diking districts, all notices, petitions or proceedings shall contain and set forth all matters and things required by existing law, and in addition thereto shall contain and set forth, so far as is necessary or applicable, all matters and things required by the provisions of this act, and all diking districts now existing, which may exercise any of the rights, powers or authority conferred by the provisions of this act, the proceedings to obtain the benefits hereof, must contain such allegations, and such steps and proceedings must be taken, as is rendered necessary by the provisions of this act; and the commissioners of existing diking districts are hereby given the right, power and authority to institute all proceedings and to take all necessary steps to secure the benefits of the provisions of this act, and all proceedings to secure the benefits thereof and all judgments to be rendered in such proceedings, including the filing of transcripts and the making of levies, and all other proceedings, shall be in addition to proceedings, assessments or levies, theretofore made in any prior proceedings.
[ 1907 c 95 s 3; RRS s 4254. ]
All the right, title and interest of the state of Washington in and to so much of the beds and shores of any navigable river, stream, waterway or watercourse located within the boundaries of any diking district up to and including the line of ordinary high tide in waters where the tide ebbs and flows, and up to and including the line of ordinary high water within the banks of all navigable rivers and lakes, to the extent that the same under any proceedings to be had under this act shall cease to become a part of such river, stream, waterway or watercourse by reason of the diversion of such river, stream, waterway or watercourse, under any proceedings had under this act, are hereby given, granted and vested in the respective diking districts now existing or hereafter to be formed; and the commissioners of such respective diking districts are hereby given the right, power and authority to sell such beds and shores in such manner and upon such notices and proceedings as govern, under existing laws of this state, the board of county commissioners in the sale and disposition of any real estate belonging to counties of this state. The proceeds of such sales are to be used for the benefits of such diking district in the payment of any expenses connected with the construction of such dikes or maintenance thereof: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That the commissioners of such diking district may, in their discretion, exchange such abandoned beds and shores for other property needed in the straightening, deepening or widening of such rivers, watercourses or streams; and which exchange may be made upon such terms, conditions and in such areas as in the discretion of such commissioners they may deem advisable and for the best interests of such diking district, without any notice or other formality of proceedings whatever.
[ 1907 c 95 s 4; RRS s 4255. Formerly RCW 85.04.445. ]
Whenever the county owns any land situated within the boundaries of a proposed diking district, the county auditor, when so directed by the board of county commissioners of the county in which such lands are situated, is hereby authorized to sign the petition praying for the formation of such diking district for and on behalf and as the act and deed of such county, and when so signed the same shall be considered in determining the question of a majority signature in acreage to the petition for the formation of such district.
[ 1907 c 95 s 5; RRS s 4256. Formerly RCW 85.04.430. ]
The board of dike commissioners shall consist of three elected commissioners. The initial commissioners shall be appointed, and the elected commissioners elected, as provided in chapter 85.38 RCW. The board of dike commissioners shall have the exclusive charge of the construction and maintenance of all dikes or dike systems which may be constructed within the district, and shall be the executive officers thereof, with full power to bind the district by their acts in the performance of their duties, as provided by law.
[ 1985 c 396 s 37; 1921 c 146 s 5; 1895 c 117 s 8; RRS s 4257. Cf. 1883 p 31 s 2; Code 1881 s 2527. Formerly RCW 85.04.045, part. ]
Whenever it is desired to prosecute the construction of a system of dikes within said district, said district, by and through its board of commissioners, shall file a petition in the superior court of the county in which said district is located, setting forth therein the route over which the same is to be constructed, with a complete description thereof, together with specifications for its construction, with all necessary plats and plans thereof, together with the estimated cost of such proposed improvement, showing therein the names of the landowners whose lands are to be benefited by such proposed improvement; the number of acres owned by each landowner, and the maximum amount of benefits per acre to be derived by each landowner set forth therein from the construction of said proposed improvement, and that the same will be conducive to the public health, convenience and welfare, and increase the value of all of said property for purposes of public revenue. Said petition shall further set forth the names of the landowners through whose land the right-of-way is desired for the construction of said dikes; the amount of land necessary to be taken therefor, and an estimate of the value of said lands so sought to be taken for such right-of-way, and the damages sustained by any person or corporation interested therein, if any, by reason of such appropriation, irrespective of the benefits to be derived by such landowners by reason of the construction of said system. Such estimate shall be made, respectively, to each person through whose land said right-of-way is sought to be appropriated. Said petition shall set forth as defendants therein all the persons or corporations to be benefited by said improvement, and all persons or corporations through whose land the right-of-way is sought to be appropriated, and all persons or corporations having any interest therein, as mortgagee or otherwise, appearing of record, and shall set forth that said proposed system of dikes is necessary for the protection of all the lands from overflow described in said petition, and that all lands sought to be appropriated for said right-of-way are necessary to be used as a right-of-way in the construction and maintenance of said improvements; and when the proposed improvement will protect or benefit the whole or any part of any public or corporate road or railroad, so that the traveled track or roadbed thereof will be improved by the construction of said dikes, such fact shall be set forth in said petition, and such public or private corporations owning said road or railroad shall be made parties defendant therein, and the maximum amount of benefits to be derived from such proposed improvement shall be estimated in said petition against said road or railroad.
[ 1895 c 117 s 9; RRS s 4258. Formerly RCW 85.04.050, part. ]
In the preparation of the facts and data to be inserted in said petition and filed therewith for the purpose of presenting the matter to the said superior court, the board of commissioners of said diking district may employ one or more good and competent surveyors and drafters to assist them in compiling data required to be presented to the court with said petition as hereinbefore provided, and such legal assistance as may be necessary, with full power to bind said district for the compensation of such assistants or employees employed by them, and such services shall be taxed as costs in the suit.
[ 2013 c 23 s 383; 1895 c 117 s 10; RRS s 4259. Formerly RCW 85.04.055, part. ]
A summons stating briefly the objects of the petition and containing a description of the land, real estate, premises or property sought to be appropriated, and those which it is claimed will be benefited by the improvement, and stating the court wherein the petition is filed, the date of the filing thereof and when the defendants are required to appear (which shall be ten days, exclusive of the day of service, if served within the county in which the petition is pending, and if in any other county, then twenty days after such service, and if served by publication, then within thirty days from the date of the first publication), shall be served on each and every person named therein as owner, encumbrancer, tenant or otherwise interested therein. The summons must be subscribed by the commissioners, or their attorney, running in the name of the state of Washington and directed to the defendants; and service thereof shall be made by delivering a copy of such summons to each of the persons or parties so named therein, if a resident of the state, or in case of the absence of such person or party from his or her usual place of abode, by leaving a copy of the notice at his or her usual place of abode; or in case of a foreign corporation, at its principal place of business in this state with some person of more than sixteen years of age; in case of domestic corporations service shall be made upon the president, secretary or other director or trustee of the corporation; in case of persons under eighteen years of age, on their guardians, or in case no guardian shall have been appointed, then on the person who has the care and custody of the person; in case of idiots, lunatics or insane persons, on their guardian, or in case no guardian shall have been appointed, then on the person in whose care or charge they are found. *In case the land, real estate, premises or other property sought to be appropriated, or which it is claimed will be benefited by the improvement, is state, tide, school or county land, the summons shall be served on the auditor of the county in which the land, real estate, premises or other property sought to be appropriated, or which it is claimed will be benefited, is situated. In all cases where the owner or person claiming an interest in the real or other property is a nonresident of this state, or where the residence of the owner or person is unknown, and an affidavit of one or more of the commissioners of the district shall be filed that owner or person is a nonresident of this state, or that after diligent inquiry his residence is unknown or cannot be ascertained by such deponent, service may be made by publication thereof in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where such lands are situated once a week for three successive weeks. The publication shall be deemed service upon each nonresident person or persons whose residence is unknown. The summons may be served by any competent person eighteen years of age or over. Due proof of service of the summons by affidavit of the person serving the same, or by the printer's affidavit of publication, shall be filed with the clerk of the court before the court shall proceed to hear the matter. Want of service of the notice shall render the subsequent proceedings void as to the person not served; but all persons or parties having been served with summons as herein provided, either by publication or otherwise, shall be bound by the subsequent proceedings. In all cases not otherwise provided for, service of notice, order and other papers in the proceeding authorized by this chapter may be made as the superior court, or the judge thereof, may direct: PROVIDED, That personal service upon any party outside of this state shall be of like effect as service by publication.
[ 1985 c 469 s 68; 1971 ex.s. c 292 s 56; 1895 c 117 s 11; RRS s 4260. Formerly RCW 85.04.060, part. ]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: Subsequent legislation provides for service of summons on budget director (now director of financial management; chapter 43.41 RCW), see chapter 79.44 RCW; see also note following RCW 85.06.110.
Severability—1971 ex.s. c 292: See note following RCW 26.28.010.
Any or all of said defendants may appear jointly or separately, and admit or deny the allegations of said petition, and plead any affirmative matter in defense thereof, at the time and place appointed for hearing said petition, or to which the same may have been adjourned. If the court or judge thereof shall have satisfactory proof that all of the defendants in said action have been duly served with said summons, as above provided, and shall be further satisfied by competent proof that said improvement is practicable, and conducive to the public health, welfare, and convenience, and will increase the value of said lands for the purpose of public revenue, and that the contemplated use for which the land, real estate, premises, or other property sought to be appropriated is really a public use, and that the land, real estate, premises, or other property sought to be appropriated are required and necessary for the establishment of said improvement, the court or judge thereof shall cause a jury of twelve qualified persons to be impaneled to assess the damages and benefits as herein provided, if in attendance upon his or her court; and if not, he or she may, if satisfied that the public interests require the immediate construction of said improvement, direct the sheriff of his or her county to summon from the citizens of the county in which said petition is filed as many qualified persons as may be necessary in order to form a jury of twelve persons, unless the parties to the proceedings consent to a less number, such number to be not less than three, and such consent shall be entered by the clerk in the minutes of the trial. If necessary to complete the jury in any case, the sheriff, under direction of the court or judge thereof, shall summon as many qualified persons as may be required to complete the jury from the citizens of the county in which the petition is filed. In case a special jury is summoned, the cost thereof shall be taxed as part of the costs in the proceeding, and paid by the district seeking to appropriate said land, the same as other costs in the case; and no person shall be competent as a juror who is a resident of, or landowner in, the district seeking to appropriate said land. The jurors at such trial shall make in each case a separate assessment of damages which shall result to any person, corporation or company, or to the state, by reason of the appropriation and use of such land, real estate, premises, or other property for said improvement, and shall ascertain, determine, and award the amount of damages to be paid to said owner or owners, respectively, and to all tenants, incumbrancers, and others interested, for the taking or injuriously affecting such land, real estate, premises, or other property for the establishment of said improvement; and shall further find the maximum amount of benefits, per acre, to be derived by each of the landowners from the construction of said improvement. And upon a return of the verdict into court, the same shall be recorded as in other cases; whereupon a decree shall be entered in accordance with the verdict so rendered, setting forth all the facts found by the jury, and decreeing that said right-of-way be appropriated, and directing the commissioners of said diking district to draw their warrant on the county treasurer for the amount awarded by the jury to each person, for damages sustained by reason of the establishment of said improvement, payable out of the funds of said diking district.
[ 2013 c 23 s 384; 1895 c 117 s 12; RRS s 4261. Formerly RCW 85.04.065, part. ]
RCW 85.38.140 through 85.38.170 constitute a mutually exclusive alternative method by which diking districts in existence as of July 28, 1985, may measure and impose special assessments and adopt budgets. RCW 85.38.150 through 85.38.170 constitute the exclusive method by which diking districts created after July 28,1985, may measure and impose special assessments and adopt budgets.
[ 1985 c 396 s 24. ]
In case the damages or amount of compensation for such right-of-way, together with the estimated cost of the improvement, amount to more than the maximum amount of benefits which will be derived from said improvement, or if said improvement is not practicable, or will not be conducive to the public health, welfare and convenience, or will not increase the public revenue, the court shall dismiss such proceedings, and in such case a judgment shall be rendered for the costs of said proceedings against said district, and no further proceedings shall be had or done therein; and upon the payment of the costs, said organization shall be dissolved by decree of said court.
[ 1895 c 117 s 14; RRS s 4263. Formerly RCW 85.04.070, part. ]
Any person or corporation claiming to be entitled to any money ordered paid by the court, as provided in this act, may apply to the court therefor, and upon furnishing evidence satisfactory to the court that he or she is entitled to the same, the court shall make an order directing the payment to such claimant of the portion of such money as he or she or it may be found entitled to; but if, upon application, the court or judge thereof shall decide that the title to the land, real estate, or premises specified in the application of such claimant is in such condition as to require that an action be commenced to determine the title of claimants thereto, it shall refuse such order until such action is commenced and the conflicting claims to such land, real estate, or premises be determined according to law.
[ 2013 c 23 s 386; 1895 c 117 s 15; RRS s 4264. Formerly RCW 85.04.210, part. ]
Upon the entry of the judgment upon the verdict of the jury, the clerk of said court shall immediately prepare a transcript, which shall contain a list of the names of all the persons and corporations benefited by said improvement and the amount of benefit derived by each, respectively, and shall duly certify the same, together with a list of the lands benefited by said improvement belonging to each person or corporation, and shall file the same with the auditor of the county, who shall immediately enter the same upon the tax rolls of his or her office, as provided by law for the entry of other taxes, against the land of each of the said persons named in said list, together with the amounts thereof, and the same shall be subject to the same interest and penalties in case of delinquency as in case of general taxes, and shall be collected in the same manner as other taxes and subject to the same right of redemption and the lands sold for the collection of said taxes shall be subject to the same right of redemption as in the sale of lands for general taxes: PROVIDED, That said assessment shall not become due and payable except at such time or times and in such amount as may be designated by the board of commissioners of said dike district, which designation shall be made to the county auditor by said board of commissioners of said diking district, by serving a written notice upon the county auditor designating the time and the amount of the assessment, said assessment to be in proportion to benefits, to become due and payable, which amount shall fall due at the time of the falling due of general taxes, and the amount so designated shall be added by the auditor to the general taxes of said person, persons, or corporations, according to said notice, upon the assessment rolls in his or her said office, and collected therewith: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That no one call for assessments by said commissioners shall be in an amount to exceed twenty-five percent of the actual amount necessary to pay the costs of the proceedings, and the establishment of said district and system of dikes and the cost of construction of said work.
[ 2013 c 23 s 387; 1895 c 117 s 16; RRS s 4265. Formerly RCW 85.04.080, part. ]
In the event of the dismissal of said proceedings and the rendition of judgment against said district, as hereinbefore provided, said diking commissioners shall levy a tax upon all of the real estate within said district, taking as a basis the last equalized assessment of said real estate for state and county purposes, sufficient to pay said judgment, and the cost of levying said tax, and shall cause said tax roll to be filed in the office of the clerk of the superior court in which such judgment was rendered. If said tax is not paid within sixty days after the filing of said tax roll, the court shall, upon the application of any party interested, direct said real estate to be sold in payment of said tax, said sale to be made in the same manner and by the same officer, as is or may be provided by law for the sale of real estate for taxes for general purposes; and the same rate of redemption shall exist as in the sale of real estate for the payment of taxes for general purposes.
[ 1895 c 117 s 17; RRS s 4266. Formerly RCW 85.04.075, part. ]
After the filing of said certificate said commissioners of such diking district shall proceed at once in the construction of said improvements, and in carrying on said construction or any extension thereof they shall have full charge and management thereof, and shall have the power to employ such assistance as they may deem necessary, and purchase all material that may be necessary in the construction and carrying on of the work of said improvement, and shall have power to let the whole or any portion of said work to any responsible contractor, and shall in such case enter into all necessary agreements with such contractor that may be necessary in the premises: PROVIDED, That in case the whole or any portion of said improvement is let to any contractor, said commissioners shall require such contractor to give a bond in double the amount of the contract price of the whole or of such portion of said work covered by such contract, with two or more good and sufficient sureties to be approved by the board of commissioners of said diking district and running to said district as obligee therein, conditioned for the faithful and accurate performance of said contract by said contractor, his or her executors, administrators, or assigns, according to the terms and conditions of said agreement, and shall cause said contractor to enter into a further and additional bond in the same amount, with two or more good and sufficient sureties to be approved by said board of commissioners of said diking district in the name of said district as obligee therein, conditioned that said contractor, his or her executors, administrators, or assigns, or subcontractor, his or her executors, administrators, or assigns, shall perform the whole or any portion of said work under contract of said original contractor; shall pay or cause to be paid all just claims of all persons performing labor or rendering services in the construction of said work, or furnishing materials, merchandise, or provisions of any kind or character used by said contractor or subcontractor, or any employee thereof in the construction of said improvement: PROVIDED FURTHER, That no sureties on said last mentioned bond shall be liable thereon unless the persons or corporations performing said labor and furnishing said materials, goods, wares, merchandise, and provisions, shall, within ninety days after the completion of such improvement, file their claim, duly verified, that the amount is just and due and remains unpaid, with the commissioners of said diking district.
[ 2013 c 23 s 388; 1895 c 117 s 18; RRS s 4267. Formerly RCW 85.04.095, part. ]
The work on said improvement shall begin without delay, and shall be carried on with all expedition possible, and said board of commissioners of said diking district, or any contractor thereunder, shall have no power whatever to change the location of the dikes or the system of improvement or the manner of doing the work therein so as to make any radical changes in said improvement, without the written consent of all the landowners to be benefited thereby, and the landowners which may be damaged thereby. And in case any substantial changes in said system of improvement or the manner of the construction thereof shall be deemed necessary by said board of commissioners at any time during the progress thereof, and if the written consent to such changes cannot be procured from said landowners, then said commissioners, for and on behalf of said district, shall file a petition in the superior court of the county within which said district is located, setting forth therein the changes which they deem necessary to be made in the plans or manner of the construction of said improvement, and praying therein to be permitted to make such changes, and upon the filing thereof, the commissioners [clerk] shall cause a summons to be served, setting forth the prayer of said petition, under the seal of said court, which summons shall be served in the same manner as the service of summons in the case of the original petition, upon all the landowners or others claiming any lien thereon or interest therein appearing of record in said district, and any or all of such parties so served may appear in said cause and submit their objections thereto, and after the time for the appearance of said parties has expired, the court shall proceed to hear said petition at once without further delay, and if it appears during the course of such proceedings that the property rights of any of said landowners will be affected by such proposed change in said improvement, then the court, after having passed upon all preliminary questions as in the original proceedings, shall cause a jury to be impaneled as in the case of the original proceedings for the establishment of said improvement, and upon the final hearing of said cause the jury shall return a verdict finding the amount of damages, if any, sustained by all persons and corporations the same as upon the original petition, by reason of such proposed change, and the amount of compensation to be paid to any persons or corporations therefor, and for any additional right-of-way that may be necessary to be appropriated by reason of said proposed change, and shall readjust the amount of benefits claimed to have been increased or diminished by any of said landowners by reason of such proposed change in said improvement, and the proceedings thereafter shall be the same as to rendering judgment, appeal therefrom, payment of compensation and damages, and filing of the certificate with the auditor, as hereinbefore provided for in the proceedings under the original petition, and said commissioners shall have a right thereafter to proceed with the construction of said improvement according to the changes made therein.
[ 1895 c 117 s 19; RRS s 4268. Formerly RCW 85.04.100, part. ]
During the construction of said improvement said commissioners shall have the right to allow payment thereof, in installments as the work progresses, in proportion to the amount of work completed: PROVIDED, That no allowance or payment shall be made for said work to any contractor or subcontractor to exceed seventy-five percent of the proportionate amount of the work completed by such contractor or subcontractor, and twenty-five percent of the contract price shall be reserved at all times by said board of commissioners until such work is wholly completed, and shall not be paid upon the completion of said work until ninety days have expired for the presentation of all claims for labor performed and materials, goods, wares, merchandise and provisions furnished or used in the construction of said improvement; and upon the completion of said work and the payment of all claims hereinbefore provided for, according to the terms and conditions of said contract, said commissioners shall accept said improvement and pay the contract price therefor.
[ 1895 c 117 s 20; RRS s 4269. Formerly RCW 85.04.105, part. ]
In case any diking district organized under the provisions of this act desires to connect its system of dikes with the system of dikes of any other district theretofore organized or constructed, said last mentioned diking district shall be made a party defendant in the proceedings in the superior court for the establishment of the improvement proposed to be constructed by such first mentioned diking district, and the petition to be filed in said court, in addition to the facts to be set forth therein as hereinbefore provided for, shall set forth the further fact that said district is desirous of connecting its said system of dikes with the system of such other diking district, and shall set forth an estimate of the additional cost per annum, if any, for the future maintenance of the diking system so sought to be connected with, and also an estimate of the cost of any additional improvement in said system so sought to be connected with, if any, by reason of such connection, and shall also set forth the amount of compensation which should be made by said diking district for the privilege of connecting with the said system of dikes; and in case it shall be deemed necessary to enlarge or strengthen the system of dikes to be connected with by reason of such connection, there shall be filed with said petition, in addition to the plans, specifications and data hereinbefore provided to be filed, plans and specifications and the estimated cost of the proposed improvement to be made in the system sought to be connected with by reason of such connection, and the proceedings thereon shall be the same as in other cases for the establishment of diking districts under the provisions of this act: PROVIDED, That the jury shall, in addition to the other findings provided for in other cases under the provisions of this act, find the amount of compensation to be paid said district with whose system connection is sought to be made, for any additional cost, if any, which may be thrown upon said district by reason of the increased cost of maintenance by reason of such connection, and shall estimate the amount of such increased cost of maintenance per annum, and also the amount of compensation to be made to said district for the privilege of joining on to its system of dikes; the compensation to be made for the increased cost of maintenance shall be paid per annum out of the revenue derived from the assessments to be levied as in other cases, and the compensation to be made as may be found by the jury to said district whose system is sought to be connected with for the privilege thereof, shall be paid such district as damages are paid in other cases under the provisions of this act; and all amounts so paid to said district sought to be connected with, as compensation for the cost of maintenance, shall be used as an additional fund for the maintenance of said diking system of such district, and the amount of compensation paid for the privilege of connecting with the system of such district shall also be added to the general fund of said district, to be used for the payment of the cost of maintenance of the system of such district sought to be connected with.
[ 1895 c 117 s 21; RRS s 4270. Formerly RCW 85.04.435, part. ]
In case it shall be found necessary to enlarge or strengthen the system of dikes sought to be connected with, by reason of such connection, the jury shall determine the cost of such enlarging or strengthening, and said petitioner district shall have the right, by and through its representatives, assistants and employees, to make such improvement on the system of such other district as may have been found necessary upon the hearing of said petition, and the costs thereof shall be assessed against the landowners of said petitioner district to be benefited by the construction of said entire system, and no additional cost or burden, by reason of such improvement, shall be thrown upon the landowners of said district sought to be connected with.
[ 1895 c 117 s 22; RRS s 4271. Formerly RCW 85.04.435, part and 85.04.440. ]
Where any diking system is sought to be constructed by any district organized under the provisions of this act along any river or watercourse to prevent overflow therefrom, and it shall become necessary to provide against the washing away of the banks of said river or watercourse so as to prevent injury to such proposed diking system, or any system which may have already been completed, such district, by and through its board of commissioners, may make such portions of lands lying along said dikes which are threatened to be washed away by said river or watercourse part of the right-of-way of said dike system, and may construct along the banks of said river or watercourse, as a part of said diking system, such protection as may be necessary to protect said dike, and in such cases such tract or parcel of land may be condemned and appropriated under the law of eminent domain as provided herein as a part of the right-of-way of such dike system; and when not condemned or appropriated at the time said system is established and constructed, said diking district, by and through its board of commissioners, may, at any time thereafter, when any portion of said system is threatened to be washed away by such river or watercourse, file their petition with the court condemning and appropriating for the use of said district so much of the land lying along said river or watercourse as may be necessary to be used for the protection of said diking system, and the proceedings therein for the making of compensation therefor and the payment of damages by reason of such appropriation shall be the same, or as near as may be applicable, as other proceedings for the condemnation of right-of-way provided for in this act.
[ 1895 c 117 s 23; RRS s 4272. Formerly RCW 85.04.420, part. ]
Whenever any land is appropriated along the bank of any river or watercourse, as provided for in the last preceding section, the expenses of such appropriation, including the costs and damages to be paid therefor—when such appropriation is taken subsequently to the construction of any system of dikes under the provisions of this act—shall be added to the annual cost of the maintenance of said system and be paid as such, as provided herein.
[ 1895 c 117 s 24; RRS s 4273. Formerly RCW 85.04.420, part. ]
In the construction of any diking system under the provisions of this act, where it is desired to construct the same along the right-of-way of any public road which has theretofore been legally established, said district shall have a right to construct its dikes along such road: PROVIDED, That the dikes so constructed along such road shall not destroy or impair the same for the use of the public convenience as a public highway; and in case of the construction or improvement of any dike along any public highway, such dike shall be constructed of sufficient width and in such manner as will be conducive to the public as a public highway.
[ 1895 c 117 s 25; RRS s 4274. Formerly RCW 85.04.425. ]
Any town or city already incorporated, or which may hereafter be incorporated, may exercise the functions of a diking district under the provisions of this act, or the whole or any portion of any such town or city may be included with other territory in a common district under the provisions for the establishment thereof as provided for herein.
[ 1895 c 117 s 26; RRS s 4275. Formerly RCW 85.04.115, part. ]
On or before the first day of November of each year the diking commissioners shall, and on or before the first Monday in October of each year the drainage commissioners shall, make and certify to the county auditor an estimate of the cost of maintenance and repair of the improvement for the ensuing year. The amount thereof shall be levied against the land in the district in proportion to the maximum benefits assessed, and shall be added to the general taxes and collected therewith. If such estimate of the cost of maintenance and repair against any tract or contiguous tracts owned by one person or corporation is less than two dollars, then the county auditor shall levy such a minimum amount of two dollars against such tract or contiguous tracts, and upon the collection thereof as herein provided shall pay all sums collected into the maintenance and/or repair fund of the district. In case of an emergency the commissioners may incur additional obligations and issue warrants therefor in excess of the estimate.
[ 1959 c 209 s 10. Prior: (i) 1913 c 89 s 2; 1905 c 7 s 2; 1895 c 117 s 27; RRS s 4276. (ii) 1917 c 133 s 2; 1907 c 120 s 1; 1905 c 173 s 3; 1895 c 115 s 24; RRS s 4324. Formerly RCW 85.04.120. ]
The board of commissioners of such district shall elect one of their number chair and shall either elect one of their number, or appoint a voter of the district, as secretary, who shall keep minutes of all the district's proceedings. The board of commissioners may issue warrants of such district in payment of all claims of indebtedness against such district. Such warrants shall be in form and substance the same as county warrants and shall draw the legal rate of interest from the date of their presentation to the treasurer for payment, as hereinafter provided, and shall be signed by the chair and attested by the secretary of the board: PROVIDED, That no warrants shall be issued by the board of commissioners in payment of any indebtedness of such district for less than the face or par value.
[ 1991 c 245 s 35; 1985 c 396 s 38; 1895 c 117 s 28; RRS s 4277. Formerly RCW 85.04.040, part and RCW 85.04.165, part. ]
Special assessment bonds and notes shall be issued and sold in accordance with chapter 85.38 RCW.
[ 1986 c 278 s 23. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
All warrants issued under the provisions of this chapter shall be presented by the owners thereof to the county treasurer in accordance with chapter 36.29 RCW.
[ 1991 c 245 s 36; 1986 c 278 s 29; 1895 c 117 s 36; RRS s 4286. Formerly RCW 85.04.170, part. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
Whenever any diking district assessments levied under this act shall remain unpaid for a period of four years from the date when such assessment becomes due and payable, the diking district, which levied said assessment or assessments is hereby empowered and authorized, through its board of commissioners, to make application to the county treasurer of the county in which said diking district is located, for a certificate of delinquency to be issued to it for said delinquent assessments and delinquent interest thereon. And the county treasurer shall issue to said diking district a certificate of delinquency in the same manner and form as to an individual: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That it shall not be necessary or required for said diking district to pay to said county treasurer any part or portion of said delinquent assessments or interest thereon, but payment of general taxes and interest due upon said general taxes, upon said diked lands will be sufficient payment by said diking district to entitle it to have said certificate of delinquency issued to it. Said diking district shall be empowered to foreclose said certificate or certificates and take title in said district the same as delinquent tax certificates are foreclosed by individuals. After acquiring title to any such lands through such foreclosure proceedings, the diking district, through its commissioners, may offer for sale and sell all, or any part, of such lands, in the same manner as counties are authorized to offer for sale and sell lands acquired by counties through delinquent tax foreclosure sales; and to issue a deed of conveyance therefor to the purchaser, executed by the commissioners of the diking district in behalf of the district, and attested by the clerk of the district. All revenue derived by the diking district from the sale of any such lands shall be first used for the redemption of any bonds and interest outstanding against said diking district which is due and payable, and the remainder thereof, if any, shall be applied to the payment of maintenance warrants, or other indebtedness, of the district, which is due and owing, in the priority deemed best by the board of diking commissioners.
[ 1931 c 55 s 1; 1929 c 111 s 1; RRS s 4286-1. Formerly RCW 85.04.510, part. ]
For the purpose of raising funds to purchase certificates of delinquency each diking district is authorized to levy an annual assessment upon the acreage contained within the diking district at the same time and in the same manner as other assessments of the district are levied; and for the purpose of raising funds to purchase certificates of delinquency upon delinquent diking district assessments during the year 1929, each diking district is authorized to issue emergency warrants, the payment and redemption of which shall be provided for at regular annual meeting in the year 1929; and thereafter all amounts raised for the purchase of delinquent diking assessment certificates shall be provided for at the regular annual meeting set for such purpose.
[ 1929 c 111 s 2; RRS s 4286-2. Formerly RCW 85.04.515. ]
Any and all lands purchased and acquired by the diking district through foreclosure of delinquent assessment certificates shall, so long as owned by, or until sold by, such diking district, be exempt from general state and county taxes.
[ 1929 c 111 s 3; RRS s 4286-3. Formerly RCW 85.04.510, part. ]
Upon the trial of any questions of issue by a jury under the provisions of this act, the trial court may, in its discretion, submit all questions to be found by the jury in the form of separate findings, or may submit to such jury separate forms of verdict on all such questions to be found by the jury therein.
[ 1895 c 117 s 37; RRS s 4287. Formerly RCW 85.04.205, part. ]
All state, county, school district or other lands belonging to other public corporations requiring to be diked as a protection from overflow shall be subjected to the provisions of this act, and such corporations, by and through the proper authorities, shall be made parties in all proceedings therein affecting said lands and shall have the same rights and liable to the same right of eminent domain as private persons, and their lands shall be subject to the right of eminent domain the same as the lands of private persons or corporations.
[ 1895 c 117 s 38; RRS s 4288. Formerly RCW 85.04.110, part. ]
In case lands belonging to the state, county, school district or other public corporations are benefited by any improvement instituted under the provisions of this chapter, all benefits shall be assessed against such lands, and the same shall be paid by the proper authorities of such public corporations at the times and in the same manner as assessments are called and paid in case of private persons out of any general fund of such corporation; and also all costs of repair and maintenance of such diking system shall be levied against and apportioned to such lands of such public corporations, whether owned at the time of the original improvement or subsequently acquired either by deed through delinquent tax foreclosure or otherwise, in the same manner as such costs of repair and maintenance are levied against and apportioned to lands belonging to private persons, and the same shall also be paid out of any general fund of such corporation.
[ 1927 c 277 s 1; 1895 c 117 s 39; RRS s 4289. Formerly RCW 85.04.110, part. ]
Fees for service of all process necessary to be served under the provisions of this act shall be the same as for like services in other civil cases, or as is or may be provided by law.
[ 1895 c 117 s 40; RRS s 4290. Formerly RCW 85.04.200, part. ]
Members of the board of diking commissioners of any diking district in this state may receive as compensation the sum of up to ninety dollars for actual attendance at official meetings of the district and for each day or part thereof, or in performance of other official services or duties on behalf of the district and shall receive the same compensation as other labor of a like character for all other necessary work or services performed in connection with their duties: PROVIDED, That such compensation shall not exceed eight thousand six hundred forty dollars in one calendar year, except when the commissioners declare an emergency. Allowance of such compensation shall be established and approved at regular meetings of the board, and when a copy of the extracts of minutes of the board meeting relative thereto showing such approval is certified by the secretary of such board and filed with the county auditor, the allowance made shall be paid as are other claims against the district.
Each commissioner is entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses actually incurred in connection with such business, including subsistence and lodging, while away from the commissioner's place of residence, and mileage for use of a privately owned vehicle in accordance with chapter 42.24 RCW.
Any commissioner may waive all or any portion of his or her compensation payable under this section as to any month or months during his or her term of office, by a written waiver filed with the secretary as provided in this section. The waiver, to be effective, must be filed any time after the commissioner's election and prior to the date on which the compensation would otherwise be paid. The waiver shall specify the month or period of months for which it is made.
The dollar thresholds established in this section must be adjusted for inflation by the office of financial management every five years, beginning January 1, 2024, based upon changes in the consumer price index during that time period. "Consumer price index" means, for any calendar year, that year's annual average consumer price index, for Washington state, for wage earners and clerical workers, all items, compiled by the bureau of labor and statistics, United States department of labor. If the bureau of labor and statistics develops more than one consumer price index for areas within the state, the index covering the greatest number of people, covering areas exclusively within the boundaries of the state, and including all items shall be used for the adjustments for inflation in this section. The office of financial management must calculate the new dollar threshold and transmit it to the office of the code reviser for publication in the Washington State Register at least one month before the new dollar threshold is to take effect.
A person holding office as commissioner for two or more special purpose districts shall receive only that per diem compensation authorized for one of his or her commissioner positions as compensation for attending an official meeting or conducting official services or duties while representing more than one of his or her districts. However, such commissioner may receive additional per diem compensation if approved by resolution of all boards of the affected commissions.
[ 2020 c 83 s 8; 2007 c 469 s 8; 1998 c 121 s 8; 1991 c 349 s 20; 1985 c 396 s 39; 1974 ex.s. c 39 s 1; 1951 c 30 s 1; 1909 c 171 s 1; 1895 c 117 s 41; RRS s 4291. Formerly RCW 85.04.400. ]
The court may compel the performance of the duties imposed by this act and may, in its discretion, on proper application therefor, issue its mandatory injunction for such purpose.
[ 1895 c 117 s 42; RRS s 4292. ]
Whenever, in the judgment of a board of commissioners of any diking district heretofore or hereafter organized, real or personal property, or any part thereof, owned by said district, is no longer of use to or needed by such district, or if personal property has become obsolete, the same may be sold by the board of commissioners of said district at public or private sale.
[ 1955 c 342 s 2. Formerly RCW 85.04.550. ]
Whenever in the judgment of the commissioners of any diking district, it is advisable so to sell real or personal property, the board of commissioners of such district shall pass a resolution declaring its intention to make such sale, describing the property to be sold and stating the terms of such sale. The resolution shall set a date upon which the board shall meet, to determine whether or not such sale shall be made. Thereafter a copy of such declaratory resolution and a notice of hearing thereon shall be posted under the direction of the board, in three public places in such district at least ten days before the date of hearing. The notice shall state the time and place of hearing, describe the property to be sold and the terms of the proposed sale. In addition a copy of such resolution and of such notice of hearing thereon shall be published twice, at least two weeks prior to such proposed sale in some newspaper qualified for legal publication in accordance with the provisions of chapter 65.16 RCW, of general publication in the county in which such diking district is located.
[ 1955 c 342 s 3. Formerly RCW 85.04.551. ]
At the time set for hearing, or at any time to which said hearing may be adjourned, any district elector within such district may appear and file a written protest against the proposed action of the board, which protest shall state clearly the basis thereof. At such hearing, which shall be public, the board shall give full consideration to the proposed sale and all protests filed, either written or oral and on said date or at any adjourned date, take final action thereon by resolution of the board. This resolution shall provide that upon payment of the purchase price involved, conveyance of the property shall be made by a majority of the board of said district, by deed if the property be real property; by bill of sale if the property be personal property, conveying the property sold to the purchaser thereof, and such conveyance shall pass to the purchaser such title as the district has to the property.
[ 1955 c 342 s 4. Formerly RCW 85.04.552. ]
If protests be filed against such sale, such conveyance shall not be executed or delivered until more than ten days elapse from the date of the hearing at which the resolution directing the sale, was passed. If appeal be taken by a protestant from the action of the board, such conveyance shall not be executed until termination of proceedings on appeal is had, and then only if the result of such appeal does not prevent such sale.
[ 1955 c 342 s 5. Formerly RCW 85.04.553. ]
Any protestant who filed a protest prior to the final order of the board, may appeal from such final order, but to do so must within ten days from the date said order was entered, bring direct action in the superior court in the county wherein such district or portion thereof is situated, against such board of commissioners in their official capacity, which action shall be prosecuted under the procedure of civil actions, with appellate review as provided in civil actions. In any such action so brought, the order of the board shall be conclusive of the regularity and propriety of the proceedings, and all other matters, except it shall be open to attack upon the ground of fraud, unfair dealing, arbitrary or unreasonable action of the board.
[ 1988 c 202 s 73; 1971 c 81 s 158; 1955 c 342 s 6. Formerly RCW 85.04.554. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1988 c 202: See note following RCW 2.24.050.
Whenever the board of county commissioners have passed a resolution establishing a diking district and prior to the commencement or the completion of the work of such improvement, the county commissioners may, and at the request of the diking commission shall, at the time of levying taxes each year until the improvement has been completed and a statement of the total costs has been filed, levy an assessment against the property within the district to defray the preliminary expenses of the district; the levy to be based upon the estimated benefits as shown by the report of the county engineer on file with the auditor, if such report is on file, and if not, as shown by the certificate or resolution of the diking commissioners of said diking district. The assessment so made shall be credited to the respective pieces of property. The preliminary assessment herein provided for shall be levied and collected in the same manner as county and state taxes are levied and collected, which amount shall be credited to the construction fund and used for the redemption of warrants issued against the same, which warrants shall be called and paid in numerical order.
[ 1933 c 39 s 1; RRS s 4247-1. Formerly RCW 85.04.405, part. ]
Preliminary expenses shall mean all of the expenses incurred in the proceedings for the organization of said district and in other ways to be incurred prior to the beginning of actual construction of the improvement and shall be paid from the fund hereby created from time to time upon call of the treasurer.
[ 1933 c 39 s 2; RRS s 4247-2. Formerly RCW 85.04.405, part. ]
Where tide or other unsurveyed lands are reclaimed by a diking district and the owner of said lands shall desire to plat the same into lots, tracts or subdivisions, such plat shall specify and acknowledge the total benefits then a charge against each lot, tract or subdivision in said plat. Before a plat shall be approved or filed, same shall be submitted to the board of dike commissioners for their consideration. In case the owner and such board cannot agree as to the adjudged maximum benefits to be charged as the lien of the district and acknowledged to be such against each lot, tract or subdivision in such plat, any interested party may cause an action to be brought in the superior court of the county to have the just amount determined, and the decree of the court in such cause shall fix the amount of such lien and the same shall be conclusive and binding. In fixing the amount to be charged against the several lots, tracts and subdivisions, the adjudged benefits per acre, allowing credits for the benefits levied and paid at said time, shall be taken as the basis for determining the sum to be charged. The amount of adjudged benefits against property dedicated to the public for roads and highways in such plat shall be charged back against the abutting subdivisions and tracts in a just and equitable manner. All diking district assessments levied against the lands included in the plat shall be paid in full at the time said plat is approved. When approved such plat shall be filed with the county auditor of the county. Thereafter the lands within said plat shall be conveyed, assessed and taxed with reference to said plat.
[ 1925 ex.s. c 69 s 4; RRS s 4292-4. Formerly RCW 85.04.505. ]
Nothing in RCW 85.05.510 through 85.05.550 shall be construed as repealing or modifying any act or statute now in force pertaining to diking districts, but the rights and remedies hereby granted shall be deemed cumulative as to the districts to which RCW 85.05.510 through 85.05.550 is limited. RCW 85.05.510 through 85.05.550 shall apply to districts heretofore or hereafter organized and to property owners' petitions heretofore or hereafter filed; provided that the decision of the board of dike commissioners of a district to which RCW 85.05.510 through 85.05.550 applies to issue bonds of a district under existing law or under RCW 85.05.510 through 85.05.550, shall be conclusive of such election.
[ 1925 ex.s. c 69 s 5; RRS s 4292-5. Formerly RCW 85.04.490, part. ]
Diking districts may annex territory, consolidate with other special districts, and have their operations suspended and be reactivated, in accordance with chapter 85.38 RCW.
[ 1986 c 278 s 11. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
Notwithstanding the provisions of *RCW 85.05.020, any diking or drainage district or diking and drainage district organized pursuant to chapter 85.05 RCW as now or hereafter amended, may annex and assume, or such district may be organized for the purpose of assuming, and may take over, maintain, operate and extend any diking and drainage systems which have been heretofore erected and operated or may be hereafter erected and operated by the government of the United States of America or any political subdivision or agency thereof, whenever the congress of the United States by permissive legislation authorizes the transfer of maintenance and operations functions to state and local nonfederal agencies.
[ 1967 c 184 s 19. ]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 85.05.020 was repealed by 1985 c 396 s 87. For special district creation and operation see chapter 85.38 RCW.
Severability—1967 c 184: "If any provision of this 1967 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." [ 1967 c 184 s 25.]
Any district organized pursuant to RCW 85.05.610 or pursuant to any other provisions of chapter 85.05 RCW as now or hereafter amended may include any Indian trust lands and restricted lands whenever the congress of the United States (1) authorizes the inclusion of such lands in such district and (2) provides authority for such district to assess and to tax such lands for necessary expenses in the maintenance, operations and capital improvements on such diking and drainage system.
[ 1967 c 184 s 20. ]
Whenever the congress of the United States provides for the transfer of all right, title and interest to any dikes and to the lands upon which they are situated to any state or local nonfederal agency, the title to such land and to the dikes shall pass to the county wherein the dikes are situated for the use and benefit of any district which may be organized pursuant to RCW 85.05.610 or pursuant to any other provisions of chapter 85.05 RCW as now or hereafter amended, until completion of organization of such district. In any case in which a district has been organized, all right, title and interest to such lands and dikes shall vest immediately in the diking and drainage district.
[ 1967 c 184 s 21. ]
For purposes of RCW 85.05.610 through 85.05.650:
(1) The word "owner" as it appears in chapter 85.05 RCW shall include the owner of any undivided interest in any tract of land within the district boundaries, whether Indian trust land or restricted land, or non-Indian land;
(2) The "acreage" owned by any owner in any undivided estate interest shall be computed by multiplying the owner's fractional undivided interest against the total acreage embraced within a particular tract or lot assessed; and
(3) The names of the owners of Indian lands, the size of Indian tracts and lots, the fractional undivided interest therein and the "acreage" of each owner as determined according to the provisions of subsection (2) of this section shall, in any proceeding to organize and operate a district under the provisions of RCW 85.05.610 or pursuant to any other provision of chapter 85.05 RCW as now or hereafter amended, be conclusively determined by the certificate of the superintendent of the Indian agency of the Bureau of Indian Affairs having supervision over the Indian reservation in which such Indian lands may be located or by the certificate of the area director over the Bureau of Indian Affairs area encompassing such lands; and such certificate shall be accepted in lieu of all other evidence in the records of the county in which such lands are situated.
[ 1967 c 184 s 22. ]
The acts and resolutions of all boards of county commissioners heretofore authorizing the organization and operation of any diking and drainage districts, following any provisions of chapter 85.05 RCW, and the acts and resolutions of all diking and drainage districts heretofore organized following acts of congress permitting the taking over and operation and maintenance of existing diking and drainage systems by the state and local nonfederal governmental agencies, are ratified and confirmed.
[ 1967 c 184 s 23. ]
Any portion of a county, requiring drainage, which contains five or more inhabitants and freeholders therein may be organized into a drainage district, and when so organized such district and the board of commissioners hereinafter provided for shall have and possess the power herein conferred or that may hereafter be conferred by law upon such district and board of commissioners, and said district shall be known and designated as drainage district No. . . . . (here insert number), of the county of . . . . . . (here insert the name of the county), of the state of Washington, and shall have the right to sue and be sued by and in the name of its board of commissioners hereinafter provided for, and shall have perpetual succession, and shall adopt and use a seal. The commissioners hereinafter provided for and their successors in office shall, from the time of the organization of such drainage district, have the power, and it shall be their duty, to manage and conduct the business and affairs of the district, make and execute all necessary contracts, employ and appoint such agents, officers and employees as may be required, and prescribe their duties, and perform such other acts as hereinafter provided, or that may hereafter be provided by law.
[ 1895 c 115 s 1; RRS s 4298. Formerly RCW 85.04.005, part. ]
Drainage districts shall possess the authority and shall be created, district voting rights shall be determined, and district elections shall be held as provided in chapter 85.38 RCW.
[ 1985 c 396 s 32. ]
All drainage districts organized or that may hereafter be organized under the provisions of this chapter or the acts amendatory thereof shall have the right of eminent domain, with the power by and through its board of commissioners, to cause to be condemned and appropriated private property for the use of said corporation in the construction and maintenance of a system or systems of drainage, and make just compensation therefor, and such right of eminent domain may be exercised either within or without the boundaries of such districts, and may be exercised with respect to rights-of-way for ditches, drains, dams, outlets or any other necessary appliances or structures and whether for the original system or any additions, enlargements or extensions thereof or for additional outlets or systems of drainage: PROVIDED, That the property of private corporations may be subjected to the same rights of eminent domain as that of private individuals: PROVIDED, FURTHER, That the said board of commissioners shall have the power to acquire by purchase all the real property necessary to make the improvements herein provided for.
[ 1919 c 179 s 2; 1895 c 115 s 7; RRS s 4305. Formerly RCW 85.04.605, part. ]
The board of drainage commissioners shall consist of three elected commissioners. The initial commissioners shall be appointed, and the elected commissioners elected, as provided in chapter 85.38 RCW. The board shall have exclusive charge of the construction and maintenance of all drainage systems which may be constructed by said district and shall be the executive officers thereof, with full power to bind said district by their acts in the performance of their duties as provided by law.
[ 1985 c 396 s 41; 1913 c 86 s 3; 1895 c 115 s 8; RRS s 4306. Formerly RCW 85.04.045, part. ]
Whenever it is desired to prosecute the construction of a system of drainage by said drainage district, said district, by and through its board of commissioners, shall file a petition in the superior court of the county in which said district is located, setting forth therein the route and termini of said system, with a complete description thereof, together with specifications for its construction, with all necessary plats and plans thereof, with draughts of any artificial appliances or equipment necessary in aid thereof, together with the estimated cost of such proposed improvement, showing therein the names of the landowners whose lands are to be benefited by such proposed improvement; the number of acres owned by each landowner, and the maximum amount of benefits per acre to be derived by each landowner set forth therein from the construction of said proposed improvement, and that the same will be conducive to the public health, convenience and welfare, and increase the value of all of said property for purposes of public revenue. Said petition shall further set forth the names of the landowners through whose land the right-of-way is desired for said improvement; the amount of land necessary to be taken therefor, and an estimate of the value of said lands so sought to be taken for such right-of-way, and the damages sustained by any person or corporation interested therein, if any, by reason of such appropriation, irrespective of any benefits to be derived by such landowners by reason of the construction of said improvement. Such estimate shall be made, respectively, to each person through whose land said right-of-way is sought to be appropriated. Said petition shall set forth as defendants therein all the persons or corporations to be benefited by said improvement, and all persons or corporations through whose land the right-of-way is sought to be appropriated, and all persons or corporations having any interest therein, as mortgagee or otherwise, appearing of record, and shall set forth that said proposed system of drainage is necessary to drain all of said lands described in said petition, and that all lands sought to be appropriated for said right-of-way are necessary to be used as a right-of-way in the construction and maintenance of said improvement; and when the proposed improvement will protect or benefit the whole or any part of any public or corporate road or railroad, so that the traveled track or roadbed thereof will be improved by its construction, such fact shall be set forth in said petition, and such public or private corporations owning said road or railroad shall be made parties defendant therein, and the maximum amount of benefits to be derived from said proposed improvement shall be estimated in said petition against said road or railroad: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That all maps, plats, field notes, surveys, plans, specifications, or other data heretofore made, ascertained or prepared under laws heretofore enacted on the subject of this chapter, may be used under the provisions of this chapter.
[ 1913 c 86 s 4; 1905 c 175 s 2; 1895 c 115 s 9; RRS s 4307. Formerly RCW 85.04.050, part. ]
In the preparation of the facts and data to be inserted in said petition and filed therewith for the purpose of presenting the matter to the superior court, the board of commissioners of said drainage district may employ one or more good and competent surveyors and drafters to assist them in compiling data required to be presented to the court with said petition, as hereinbefore provided, and such legal assistance as may be necessary, with full power to bind said district for the compensation of such assistants or employees employed by them, and such services shall be taxed as costs in the suit.
[ 2013 c 23 s 389; 1895 c 115 s 10; RRS s 4259. Formerly RCW 85.04.055, part. ]
A summons stating briefly the objects of the petition and containing a description of the land, real estate, premises or property sought to be appropriated, and those which it is claimed to be benefited by the improvement, and stating the court wherein the petition is filed, the date of the filing thereof and when the defendants are required to appear (which shall be ten days, exclusive of the day of service, if served within the county in which the petition is pending, and if in any other county, then twenty days after such service, and if served by publication, then within thirty days from the date of the first publication), shall be served on each and every person named therein as owner, encumbrancer, tenant or otherwise interested therein. The summons must be subscribed by the commissioners, or their attorney, running in the name of the state of Washington and directed to the defendants; and service thereof shall be made by delivering a copy of such summons to each of the persons or parties so named therein, if a resident of the state, or in case of the absence of that person or party from his or her usual place of abode, by leaving a copy of the notice at his or her usual place of abode, or in case of a foreign corporation, at its principal place of business in this state with some person of more than sixteen years of age; in case of domestic corporations, the service shall be made upon the president, secretary or other director or trustee of the corporation; in case of persons under eighteen years of age, on their guardians; or in case no guardian shall have been appointed, then on the person who has the care and custody of the person; in the case of mentally ill or mentally incompetent persons, on their guardian or limited guardian; or in case no guardian or limited guardian shall have been appointed, then on the person and on the person in whose care or charge the person is found. *In case the land, real estate, premises or other property sought to be appropriated, or which it is claimed will be benefited by such improvement, is state, tide, school or county land, the summons shall be served on the auditor of the county in which the land, real estate, premises or other property sought to be appropriated, or which it is claimed will be benefited, is situated. In all cases where the owner or person claiming an interest in the real or other property is a nonresident of this state, or where the residence of the owner or person is unknown, and an affidavit of one or more of the commissioners of the district shall be filed that the owner or person is a nonresident of this state, or that after diligent inquiry his residence is unknown or cannot be ascertained by the deponent, service may be made by publication thereof in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the lands are situated, once a week for three successive weeks. The publication shall be deemed service upon each nonresident person or persons whose residence is unknown. The summons may be served by any competent person eighteen years of age or over. Due proof of service of the summons by affidavit or publication shall be filed with the clerk of the court before the court shall proceed to hear the matter. Want of service of notice shall render the subsequent proceedings void as to the person not served; but all persons or parties having been served with summons as herein provided, either by publication or otherwise, shall be bound by the subsequent proceedings. In all cases not otherwise provided for service of notice, order and other papers in the proceedings authorized by this chapter may be made as the superior court, or the judge thereof, may direct: PROVIDED, That personal service upon any party outside of the state shall be of like effect as service by publication.
[ 1985 c 469 s 72; 1977 ex.s. c 80 s 74; 1971 ex.s. c 292 s 57; 1895 c 115 s 11; RRS s 4309. Formerly RCW 85.04.060, part. ]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: The case of Paine v. State, 156 Wash. 31, 286 P. 89 (1930) states that the provisions of this section relating to the service of summons on the county auditor were repealed by implication by 1909 c 154 s 6 which provided for such service upon the commissioner of public lands. Subsequently 1919 c 164 was enacted containing similar provisions and providing for service upon the commissioner of public lands, and was amended by 1963 c 20 ss 4 and 5 to provide for service upon the budget director and the chief administrative officer of the agency having jurisdiction over such land. Those sections, codified as RCW 47.20.020 and 47.20.030, were repealed by 1970 ex.s. c 51 s 178.
Purpose—Intent—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 80: See notes following RCW 4.16.190.
Severability—1971 ex.s. c 292: See note following RCW 26.28.010.
Any or all of said defendants may appear jointly or separately and admit or deny the allegations of said petition and plead any affirmative matter in defense thereof at the time and place appointed for hearing said petition, or to which the same may have been adjourned. If the court or judge thereof shall have satisfactory proof that all of the defendants in said action have been duly served with said summons, as above provided, and shall be further satisfied by competent proof that said improvement is practicable and conducive to the public health, welfare, and convenience, and will increase the value of said lands for the purpose of public revenue, and that the contemplated use for which the land, real estate, premises, or other property sought to be appropriated is really a public use, and that the land, real estate, premises, or other property sought to be appropriated are required and necessary for the establishment of said improvement, and that said improvement has a good and sufficient outlet, the court or judge thereof shall cause a jury of twelve qualified persons to be impaneled to assess the damages and benefits, as herein provided, if in attendance upon his or her court; and if not he or she may, if satisfied that the public interests require the immediate construction of said improvement, direct the sheriff of his or her county to summons from the citizens of the county in which petition is filed as many qualified persons as may be necessary in order to form a jury of twelve persons, unless the parties to the proceedings consent to a less number, such number to be not less than three, and such consent shall be entered by the clerk in the minutes of the trial. If necessary, to complete the jury in any case, the sheriff, under the directions of the court or the judge thereof shall summon as many qualified persons as may be required to complete the jury from the citizens of the county in which the petition is filed. In case a special jury is summoned the cost thereof shall be taxed as part of the cost in the proceedings and paid by the district seeking to appropriate said land, the same as other costs in the case; and no person shall be competent as a juror who is a resident of, or landowner in, the district seeking to appropriate said land. The jurors at such trial shall make in each case a separate assessment of damages which shall result to any person, corporation, or company, or to the state, by reason of the appropriation and use of such land, real estate, premises, or other property for said improvements and shall ascertain, determine and award the amount of damages to be paid to said owner or owners, respectively, and to all tenants, incumbrancers, and others interested, for the taking or injuriously affecting such land, real estate, premises, or other property for the establishment of said improvement; and shall further find a maximum amount of benefits per acre to be derived by each of the landowners, and also the maximum amount of benefits resulting to any municipality, public highway, corporate road, or district from construction of said improvement. And upon a return of the verdict into court the same shall be reported as in other cases; whereupon, a decree shall be entered in accordance with the verdict so rendered setting forth all the facts found by the jury, and decreeing that said right-of-way be appropriated, and directing the commissioners of said drainage district to draw their warrant on the county treasurer for the amount awarded by the jury to each person for damages sustained by reason of the establishment of said improvement, payable out of the funds of said drainage district.
[ 2013 c 23 s 390; 1909 c 143 s 2; 1895 c 115 s 12; RRS s 4310. Formerly RCW 85.04.065, part. ]
RCW 85.38.140 through 85.38.170 constitute a mutually exclusive alternative method by which drainage districts in existence as of July 28, 1985, may measure and impose special assessments and adopt budgets. RCW 85.38.150 through 85.38.170 constitute the exclusive method by which drainage districts created after July 28, 1985, may measure and impose special assessments and adopt budgets.
[ 1985 c 396 s 25. ]
If at any time it shall appear to the board of drainage commissioners that any lands within or without said district as originally established are being benefited by the drainage system of said district and that said lands are not being assessed for the benefits received, or if after the construction of any drainage system, it appears that lands embraced therein have in fact received or are receiving benefits different from those found in the original proceedings, and which could not reasonably have been foreseen before the final completion of the improvement, or that any lands within said district are being assessed out of or not in proportion to the benefits which said lands are receiving from the maintenance of the drainage system of said district, and said board of drainage commissioners shall determine that certain lands, either within or without the boundaries of the district as originally established, should be assessed for the purpose of raising funds for the future maintenance of the drainage system of the district, or that the assessments on land already assessed should be equalized by diminishing or increasing the same so that said lands shall be assessed in proportion to the benefits received, said commissioners shall file a petition in the superior court in the original cause, setting forth the facts, describing the lands not previously assessed and the lands the assessment on which should be equalized, stating the estimated amount of benefits per acre being received by each tract of land respectively, giving the name of the owner or reputed owner of each such tract of land and praying that such original cause be opened for further proceedings for the purpose of subjecting new lands to assessments or equalizing the assessments upon lands already assessed, or both. Upon the filing of such petition, summons shall issue thereon and be served on the owners of all lands affected, in the same manner as summons is issued and served in original proceedings, as near as may be, and if such new lands lie within the boundaries of any other drainage district, said summons shall also be served upon the commissioners of such other drainage district. In case any of the new lands sought to be assessed in said proceeding lie within the boundaries of any other drainage district, and the drainage commissioners of such other district believe that the maintenance of the drain or drains of such other district is benefiting lands within the district instituting the proceeding, said drainage commissioners of such other districts shall intervene in such proceedings by petition, setting forth the facts, describing the lands in the district instituting the proceeding which they believe are being benefited by the maintenance of the drainage system of their district, and praying that the benefits to such lands may be determined and such lands subjected to assessment for the further maintenance of the drainage system of their district, to the end that all questions of benefits to lands in the respective districts may be settled and determined in one proceeding, and such petitioners in intervention shall cause summons to be issued upon such petition in intervention and served upon the commissioners of the drainage district instituting the proceeding and upon the owners of all lands sought to be affected by such petition in intervention. In case the owner of any such new lands sought to be assessed in said proceedings shall be maintaining a private drain against salt or fresh water for the benefit of said lands, and shall believe that the maintenance of such private drain is benefiting any lands within or without the district instituting the proceedings, or in case any such new lands sought to be assessed are included within the boundaries of some other drainage district and are being assessed for the maintenance of the drains of such other district, and the owner of such lands believes that the maintenance of the drain or drains of such other district is benefiting lands included within the district instituting said proceedings, such owner or owners may by answer and cross-petition set forth the facts and pray that at the hearing upon said petition and cross-petition the benefits accruing from the maintenance of the respective drains may be considered, to the end that a fair and equitable adjustment of the benefits being received by any lands from the maintenance of the various drains benefiting the same, may be determined for the purpose of fixing the assessments for the future maintenance of such drains, and may interplead in said proceeding such other drainage district in which his or her lands sought to be assessed in said proceeding are being assessed for the maintenance of the drain or drains of such other district. No answer to any petition or petition in intervention shall be required, unless the party served with summons desires to offset benefits or to ask other affirmative relief, and no default judgment shall be taken for failure to answer any petition or petition in intervention, but the petitioners or petitioners in intervention shall be required to establish the facts alleged by competent evidence. Upon the issues being made up, or upon the lapse of time within which the parties served are required to appear by any summons, the court shall impanel a jury to hear and determine the matters in issue, and the jury shall determine and assess the benefits, if any, which the respective tracts of land are receiving or will receive from the maintenance of the drain or drains to be maintained, taking into consideration any and all matters relating to the benefits, if any, received or to be received from any drain, structure or improvement, and to credit or charge, as the case may be, to each tract so situated as to affect any other tract or tracts, or having improvement or structures thereon or easements granted in connection therewith, affecting any other tract or tracts included in such proceedings, and shall specify in their verdict the respective amount of benefits per acre, if any, assessed to each particular tract of land, by legal subdivisions. Upon the return of the verdict of the jury, the court shall enter its judgment in accordance therewith, as supplemental to the original decree, or in case a petition in intervention be filed by the drainage commissioners of some other district than that instituting the proceeding, such judgment to be supplemental to all such original decrees, and thereafter, all assessments and levies for the cost of construction or future maintenance of any drain or drains described in said judgment shall be based upon the respective benefits determined and assessed against the respective tracts of land as specified in said judgment. Every person or corporation feeling himself or herself or itself aggrieved by any such judgment may appeal to the supreme court or the court of appeals within thirty days after the entry thereof, and such appeal shall bring before the supreme court or the court of appeals the propriety and justness of the verdicts of the jury in respect to the parties to the appeal. No bonds shall be required on such appeals. Nothing in this section contained shall be construed as affecting the right of drainage districts to consolidation in any manner provided by law.
[ 2013 c 23 s 391; 1971 c 81 s 159; 1917 c 133 s 1; 1901 c 86 s 1; 1895 c 115 s 13; RRS s 4311. ]
NOTES:
Rules of court: Cf. RAP 5.2, 8.1, 18.22.
In case the damages or amount of compensation for such right-of-way, together with the estimated costs of the improvement, amount to more than the maximum amount of benefits which will be derived from said improvement, or, if said improvement is not practicable, or will not be conducive to the public health, welfare and convenience, or will not increase the public revenue, or will not have sufficient outlet, the court shall dismiss such proceedings, and in such case a judgment shall be rendered for the costs of said proceedings against said district, and no further proceedings shall be had or done therein; and upon the payment of the costs, said organization shall be dissolved by decree of said court.
[ 1895 c 115 s 14; RRS s 4312. Formerly RCW 85.04.070, part. ]
Any person or corporation claiming to be entitled to any money ordered paid by the court, as provided in this chapter, may apply to the court therefor, and upon furnishing evidence satisfactory to the court that he or she is entitled to the same, the court shall make an order directing the payment to such claimant of the portion of such money as he or she or it may be found entitled to; but if, upon application, the court or judge thereof shall decide that the title to the land, real estate, or premises specified in the application of such claimant is in such condition as to require that an action be commenced to determine the title of claimants thereto, it shall refuse such order until such action is commenced and the conflicting claims to such land, real estate, or premises be determined according to law.
[ 2013 c 23 s 392; 1895 c 115 s 15; RRS s 4313. Formerly RCW 85.04.210, part. ]
Upon the entry of the judgment upon the verdict of the jury, the clerk of said court shall immediately prepare a transcript, which shall contain a list of the names of all the persons and corporations benefited by said improvement and the amount of benefit derived by each, respectively, and shall duly certify the same, together with a list of the lands benefited by said improvement belonging to each person and corporation, and shall file the same with the auditor of the county, who shall immediately enter the same upon the tax rolls of his or her office, as provided by law for the entry of other taxes, against the land of each of the said persons named in said list, together with the amounts thereof, and the same shall be subject to the same interest and penalties in case of delinquency as in case of general taxes, and shall be collected in the same manner as other taxes and subject to the same right of redemption, and the lands sold for the collection of said taxes shall be subject to the same right of redemption as the sale of lands for general taxes: PROVIDED, That said assessments shall not become due and payable except at such time or times and in such amounts as may be designated by the board of commissioners of said drainage district, which designation shall be made to the county auditor by said board of commissioners of said drainage district, by serving written notice upon the county auditor designating the time and the amount of the assessment, said assessment to be in proportion to benefits to become due and payable, which amount shall fall due at the time of the falling due of general taxes, and the amount so designated shall be added by the auditor to the general taxes of said person, persons, or corporation, according to said notice, upon the assessment rolls in his or her said office, and collected therewith; PROVIDED FURTHER, That no one call for assessments by said commissioners shall be in an amount to exceed twenty-five percent of the amount estimated by the board of commissioners to be necessary to pay the costs of the proceedings, and the establishment of said district and drainage system and the cost of construction of said work; PROVIDED FURTHER, That where the amount realized from the original assessment and tax shall not prove sufficient to complete the original plans and specifications of any drainage system, alterations, extensions, or changes therein, for which the said original assessment was made, the board of commissioners of said district shall make such further assessment as may be necessary to complete said system according to the original plans and specifications, which assessment shall be made and collected in the manner provided in this section for the original assessment.
[ 2013 c 23 s 393; 1907 c 242 s 1; 1895 c 115 s 16; RRS s 4316. Formerly RCW 85.04.080, part. ]
After the filing of said certificate said commissioners of such drainage district shall proceed at once in the construction of said improvement, and in carrying on said construction or any extensions thereof they shall have full charge and management thereof, and shall have the power to employ such assistance as they may deem necessary and purchase all material that may be necessary in the construction and carrying on of the work of said improvement, and shall have power to let the whole or any portion of said work to any responsible contractor, and shall in such case enter into all necessary agreements with such contractor that may be necessary in the premises: PROVIDED, That in case the whole or any portion of said improvement is let to any contractor said commissioners shall require said contractor to give a bond in double the amount of the contract price of the whole or of such portion of said work covered by said contract, with two or more sureties to be approved by the board of commissioners of said drainage district and running to said district as obligee therein, conditioned for the faithful and accurate performance of said contract by said contractor, his or her executors, administrators, or assigns, according to the terms and conditions of said agreement, and shall cause said contractor to enter into a further or additional bond in the same amount, with two or more good and sufficient sureties to be approved by said board of commissioners of said drainage district in the name of said district as obligee therein, conditioned that said contractor, his or her executors, administrators, or assigns, or subcontractor, his or her executors, administrators, or assigns, performing the whole or any portion of said work under contract of said original contractor, shall pay or cause to be paid all just claims for all persons performing labor or rendering services in the construction of said work, or furnishing materials, merchandise, or provisions of any kind or character used by said contractor or subcontractor, or any employee thereof in the construction of said improvement: PROVIDED FURTHER, That no sureties on said last mentioned bond shall be liable thereon unless the persons or corporation performing said labor and furnishing said materials, goods, wares, merchandise, and provisions, shall, within ninety days after the completion of said improvement, file their claim, duly verified; that the amount is just and due and remains unpaid, with the board of commissioners of said drainage district.
[ 2013 c 23 s 394; 1895 c 115 s 18; RRS s 4318. Formerly RCW 85.04.095, part. ]
The work on said improvement shall begin and shall be completed with all expedition possible, and said board of commissioners of such drainage district, or any contractor thereunder, shall have no power whatever to change said route or system of improvement or the manner of doing the work therein so as to make any radical changes in said improvement, without the written consent of all the landowners to be benefited thereby, and the landowners which may be damaged thereby. And in case any substantial changes in said system of improvement or the manner of the construction thereof shall be deemed necessary by said board of commissioners at any time during the progress thereof, and if the written consent to such changes cannot be procured from said landowners, then said commissioners, for and on behalf of said district, shall file a petition in the superior court of the county within which said district is located, setting forth therein the changes which they deem necessary to be made in the plan or manner of the construction of said improvement, and praying therein to be permitted to make such changes, and upon the filing thereof, the commissioners shall cause a summons to be served, setting forth the prayer of said petition, under the seal of said court, which summons shall be served in the same manner as the service of summons in the case of the original petition, upon all the landowners or others claiming any lien or interest therein appearing of record in said district, and any or all of said parties so served may appear in said cause and submit their objections thereto, and after the time for the appearance of all of said parties has expired, the court shall proceed to hear said petition at once without further delay, and if it appears during the course of said proceedings that the property rights of any of said landowners will be affected by such proposed change in said improvements, then the court, after having passed upon all preliminary questions as in the original proceedings may call a jury to be impaneled as in the case of the original proceeding for the establishment of said improvements, and upon the final hearing of said cause, the jury shall return a verdict finding the amount of damages, if any, sustained by all persons and corporations, the same as upon the original petition, by reason of such proposed change, and shall readjust the amount of benefits claimed to have been increased or diminished by any of said landowners by reason of said proposed change in said improvements, and the proceedings thereafter shall be the same as to rendering judgment, appeal therefrom, payment of compensation and damages and filing of the certificate with the auditor, as hereinbefore provided for in the proceedings upon the original petition, and said commissioners shall have a right thereafter to proceed with the construction of said improvements according to the changes made therein.
[ 1909 ex.s. c 13 s 1; 1895 c 115 s 19; RRS s 4319. Formerly RCW 85.04.100, part. ]
During the construction of said improvement said commissioners shall have the right to allow payment thereof, in installments as the work progresses, in proportion to the amount of work completed: PROVIDED, That no allowance or payment shall be made for said work to any contractor or subcontractor to exceed seventy-five percent of the proportionate amount of the work completed by such contractor or subcontractor, and twenty-five percent of the contract price shall be reserved at all times by said board of commissioners until said work is wholly completed, and shall not be paid upon the completion of said work until ninety days have expired for the presentation of all claims for labor performed and materials, goods, wares, merchandise and provisions furnished or used in the construction of said improvements; and upon the completion of said work and the payment of all claims hereinbefore provided for according to the terms and conditions of said contract, said commissioners shall accept said improvement and pay the contract price therefor.
[ 1895 c 115 s 20; RRS s 4320. Formerly RCW 85.04.105, part. ]
Any person or corporation owning land within said district shall have a right to connect any private drains or ditches for the proper drainage of such land with said system, and in case any persons or corporations shall desire to drain such lands into said system and shall find it necessary, in order to do so, to procure the right-of-way over the land of another, or others, and if consent thereto cannot be procured from such person or persons, then such landowner may present in writing a request to the board of commissioners of said district, setting forth therein the necessity of being able to connect his or her private drainage with said system, and pray therein that said system be extended to such point as he or she may designate in said writing, and immediately thereon said board of commissioners shall cause a petition to be filed in the superior court, for and in the name of said drainage district, requesting in said petition that said system be extended as requested, setting forth therein the necessity thereof and praying that leave be granted by the board to extend the system in accordance with the prayer of said petition, and the proceedings in such case, upon the presentation of such petition and the hearing thereof, shall be, in all matters, the same as in the hearing and presentation of the original petition for the establishment of the original system of drainage in said district, as far as applicable. That the costs in such proceedings shall be paid from the assessment of benefits to be made on the lands of the person or persons benefited by such extension, and the assessment and compensation for the right-of-way, damages and benefits, and payment of damages and compensation, and the collection of the assessments for benefits, shall be the same as in the proceedings under the original petition, and the construction of the said extension shall be made under the same provisions as the construction of the original improvement; and all things that may be done or performed in connection therewith shall be, as near as may be applicable, in accordance with the provisions already set forth herein for the establishment and construction of said original improvement: PROVIDED, That such petitioner or petitioners shall, at the time of filing such petition by said drainage commissioners, enter into a good and sufficient bond to said drainage district in the full penal sum of five hundred dollars, with two or more sureties, to be approved by the court, conditioned for the payment of all costs in case the prayer of said petition should not be granted, which bond shall be filed in said cause.
[ 2013 c 23 s 395; 1895 c 115 s 21; RRS s 4321. Formerly RCW 85.04.640. ]
In case of the establishment of a drainage district and system of drainage under the provisions of this chapter above any other district that may have theretofore been established and above any other system of drainage that may have theretofore been constructed in said district, and in case said district to be established above may desire to connect its drainage system with the lower or servient district, shall be made a party to the proceedings for the establishment of such system, and the petition to be filed in the superior court for the establishment of the system of drainage in said upper district shall, in addition to the facts hereinbefore provided and required to be set forth therein, set forth the fact that said lower system in said lower district is necessary to be used as an outlet for the system of drainage of said upper district, and that the same will be a sufficient outlet and will afford sufficient capacity to carry the drainage of both said upper and lower districts; and in case said system of said lower district will be required to be enlarged by widening or deepening the same, or both, in order to give sufficient outlet to said upper district and afford sufficient drainage for said upper and lower districts, then the plans and specifications for enlarging the system of said lower district shall be filed with said petition in addition to the other data hereinbefore provided for in this chapter. All the landowners in said lower district, or any person claiming any interest therein as mortgagee or otherwise, shall be made parties defendant in said petition, and the proceedings therein as to the assessment of damages and compensation for land taken, if any be necessary to be taken in enlarging said lower system, shall be the same as in the establishment of systems of drainage in the lower or servient district as hereinbefore provided for; but the jury, in addition to the facts to be found by them as provided for in the establishment of a drainage system in the lower district, shall find and determine whether said lower system, when improved according to the plans and specifications filed with the said petition, will afford sufficient drainage for both said upper and lower districts, which finding shall be made by the jury before considering any other question at issue in said proceeding; and in case said jury should find that the system of said lower district when improved as proposed in said petition would not be sufficient, then, in that case, said finding shall terminate the proceedings, and no further proceedings in said case shall be had, and the costs of said proceeding shall be paid as costs in other proceedings, as hereinbefore provided for; but in such case the finding of said jury shall not terminate the objects of said upper district or operate to disorganize the same, but said upper district may begin new proceedings for the establishment of a system of drainage with some new outlet provided therein. All costs for the enlarging or improving of said lower system that may be required shall be assessed to the landowners in the upper district according to the benefits to be derived from the construction of said entire system, and no additional cost shall be thrown upon the lower district, and all compensation for taking any right-of-way that may be necessary to be taken in enlarging said lower system, and all damages occurring therefrom, if any, to the landowners of said lower district, shall be ascertained and paid in the same manner as hereinbefore provided for for the adjustment of compensation and damages in the establishment of drainage systems in lower districts. Said lower district, by and through its board of commissioners, may appear in said cause and show therein any injury it may sustain as a district by reason of the additional cost of maintenance of said lower system as improved and enlarged, and such fact shall be determined in said cause and the jury shall find the amount of the increased costs of maintenance per annum, which will be sustained by said lower district by reason of said enlarging or improving of the same, and judgment shall be rendered in favor of said lower district against said upper district for such amount so found, and the same shall be paid each year as the cost of construction is paid as provided for in this chapter, and the amount so paid shall be held by said lower district as an additional fund for the maintenance of its said system as improved and enlarged by said upper district.
[ 1895 c 115 s 22; RRS s 4322. Formerly RCW 85.04.645. ]
Any town or city already incorporated, or which may hereafter be incorporated, may exercise the functions of a drainage district under the provisions of this chapter, or the whole or any portion of any such town or city may be included with other territory in a common district under the provisions for the establishment thereof as provided for herein.
[ 1895 c 115 s 23; RRS s 4323. Formerly RCW 85.04.115, part. ]
See RCW 85.05.270.
The board of commissioners of such district shall elect one of their number chair and shall either elect one of their number, or appoint a voter of the district, as secretary, who shall keep minutes of all the district's proceedings. The board of commissioners may issue warrants of such district in payment of all claims of indebtedness against such district, which shall be in form and substance the same as county warrants, or as near the same as may be practicable, and shall draw the legal rate of interest from the date of their presentation to the treasurer for payment, as hereinafter provided, and shall be signed by the chair and attested by the secretary of said board: PROVIDED, That no warrants shall be issued by said board of commissioners in payment of any indebtedness of such district for less than the face or par value.
[ 2013 c 23 s 396; 1985 c 396 s 42; 1895 c 115 s 25; RRS s 4325. Formerly RCW 85.04.040, part and 85.04.165, part. ]
Special assessment bonds and notes shall be issued and sold in accordance with chapter 85.38 RCW.
[ 1986 c 278 s 24. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
All warrants issued under the provisions of this chapter shall be presented by the owners thereof to the county treasurer, who shall indorse thereon the day of presentation for payment, with the additional indorsement thereon, in case of nonpayment, that they are not paid for want of funds; and no warrant shall draw interest under the provisions of this chapter until it is so presented and indorsed by the county treasurer. And it shall be the duty of such treasurer, from time to time, when he or she has sufficient funds in his or her hands for that purpose, to advertise in the newspaper doing the county printing for the presentation to him or her for payment of as many of the outstanding warrants as he or she may be able to pay: PROVIDED, That thirty days after the first publication of said notice of the treasurer calling in any of said outstanding warrants said warrants shall cease to bear interest, which shall be stated in the notice. Said notice shall be published two weeks consecutively, and said warrants shall be called in and paid in the order of their indorsement.
[ 2013 c 23 s 397; 1986 c 278 s 30; 1895 c 115 s 33; RRS s 4333. Formerly RCW 85.04.170, part. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
Upon the trial of any questions of issue by a jury under the provisions of this chapter the trial court may, in its discretion, submit all questions to be found by the jury in the form of separate findings, or may submit to such jury separate forms of verdict on all such questions to be found by the jury therein.
[ 1895 c 115 s 34; RRS s 4334. Formerly RCW 85.04.205, part. ]
All state, county, school district or other lands belonging to other public corporations requiring drainage shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter, and such corporations, by and through the proper authorities, shall be made parties in all proceedings herein affecting said lands, and shall have the same rights as private persons, and their lands shall be subject to the right of eminent domain the same as the lands of private persons or corporations.
[ 1895 c 115 s 35; RRS s 4335. Formerly RCW 85.04.110, part. ]
In case lands belonging to the state, county, school district or other public corporations are benefited by any improvement instituted under the provisions of this chapter, all benefits shall be assessed against such lands, and the same shall be paid by the proper authorities of such public corporation at the times and in the same manner as assessments are called and paid in case of private persons, out of any general fund of such corporation.
[ 1895 c 115 s 36; RRS s 4336. Formerly RCW 85.04.110, part. ]
Fees for service of all process necessary to be served under the provisions of this chapter shall be the same as for like services in other civil cases, or as is or may be provided by law.
[ 1895 c 115 s 37; RRS s 4337. Formerly RCW 85.04.200, part. ]
In performing their duties under the provisions of this title the board and members of the board of drainage commissioners may receive as compensation up to ninety dollars per day or portion thereof spent in actual attendance at official meetings of the district, or in performance of other official services or duties on behalf of the district: PROVIDED, That such compensation shall not exceed eight thousand six hundred forty dollars in one calendar year: PROVIDED FURTHER, That such services and compensation are allowed and approved at a regular meeting of the board. Upon the submission of a copy, certified by the secretary, of the extracts of the relevant minutes of the board showing such approval, to the county auditor, the same shall be paid as other claims against the district are paid. Each commissioner is entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses actually incurred in connection with such business, including subsistence and lodging, while away from the commissioner's place of residence and mileage for use of a privately owned vehicle in accordance with chapter 42.24 RCW.
Any commissioner may waive all or any portion of his or her compensation payable under this section as to any month or months during his or her term of office, by a written waiver filed with the secretary as provided in this section. The waiver, to be effective, must be filed any time after the commissioner's election and prior to the date on which the compensation would otherwise be paid. The waiver shall specify the month or period of months for which it is made.
The dollar thresholds established in this section must be adjusted for inflation by the office of financial management every five years, beginning January 1, 2024, based upon changes in the consumer price index during that time period. "Consumer price index" means, for any calendar year, that year's annual average consumer price index, for Washington state, for wage earners and clerical workers, all items, compiled by the bureau of labor and statistics, United States department of labor. If the bureau of labor and statistics develops more than one consumer price index for areas within the state, the index covering the greatest number of people, covering areas exclusively within the boundaries of the state, and including all items shall be used for the adjustments for inflation in this section. The office of financial management must calculate the new dollar threshold and transmit it to the office of the code reviser for publication in the Washington State Register at least one month before the new dollar threshold is to take effect.
A person holding office as commissioner for two or more special purpose districts shall receive only that per diem compensation authorized for one of his or her commissioner positions as compensation for attending an official meeting or conducting official services or duties while representing more than one of his or her districts. However, such commissioner may receive additional per diem compensation if approved by resolution of all boards of the affected commissions.
[ 2020 c 83 s 9; 2007 c 469 s 9; 1998 c 121 s 9; 1991 c 349 s 21; 1985 c 396 s 43; 1980 c 23 s 2; 1959 c 209 s 1; 1947 c 76 s 1; 1907 c 62 s 1; 1895 c 115 s 38; RRS s 4338. Formerly RCW 85.04.600. ]
The whole or any portion of any natural watercourse, the whole or any portion of which lies within any district established under this chapter, or the whole or any portion of any ditch or drainage system already constructed or partially constructed prior to the passage of this chapter, may be improved and completed as a system under the provisions of this chapter: PROVIDED, That vested rights in any such watercourse acquired by appropriation of the water thereof for irrigation, mining or manufacturing purposes under existing law, shall not be disturbed.
[ 1903 c 38 s 1; 1895 c 115 s 39; RRS s 4339. Formerly RCW 85.04.650. ]
The superior court may compel the performance of the duties imposed by this chapter, and may, in its discretion, on proper application therefor, issue its mandatory injunction for such purpose.
[ 1895 c 115 s 40; RRS s 4340. Formerly RCW 85.04.755. ]
Whenever it shall appear to the board of commissioners of any drainage district now organized or that may be hereafter organized under the laws of the state of Washington, that existing drainage systems or improvements are inadequate or insufficient to properly drain the lands within said district or any portion or portions thereof, such commissioners shall have the power and they are hereby authorized to construct such additional system or systems or to extend, add to, or enlarge any existing system as in their judgment is necessary. In such event the procedure for the establishment of such additional system or extension of existing system and the manner and method of the payment of the cost of construction and maintenance of the same by the assessment of the lands particularly benefited thereby, as well as the obtaining of necessary rights-of-way shall be the same as that provided by existing laws for the establishment of the original drainage system within said district. In the exercise of any of the powers herein granted it shall be immaterial whether the outlet of any of the ditches, drains, or other necessary structures or appliances are to be located within or without the boundaries of said district. This section is intended to grant supplemental and additional powers to such drainage districts and shall not be construed to limit or repeal any existing powers of such districts, nor to repeal any existing laws relating thereto.
[ 1919 c 179 s 1; RRS s 4304. Formerly RCW 85.04.635. ]
Drainage districts may annex territory, consolidate with other special districts, and have their operations suspended and be reactivated, in accordance with chapter 85.38 RCW.
[ 1986 c 278 s 12. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
When any drainage district has been or shall be established and created under the provisions of an act of the legislature of the state of Washington, entitled "An act to provide for the establishment and creation of drainage districts, and the construction and maintenance of a system of drainage, and to provide for the means of payment thereof, and declaring an emergency", approved *March 20, 1895, and when the drainage commissioners of such district have employed surveyors or drafters, or legal assistance as provided in RCW 85.06.100, and have incurred expenses for the compensation of such surveyors, drafters, and legal assistance, and have issued to such surveyors, drafters, or persons rendering said legal assistance any warrants, orders, vouchers, or other evidence of indebtedness for said expenses so incurred, and when such warrants, orders, vouchers, or other evidences of indebtedness remain outstanding and unpaid, and when from any cause no further proceedings are had as provided for in said act approved *March 20, 1895, within a reasonable time, it shall be the duty of the county commissioners of the county in which such drainage district is located to assess in accordance with the provisions of RCW 85.06.550 through 85.06.630, the lands constituting and embraced within such drainage district for the purpose of paying such outstanding warrants, orders, vouchers, or other evidences of indebtedness, together with interest thereon.
[ 2013 c 23 s 398; 1903 c 67 s 1; RRS s 4492. Formerly RCW 85.04.710. ]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: The act of "March 20, 1895" is chapter 115, Laws of 1895, the basic drainage district law, codified as Part I of chapter 85.06 RCW as it has been amended and added to.
The county auditor of any county in which such drainage district is located upon the written request of any holder or owner of any such warrant, order, voucher, or other evidence of indebtedness, mentioned in the preceding section, shall forthwith cause to be published in the newspaper doing the county printing, if any such there be, and if not, then in some newspaper of general circulation in the county, a notice directing any and all holders or owners of any such warrants, orders, vouchers, or other evidences of indebtedness, to present the same to him or her, at his or her office, for registration within ninety days from the date of the first publication of such notice; and such notice shall be published once a week for six consecutive weeks. Said notice shall be directed to all holders and owners of warrants, orders, vouchers, or other evidences of indebtedness issued by the drainage commissioners of the particular district giving its name and number, and shall designate the character of the warrants, orders, vouchers, or other evidences of indebtedness, the registration of which is called for by said notice. Upon the presentation to him or her of such warrants, orders, vouchers, or other evidences of indebtedness, the county auditor shall register the same in a separate book to be kept for that purpose, showing the date of registration, the date of issue, the purpose of issue when the same is shown upon the face, the name of the person by whom presented, and the face value thereof. Any such warrants, orders, vouchers, or other evidences of indebtedness, not presented within the time prescribed in such notice, shall not share in the benefits of RCW 85.06.550 through 85.06.630, and no assessment or reassessment shall thereafter be made for the purpose of paying the same.
[ 2013 c 23 s 399; 1903 c 67 s 2; RRS s 4493. Formerly RCW 85.04.715. ]
At any time after the expiration of the time within which warrants, orders, vouchers, or other evidences of indebtedness, may be registered as provided in the preceding section, the holder or owner of any such registered warrant, order, voucher, or other evidence of indebtedness, may for himself or herself and in behalf of all other holders or owners of such registered warrants, orders, vouchers, or other evidences of indebtedness, file a petition in the superior court of the county in which such drainage district is located praying for an order directing the publication and posting of the notice hereinafter provided for, and for a hearing upon said petition, and for an order directing the board of county commissioners to assess the lands embraced within said drainage district for the purpose of paying such registered warrants, orders, vouchers, or other evidences of indebtedness and the costs of the proceedings provided for in RCW 85.06.550 through 85.06.630. Said petition shall set forth:
(1) That said drainage district was duly established and created, giving the time.
(2) The facts in connection with the expenses incurred by the drainage commissioners in the employment of surveyors, drafters, or legal assistance and the issuance of such registered warrants, orders, vouchers, or other evidences of indebtedness.
(3) The facts in connection with the compliance with the provisions of RCW 85.06.550 through 85.06.630.
(4) A list of such registered warrants, orders, vouchers, or other evidences of indebtedness showing the names of owners or holders, the amounts, the date of issuance, the purpose for which issued, when shown upon the face thereof, and the date of presentation for payment, respectively.
[ 2013 c 23 s 400; 1903 c 67 s 3; RRS s 4494. Formerly RCW 85.04.720. ]
Upon the filing of such petition it shall be the duty of the judge of the said superior court to fix a time for a hearing of said petition, which time shall be not less than sixty days from the time of the filing of said petition, and to enter an order directed to the sheriff of the said county ordering said sheriff to cause to be published and posted the notice as provided for in the next succeeding section.
[ 1903 c 67 s 4; RRS s 4495. Formerly RCW 85.04.725. ]
Upon the issuance of the order as provided for in the next preceding section it shall be the duty of the sheriff of said county to post, at the courthouse of said county and at three public places in said drainage district, and to cause to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in said county a notice of the time and place fixed by said order of court for the hearing of said petition. Said notice shall contain a statement that said petition has been filed as above provided for, that the said court has fixed a time and place for the hearing of said petition, which time and place shall be stated in said notice, a brief statement of the object of said proceeding upon said petition, a statement of the issuance of the said order of court directing the posting and publishing of said notice, a statement that all persons having any interest in any land in such drainage district, describing the same by its corporate name, may at or before the time fixed for said hearing appear and file objections or exceptions to the granting of the prayer of said petition: A statement that upon the hearing of said petition in case no objections or exceptions have been filed in said proceeding, or in case any objections or exceptions filed be not sustained, and that the allegations of said petition are proven to the satisfaction of the court an order will be entered in accordance with the prayer of said petition. That said notice shall be signed by the sheriff of said county.
[ 1903 c 67 s 5; RRS s 4496. Formerly RCW 85.04.730. ]
At the time and place fixed in said order for the hearing of said petition, or at such time to which the court may continue said hearing, the court shall proceed to a hearing upon said petition and upon any objections or exceptions which have been filed thereto. And upon it appearing to the satisfaction of the court from the proofs offered in support thereof that the allegations of said petition are true, the said court shall ascertain the total amount of said registered warrants, orders, vouchers, or other evidences of indebtedness with the accrued interest and the costs of said proceedings, and thereupon the said court shall enter an order directing the board of county commissioners to levy a tax upon all the real estate within said drainage district exclusive of improvements, taking as a basis the last equalized assessment of said real estate for state and county purposes, sufficient to pay said outstanding registered warrants, orders, vouchers, or other evidences of indebtedness with interest as aforesaid and the costs of said proceeding, and the cost of levying said tax, and further directing the county auditor to issue a warrant on the county treasurer to the petitioner for the costs advanced by him or her in such proceeding, which shall be paid in the same manner as the said registered warrants, orders, vouchers, or other evidences of indebtedness.
[ 2013 c 23 s 401; 1903 c 67 s 6; RRS s 4497. Formerly RCW 85.04.735. ]
The clerk of said superior court shall certify the said order to the board of county commissioners, and to the county auditor and upon receipt of said order by said board it shall proceed forthwith to execute said order, and upon said levy being made it shall be extended upon the tax rolls, certified and collected at the same time, in the same manner as other special district taxes.
[ 1903 c 67 s 7; RRS s 4498. Formerly RCW 85.04.740. ]
If upon said hearing the court shall find that the petitioner is not entitled to an order granting the prayer of said petition the court shall enter an order dismissing said petition and taxing the costs against said petitioner.
[ 1903 c 67 s 8; RRS s 4499. Formerly RCW 85.04.745. ]
From any final order entered by the said superior court as above provided for, any party to said proceeding feeling himself or herself aggrieved thereby may seek appellate review, as provided by the general appeal law of this state.
[ 2013 c 23 s 402; 1988 c 202 s 74; 1903 c 67 s 9; RRS s 4500. Formerly RCW 85.04.750. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1988 c 202: See note following RCW 2.24.050.
Whenever in the judgment of the commissioners of any drainage district general benefits to the entire district will accrue therefrom, or the general plan for improvement as adopted by such district will be more fully or properly carried out thereby, the board of commissioners of such district is hereby given and granted authority and power to do the following things:
(1) Straighten, widen, deepen, improve, or alter the course of or discontinue the use and maintenance of, or abandon any existing drains or ditches in said district, and when abandoned or discontinued, the right-of-way may be held or disposed of by said district in the discretion of the commissioners;
(2) Dig or construct any additional and auxiliary drains or ditches therein;
(3) Obtain, improve, or alter any existing reservoirs, spillways or outlets;
(4) Lease, acquire, build, or construct additional, new, or better reservoirs, spillways, and outlets;
(5) Lease, acquire, erect, build, or construct and operate any pumping plant and acquire equipment necessary therefor;
(6) Divert, dam, or carry off the waters of any stream or water endangering or damaging said district and protect against damage or flood from any waters whatsoever; and
(7) Implement the provisions of a drainage maintenance plan adopted by the district.
PROVIDED, That in carrying out such powers, said commissioners shall not be authorized under RCW 85.06.640 through 85.06.700 to tap new sources of water which have other outlets and do not endanger the system or property of such district.
[ 2008 c 77 s 1; 1941 c 133 s 1; 1935 c 170 s 1; Rem. Supp. 1941 s 4342-1. Formerly RCW 85.04.610. ]
To pay for any work done under RCW 85.06.640 through 85.06.700, or matters incident thereto, the commissioners of said district may use any money raised or to be raised by collection of any unexhausted balance of assessed benefits as theretofore established upon the lands of said district and/or by assessments for maintenance, levied as provided by law; or they may issue warrants of such district redeemable by levies which shall be added to the annual cost of the maintenance of said system and be paid from the maintenance fund from time to time; or they may combine such methods of payment.
[ 1935 c 170 s 2; RRS s 4342-2. Formerly RCW 85.04.625. ]
Whenever the board of commissioners of any district desire[s] to exercise any of the foregoing powers under *this act, it shall pass a resolution declaring its intention to do so, which shall describe in general terms the proposed improvement to be undertaken. The resolution shall set a date upon which the board shall meet to determine whether such work shall be done. Thereafter a copy of such declaratory resolution and a notice of hearing shall be posted by the secretary or member of the board, in three public places in such district at least ten days before the date of hearing. The notice shall state the time and place of hearing and that plans therefor are on file with the secretary of the board subject to inspection by any party interested.
Any property owner affected by such proposed improvement, or any property owner within such district, may appear at said hearing and object to said proposed improvement by filing a written protest against the proposed action of the board. The protest shall clearly state the basis thereof. At such hearing, which shall be public, the board shall give full consideration to the proposed project and all protests filed, and on said date or any adjourned date, take final action thereon. If protests be filed before said hearing by owners of more than forty percent of the property in said district, the board shall not have power to make the proposed improvement nor again initiate the same for one year. If the board determines to proceed with such project in its original or modified form, it shall thereupon adopt a resolution so declaring and adopt general plans therefor, which resolution may authorize the acquisition by condemnation, or otherwise, of the necessary rights and properties to complete the same. Any protestant who filed a written protest prior to said hearing may appeal from the order of the board, but to do so must, within ten days from the date of entering of such order, bring direct action in the superior court of the state of Washington in the county wherein such district is situated, against such board of directors in their official capacity, which action shall be prosecuted under the procedure for civil actions, with the right of appellate review, as provided in other civil actions. In any action so brought, the order of the board shall be conclusive of the regularity and propriety of the proceedings and all other matters except it shall be open to attack upon the ground of fraud, unfair dealing, arbitrary, or unreasonable action of the board.
[ 1988 c 202 s 75; 1971 c 81 s 160; 1935 c 170 s 3; RRS s 4342-3. Formerly RCW 85.04.620. ]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: "this act" refers to chapter 170, Laws of 1935, codified as RCW 85.06.640 through 85.06.700.
Severability—1988 c 202: See note following RCW 2.24.050.
In carrying out the foregoing powers, or any other powers possessed by the board of commissioners of such district, said board shall have authority to acquire by lease, contract, private purchase, or purchase at any sale, any real or personal property and to sell any real or personal property, or any part thereof, owned by said district when they find that the usefulness thereof to such district has ceased. Such board shall also have authority to enter into contracts with any other diking and/or drainage district, person, public or municipal corporation, flood control district, state, or the United States, with reference to sharing the costs or expenses of improvements for said district or the protection thereof, and bind its district by such contract.
[ 1935 c 170 s 4; RRS s 4342-4. Formerly RCW 85.04.615. ]
In carrying out any of the foregoing powers, said district shall not impair, damage, injure, or take any private property or interest therein, or vested rights, without just compensation being paid.
[ 1935 c 170 s 5; RRS s 4342-5. Formerly RCW 85.04.605, part. ]
In carrying out any of the foregoing powers, or any powers possessed by said district, it shall have the right of eminent domain to acquire any property or rights or interest therein, within or outside of the district, necessary for the use of such district for the construction and maintenance of any ditches, drains, dikes, dams, spillways, outlets, necessary appliances and structures in connection with the operation, alteration, enlargement, extension, or protection of its drainage system. The procedure for exercising the right of eminent domain shall be that provided by law for private corporations.
[ 1935 c 170 s 6; RRS s 4342-6. Formerly RCW 85.04.605, part. ]
NOTES:
Eminent domain by corporations generally: Chapter 8.20 RCW.
The powers and rights *herein granted are additional to, but not in substitution of, existing rights or powers of drainage districts. Drainage district as used *herein shall mean a regularly established drainage, or drainage improvement district, combined diking and drainage improvement district, or drainage district exercising combined diking and drainage power.
[ 1935 c 170 s 7; RRS s 4342-7. Formerly RCW 85.04.630. ]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: "herein" appears in chapter 170, Laws of 1935, codified as RCW 85.06.640 through 85.06.700.
Severability—1935 c 170: "If any section, provision, or subdivision of a section of this act shall be adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudgment shall not affect the validity of the act as a whole, or any other section, subdivision, or provision thereof." [ 1935 c 170 s 8.] This applies to RCW 85.06.640 through 85.06.700.
Whenever any drainage district has been organized, established and created since January 1st, 1911, and extending to January 1st, 1921, in the manner provided by law, and the board of commissioners of such district have been authorized to proceed with the work of constructing a system of drainage for such district in the manner provided by law and have begun such work and expended the whole, or the major portion of the estimated cost of such improvement, and it shall have appeared to such board of commissioners that such improvement could not be completed within the estimated cost thereof so as to produce the benefits to the lands of the district found by the jury to be benefited by the proposed improvement without expending a greater sum than the estimated cost of such improvement and that the benefits which would actually accrue to the lands of the district would be sufficient to warrant the increased expenditure necessary to complete the improvement, and such board of commissioners shall have incurred indebtedness in the name of the district to such an amount as would complete the authorized system of drainage for the benefit of the lands of the district found by the jury to be benefited by the proposed improvement, and issued the warrants of the district to cover the additional cost of completing such improvement all warrants heretofore issued for such purposes are hereby declared to be valid and legal obligations of the district so issuing the same.
[ 1921 c 187 s 1; RRS s 4460. ]
Whenever the board of commissioners of any drainage district shall have heretofore issued any warrants of the district for the purpose of completing a system of drainage for such district so as to produce the benefits to the lands of the district found by the jury to be benefited by the proposed improvement as provided in the preceding section, and the total estimated maximum benefits found by the jury that would accrue to the lands of the district by reason of such proposed improvement are not sufficient to cover the actual cost of such improvement, including the cost of completing the same as hereinabove provided, the board of commissioners of such district shall file a petition in the superior court in the original proceeding for the determination of the damages and benefits to accrue from the proposed improvement, setting forth the facts, describing the lands that have been, in the judgment of the commissioners, actually benefited by the completed improvement, stating the estimated amount of benefits per acre that have accrued to each tract of land respectively, giving the name of the owner or reputed owner of such tract of land, and praying that the original proceedings be opened for further proceedings for the purpose of determining the benefits which have accrued to each tract of land actually benefited by the completed improvement. If the said board of commissioners fail or refuse to file such petition within sixty days after receipt of a written request so to do, signed by any warrant-holder, then the said warrant-holder shall have the right to file same.
[ 1921 c 187 s 2; RRS s 4461. ]
Upon the filing of the petition provided for in the preceding section, summons shall issue thereon and be served on the owners of all lands described in the petition as having been benefited, in the same manner as summons is issued and served in the original proceedings for the determination of damages and benefits by reason of a proposed drainage improvement, as near as may be. No answer to any such petition shall be required unless the party served with summons desires to offset damages claimed to have been actually sustained by reason of the completed improvement in addition to the damages found by the jury in the original proceeding, and no default judgment shall be taken for failure to answer any such petition.
[ 1921 c 187 s 3; RRS s 4462. ]
Upon the issues being made up, or upon the lapse of time within which the parties served are required to appear by any summons issued as provided in the preceding section, the court shall empanel a jury to hear and determine the matters in issue, and if the jury shall find that the matters set forth in the petition are true and that any of the lands of the district have been benefited by the completed improvement, after offsetting any additional damages found to have been sustained by reason thereof, it shall determine and assess the benefits which have actually accrued, and shall specify in its verdict the respective amount of benefits per acre, if any, assessed to each particular tract of land, by legal subdivisions.
[ 1921 c 187 s 4; RRS s 4463. ]
Upon the return of the verdict of the jury as provided in the preceding section, if it shall appear to the court that the total benefits found by the jury to have accrued to the lands of the district is equal to or exceeds the actual cost of the improvement including the increased cost of completing the same, the court shall enter its judgment in accordance therewith, as supplemental to and in lieu of the original decree fixing the benefits to the respective tracts of land, and thereafter the assessment and levy for the original cost of the construction of the improvement, including the indebtedness incurred for completing the improvement together with interest at the legal rate on the warrants issued therefor, and all assessments and levies if any, for the future maintenance of the drainage system described in the judgment shall be based upon the respective benefits determined and assessed against the respective tracts of land as specified in the judgment. Every person or corporation feeling himself or herself or itself aggrieved by any such judgment may seek appellate review within thirty days after the entry thereof, and such review shall bring before the appellate court the propriety and justness of the verdict of the jury in respect to the parties to the proceeding.
[ 2013 c 23 s 403; 1988 c 202 s 76; 1971 c 81 s 161; 1921 c 187 s 5; RRS s 4464. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1988 c 202: See note following RCW 2.24.050.
The commissioners of any diking or drainage district organized under the laws of this state, shall have power and authority to rent any machinery, tools or equipment belonging to such district, to any individual or corporation for hire under such conditions regarding the care and maintenance thereof as the commissioners may determine; and all sums of money received for the rent thereof shall be paid into the county treasury, to the credit of the district.
[ 1979 ex.s. c 30 s 18; 1917 c 104 s 1; RRS s 4517. Formerly RCW 85.04.215. ]
Whenever, upon the trial to fix and assess the benefits and damages resulting from the construction of any diking or drainage system under the laws of this state, the jury shall find by its verdict that any public or county road will be benefited from the construction of such improvement, the clerk of the court in which such trial is had shall, upon the entry of the judgment upon such verdict, certify to the board of county commissioners of the county in which such road is situated the amount of benefits to such road so found and adjudged. The said county commissioners shall, upon the receipt of such certified statement, allow the same as for other road work and shall order the amount thereof to be paid out of the road and bridge fund of the road district in which the road so benefited is situated, and shall direct the auditor of said county to issue a warrant for the amount of such benefits against the road and bridge fund of such road district in favor of the county treasurer of said county. The said county treasurer shall, upon the payment of said warrant, place the proceeds therefrom to the credit of the drainage or diking district from which such benefits resulted.
[ 1909 c 194 s 1; RRS s 4314. Formerly RCW 85.04.085, part. ]
NOTES:
Counties to contribute for benefit to road: RCW 85.24.240.
Any additional assessments for the construction of any diking or drainage system, and also all assessments for the maintenance of same shall be based upon the benefits so found and adjudged, and the proportion of benefits resulting to such public or county road therefrom, on such basis, shall be allowed and paid for by such county in the same manner as in the case of the original construction.
[ 1909 c 194 s 2; RRS s 4315. Formerly RCW 85.04.085, part and 85.04.090. ]
(1) Any board of commissioners of any diking or drainage district may, at any time, without petition and on its own motion, issue bonds of such district for the purpose of funding any outstanding warrants of such district. No bonds so issued shall be sold for less than their par value. They may be sold at public or private sale. Any department or agency of the state of Washington having power to invest funds is hereby authorized and empowered to use the same to buy such bonds.
(2) Such bonds may be issued and sold in accordance with chapter 39.46 RCW.
[ 1983 c 167 s 189; 1935 c 103 s 1; RRS s 4459-11. Formerly RCW 85.04.140, part. ]
NOTES:
Liberal construction—Severability—1983 c 167: See RCW 39.46.010 and note following.
(1) Said bonds shall be numbered consecutively from one upwards and shall be in denominations of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars each. They shall bear the date of issue, shall be made payable in not more than ten years from the date of their issue, and shall bear interest at a rate or rates as authorized by the board of commissioners, payable annually. The bonds may be in any form, including bearer bonds or registered bonds as provided in RCW 39.46.030. The bonds and any coupon shall be signed by the chair of the board of commissioners of each district and shall be attested by the secretary of said board. The seal, if any, of such district shall be affixed to each bond, but it need not be affixed to any coupon.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, such bonds may be issued and sold in accordance with chapter 39.46 RCW.
[ 2013 c 23 s 404; 1983 c 167 s 190; 1970 ex.s. c 56 s 91; 1969 ex.s. c 232 s 53; 1935 c 103 s 2; RRS s 4459-12. Formerly RCW 85.04.145. ]
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.
All outstanding warrants of such district so sought to be redeemed shall become due and payable immediately upon receipt by the county treasurer of the money from the sale of said bonds; and upon a call of such outstanding warrants or obligations issued by him or her, the same shall cease to draw interest at the end of thirty days after the date of the first publication of such call. The call shall be made by the treasurer by publishing notice thereof for two consecutive weeks in the county paper authorized to do the county printing. The notice shall designate the number of each warrant sought to be redeemed.
[ 2013 c 23 s 405; 1935 c 103 s 4; RRS s 4459-14. Formerly RCW 85.04.175. ]
Said bonds may be exchanged at not less than their par value for an equal amount of the outstanding warrants of the district issuing such bonds.
[ 1935 c 103 s 5; RRS s 4459-15. Formerly RCW 85.04.140, part. ]
It shall be the duty of the commissioners of such district annually to levy assessments sufficient to pay interest on such bonds as they fall due. They may at any time levy such additional assessment as they deem best to redeem and retire such bonds. Commencing not less than five years before the due date of such bonds, they shall determine the number of equal annual levies necessary to retire such bonds at maturity, and annually thereafter levy an assessment sufficient to liquidate all of said bonds by maturity. Such levies for interest and redemption of the bonds shall be added to the annual cost of the maintenance of the diking or drainage system of said district. Such assessments shall be collected by the county treasurer and kept as a special fund for the sole purpose of paying interest upon and liquidating said bonds.
[ 1983 c 167 s 192; 1935 c 103 s 6; RRS s 4459-16. Formerly RCW 85.04.160, part. ]
NOTES:
Liberal construction—Severability—1983 c 167: See RCW 39.46.010 and note following.
It shall be the duty of the county treasurer of each county in which there may be a district issuing bonds under the provisions of RCW 85.07.060 through 85.07.120, whenever he or she has on hand one thousand dollars over and above interest requirements in the special fund for the payment of said bonds and interest, to advertise in the newspaper doing the county printing, for the presentation to him or her for payment of as many of the bonds issued under the provisions of RCW 85.07.060 through 85.07.120 as he or she may be able to pay with the funds in his or her hands. The bonds shall be redeemed and paid in their numerical order, beginning with bond No. 1 and continuing until all of said bonds are paid. The treasurer's call for presentation and redemption of such bonds shall state the number of the bond or bonds so called. Thirty days after the first publication of said notice of the treasurer calling any of said bonds by their numbers, such bonds shall cease to bear interest, and the notice of call shall so state. If any bond so called is not presented, the treasurer shall hold in said fund until presentation of such bond is made, the amount of money sufficient to redeem the same with interest thereon to the date interest was terminated by such call.
[ 2013 c 23 s 406; 1935 c 103 s 7; RRS s 4459-17. Formerly RCW 85.04.150. ]
Whenever any piece of land in any diking or drainage district in this state shall cease to be susceptible to benefit from the diking and/or drainage improvement of such district, the owner thereof may bring civil action in the superior court of the county wherein such property is situated, against the board of commissioners of such district in their official capacity, to have such property stricken from the assessment roll for such district. The procedure shall be that of other civil actions, except no judgment for costs shall be entered against such district in such proceedings.
[ 1935 c 102 s 1; RRS s 4360-1. Formerly RCW 85.04.180. ]
If the court is satisfied that the status of said property has changed so that it is no longer susceptible to benefit from the improvement of such district and should be removed from the assessment roll thereof, and it be established that all benefits assessed against said lands up to the date of trial have been paid, such court may enter a decree striking such land from the assessment roll of said district, and it shall not be subject to future assessment for benefits or maintenance by such district, unless, thereafter, it is again brought into such districts by the proceedings provided by law to extend the district or include benefited property which is not assessed. Nothing herein shall prevent such property from being again brought into said district in the manner provided by law generally for the inclusion of benefited property, if it appear at a future date that said property will receive benefits from the improvement in such district. Upon entry of such decree of the court a certified copy thereof shall be filed in the office of the auditor of such county wherein the property is situated, and upon receipt thereof, he or she shall correct the assessment roll of said district accordingly and strike the property therefrom.
[ 2013 c 23 s 407; 1935 c 102 s 2; RRS s 4360-2. Formerly RCW 85.04.185. ]
(1) The commissioners of any drainage or diking district shall have power, on behalf of the district, to acquire, place, repair and maintain, dikes and dams, ditches, drains and outlets therefor, together with right-of-way therefor and access thereto, or obtain rights therein or full or joint use and maintenance thereof, when deemed by them necessary or beneficial for the protection of the district's system or its improvements, by eminent domain, purchase, or contract, with the owners or other districts through their commissioners, or other entities or persons together with power to contract by and with other districts or entities with reference to such matters and their performance.
(2) If the commissioners of any drainage or diking district determine that repair or maintenance is required on any drainage facilities, including dikes and dams, ditches, and drains and outlets, that are on land owned by or under the jurisdiction of the department of transportation, they may give notice in writing to the department requesting that the department make the necessary repair or maintenance pursuant to the department's obligations under RCW 47.01.260. If the specified repair or maintenance is not conducted by the department within fourteen days upon receipt of the notice, the district commissioners may independently make the repair or maintenance. The department shall then reimburse the district for all reasonable costs incurred by the district associated with the repair or maintenance.
(3) The provisions of this section shall be construed as cumulative and shall not derogate from any other powers authorized by law for such districts.
[ 2006 c 368 s 1; 1963 c 96 s 1. ]
"System", "improvement", and "system of improvement", as used in this chapter, shall be held to include a dike, ditch, drain or watercourse, or sewer, and any side, lateral, spur or branch dike, ditch, drain or watercourse, or sewer, or other structure, necessary to secure the object of the improvement. Any number of dikes, ditches, drains or watercourses, or sewers, with their laterals, spurs, and branches with separate outlets, or in the case of sewers with one or more septic tanks, may constitute one system for the protection or reclamation of the land included in any district. But no system shall be established or constructed unless sufficient outlet or outlets, or in the case of sewers, sufficient septic tank or tanks, are provided for any drainage or sewerage of such district. Such outlet or outlets, or septic tank or tanks, may be either within or without the boundaries of the improvement district hereinafter provided for. Any natural watercourse may be improved in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
"Damages", as used in this chapter, shall be held to include the value of the property taken and injury to property not taken, or either, as the case may be. "Property benefited" and "property damaged", as used in this chapter, shall be held to include land, platted or unplatted, whether subject to or exempt from general taxation, and roads other than public roads. "Public roads", as used in this chapter, shall be held to include state and county roads, streets, alleys and other public places; and "other roads", as used in this chapter shall be held to include railroads, street railroads, interurban railroads, logging roads, tramways and private roads and the right-of-way, roadbeds and tracks thereof.
"Public utilities", as used in this chapter, shall be held to include irrigation, power and other canals, flumes, conduits and ditches, telegraph, telephone and electric transmission and pole lines, and oil, gas and other pipe lines. "County engineer", as used in this chapter, shall be held to include any engineer specially employed by the board of county commissioners or the board of supervisors to report upon and prepare plans for or to superintend the construction of a system or the maintenance thereof under the provisions of this chapter. "Prosecuting attorney", as used in this chapter, shall be held to include any attorney specially employed by the board of county commissioners in connection with the carrying out of the provisions of this chapter to advise or carry on proceedings in court with reference to a system of improvement initiated and constructed under the provisions of this chapter.
[ 1923 c 46 s 2; 1917 c 130 s 13; 1913 c 176 s 2; RRS s 4406. FORMER PART OF SECTION: 1925 ex.s. c 189 s 1, part, now codified as RCW 85.08.230. ]
NOTES:
Reviser's note: The term "county engineer" is defined in the last paragraph of this section. Throughout this chapter the terms "engineer," "district engineer," and "county engineer" appear to have been used interchangeably in the session laws and the usage of the latest session law language has been retained herein.
Inapplicability of prior laws (1917 c 130 s 39): "Sec. 39. Nothing in this act contained shall be construed as in anywise modifying or repealing any of the provisions of chapter 115 or of chapter 117 of the Laws of 1895, or the acts amendatory thereof or supplemental thereto, or affecting any proceedings heretofore or that may hereafter be had under the provisions of said acts."
County road engineer: Chapter 36.80 RCW.
Diking, drainage, or sewerage improvement districts shall possess the authority and shall be created, district voting rights shall be determined, and district elections shall be held as provided in chapter 85.38 RCW.
[ 1985 c 396 s 33. ]
Each qualified voter of a diking improvement or drainage improvement district who owns more than ten acres of land within the district shall be entitled to two additional votes for each ten acres or major fraction thereof located within the district, up to a maximum total of forty votes for any voter, or in the case of community property, a maximum total of twenty votes per member of the marital community: PROVIDED, That this additional voting provision shall only apply in districts that were not in operation and did not have improvements as of May 14, 1925.
[ 1991 c 349 s 3; 1985 c 396 s 21. Formerly RCW 85.05.015. ]
For the purpose of taking or damaging property for the purposes of this chapter, counties shall have and exercise the power of eminent domain in behalf of the proposed improvement district, and the mode of procedure therefor shall be as provided by law for the condemnation of lands by counties for public highways: PROVIDED, That the county, at its option, pursuant to resolution to that end duly passed by the board of county commissioners, may unite in a single action, proceedings for the acquisition and condemnation of different tracts of land required for rights-of-way which are held by separate owners. The court may, on motion of any party, consolidate into a single action separate suits for the condemnation of different tracts of land held by separate owners whenever from motives of economy or the expediting of business it appears advisable to do so. In such cases the jury shall render separate verdicts for the different tracts of land.
[ 1917 c 130 s 21; 1913 c 176 s 13; RRS s 4418. ]
The jury in such condemnation proceedings shall find and return a verdict for the amount of damages sustained: PROVIDED, That the jury, in determining the amount of damages, shall take into consideration the benefits, if any, that will accrue to the property damaged by reason of the proposed improvement, and shall make special findings in the verdict of the gross amount of damages to be sustained and the gross amount of benefits that will accrue. If it shall appear by the verdict of the jury that the gross damages exceed the gross benefits, judgment shall be entered against the county, and in favor of the owner or owners of the property damaged, in the amount of the excess of damages over the benefits, and for the costs of the proceedings, and upon payment of the judgment into the registry of the court for the owner or owners, a decree of appropriation shall be entered, vesting the title to the property appropriated in the county for the benefit of the improvement district. If it shall appear by the verdict that the gross benefits as found by the jury equal or exceed the gross damages, judgment shall be entered against the county and in favor of the owner or owners for the costs only, and upon payment of the judgment for costs a decree of appropriation shall be entered, vesting the title to the property appropriated in the county for the benefit of the improvement district. The verdict and findings of the jury as to damages and benefits shall be binding upon the board appointed to apportion the cost of the improvement upon the property benefited as hereinafter provided.
[ 1913 c 176 s 14; RRS s 4419. ]
Upon the entry of judgment as provided in RCW 85.08.200, the county auditor shall, under the direction of the county legislative authority, draw a warrant upon the county treasurer for the payment of the amount of damages agreed to or the amount of the judgment, as the case may be, to be paid out of the current expense fund of the county.
[ 1986 c 278 s 31; 1913 c 176 s 15; RRS s 4420. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
When the board of county commissioners shall have finally determined and fixed the route and plans for the proposed system of improvement and the boundaries of the improvement district, and when it shall appear that the damages for property to be taken or damaged have been settled in the manner hereinabove provided, or when it shall appear that such damages have been settled as to a particular portion of the proposed improvement, and that construction of such portion of such proposed improvement is feasible, thereupon such system of improvement or such portion thereof, as the case may be, shall be constructed in the manner hereinafter provided.
[ 1917 c 130 s 22; 1913 c 176 s 16; RRS s 4421. ]
Whenever the board of county commissioners has passed a resolution establishing a district, the county commissioners may at their meeting on the first Monday in October next ensuing and at the same time in each year thereafter until the improvement has been completed and a statement of total costs has been filed, levy an assessment against the property within the district to defray the preliminary expenses of the district, the levy to be based upon the estimated benefits as shown by the report of the county engineer on file in the auditor's office. The assessment so made shall be considered and credited to the respective pieces of property by the board of appraisers and by the county commissioners at the hearing on the assessment roll and the final apportionment. The preliminary assessments herein provided for shall be levied and collected in the same manner as the final assessment and shall be credited to the construction fund and used for the redemption of warrants issued against the same. Preliminary expenses shall mean all of the expenses incurred in the proceedings for the organization of the district and in other ways prior to the beginning of the actual construction of the improvement.
[ 1925 ex.s. c 189 s 1; RRS s 4421-1. Formerly RCW 85.08.010, part and 85.08.230. ]
Special assessment bonds and notes shall be issued and sold in accordance with chapter 85.38 RCW.
[ 1986 c 278 s 25. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
The board of supervisors of the district shall consist of three elected supervisors. The initial supervisors shall be appointed, and the first elected supervisor elected, as provided in chapter 85.38 RCW. The board of supervisors shall have charge of the construction and maintenance of the systems of improvements, subject to the limitations hereinafter set forth, and may employ a superintendent of construction and maintenance who may be one of the two elected supervisors. The supervisors may be employed upon the construction or maintenance, receiving the same compensation as other labor of like character.
When a district contains not more than five hundred acres, or when a petition is presented to the county legislative authority signed by the owners of fifty percent of the acreage of the district praying for such action, the county engineer shall act as the sole supervisor of the district; and in such case the allowance of all claims against the district shall be by the county legislative authority.
[ 1985 c 396 s 45; 1965 c 120 s 1; 1955 c 338 s 1; 1921 c 157 s 4; 1917 c 130 s 26; 1913 c 176 s 20; RRS s 4425. ]
The county engineer shall continue to act as a supervisor of a diking, drainage, or sewerage improvement district that is governed by a three-member board of supervisors until a replacement assumes office after being elected at the 1987 special district general election. At that election two supervisors shall be elected, with the person receiving the greatest number of votes being elected to a six-year term, and the person receiving the second greatest number of votes being elected to a four-year term. Thereafter, all supervisors shall be elected to six-year terms.
[ 1985 c 396 s 23. ]
The said board of supervisors shall, immediately upon their election and qualification, begin the construction of such system of improvement and shall proceed with the construction thereof in accordance with the plans adopted therefor. In the construction of any system of drainage, construction shall be begun at the outlet or outlets thereof and at such other points as may be deemed advisable from time to time. In the construction of any system of improvement the board of supervisors with the approval of the board of county commissioners may modify, curtail, enlarge or add to the original plans wherever the same may be found necessary or advisable in the course of actual construction. But such changes shall not in the aggregate increase the estimated cost of the entire system by more than one-fifth, and all additional or different rights-of-way required shall be obtained as hereinbefore prescribed. The board of county commissioners may in its discretion let the construction of said system or any portion thereof by contract, in the manner provided for letting contracts for the construction of county roads and bridges. The board of county commissioners may, upon such terms as may be agreed upon by the United States acting in pursuance of the National Reclamation Act approved June 17, 1902 (32 Statutes at Large 388), and the acts amendatory thereof and supplemental thereto, or in pursuance to any other act of congress appropriate to the purpose, contract for the construction of the system of improvement or any part thereof, by the United States, or in cooperation with the United States therein. In such case, no bond shall be required, and the work shall be done under the supervision and control of the proper officers of the United States.
Unless the work of construction is let by contract as hereinbefore provided, or for such part of such work as is not covered by contract, the board of supervisors shall employ such number of persons as shall be necessary to successfully carry on the work of such construction, and shall give preference in such employment to persons owning land to be benefited by the improvement.
The provisions of this section shall not be construed as denying to the supervisors, in case the construction work is left in their hands, the power to enter into an agreement with any contractor to furnish labor, material, equipment and skilled supervision, the contractor to be compensated upon the basis of a specific sum, or upon a percentage of the cost of the work, the services of the contractor to cover the use of equipment and the value of skilled supervision: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That there is retained in the said board by the contract the right of termination thereof at any time, on reasonable notice, and fixing in the said contract, or reserving in said board, the right to fix the rates of wages to be paid to the persons employed in said work. The board of supervisors may also let contracts in such manner and on such notice as they deem advisable for items of construction not exceeding one thousand dollars in amount of expenditures.
[ 2009 c 549 s 1035; 1921 c 157 s 5; 1917 c 130 s 27; 1913 c 176 s 22; RRS s 4427. ]
The compensation of the superintendent of construction, the board of appraisers hereinafter provided for, and any special engineer, attorney or agent employed by the district in connection with the improvement, the maximum wages to be paid, and the maximum price of materials to be used, shall be fixed by the district board of supervisors. Members of the board of supervisors may receive compensation up to ninety dollars per day or portion thereof spent in actual attendance at official meetings of the district, or in performance of other official services or duties on behalf of the district: PROVIDED, That such compensation shall not exceed eight thousand six hundred forty dollars in one calendar year. Each supervisor shall be entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses actually incurred in connection with business, including subsistence and lodging while away from the supervisor's place of residence and mileage for use of a privately owned vehicle in accordance with chapter 42.24 RCW. All costs of construction or maintenance done under the direction of the board of supervisors shall be paid upon vouchers or payrolls verified by two of the said supervisors. All costs of construction and all other expenses, fees and charges on account of such improvement shall be paid by warrants drawn by the county auditor upon the county treasurer upon the proper fund, and shall draw interest at a rate determined by the county legislative authority until paid or called by the county treasurer as warrants of the county are called.
Any supervisor may waive all or any portion of his or her compensation payable under this section as to any month or months during his or her term of office, by a written waiver filed with the secretary as provided in this section. The waiver, to be effective, must be filed any time after the supervisor's election and prior to the date on which the compensation would otherwise be paid. The waiver shall specify the month or period of months for which it is made.
The dollar thresholds established in this section must be adjusted for inflation by the office of financial management every five years, beginning January 1, 2024, based upon changes in the consumer price index during that time period. "Consumer price index" means, for any calendar year, that year's annual average consumer price index, for Washington state, for wage earners and clerical workers, all items, compiled by the bureau of labor and statistics, United States department of labor. If the bureau of labor and statistics develops more than one consumer price index for areas within the state, the index covering the greatest number of people, covering areas exclusively within the boundaries of the state, and including all items shall be used for the adjustments for inflation in this section. The office of financial management must calculate the new dollar threshold and transmit it to the office of the code reviser for publication in the Washington State Register at least one month before the new dollar threshold is to take effect.
A person holding office as commissioner for two or more special purpose districts shall receive only that per diem compensation authorized for one of his or her commissioner positions as compensation for attending an official meeting or conducting official services or duties while representing more than one of his or her districts. However, such commissioner may receive additional per diem compensation if approved by resolution of all boards of the affected commissions.
[ 2020 c 83 s 10; 2007 c 469 s 10; 1998 c 121 s 10; 1991 c 349 s 22; 1986 c 278 s 32; 1985 c 396 s 46; 1981 c 156 s 23; 1917 c 130 s 28; 1913 c 176 s 23; RRS s 4428. Formerly RCW 85.08.320 and 85.08.330. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
Whenever in the progress of the construction of the system of improvement it shall become necessary to construct a portion of such system across any public or other road or public utility, the board of supervisors, or in case the work is being done by contract the board of county commissioners, shall serve notice in writing upon the public officers, corporation, or person having charge of, or controlling or owning such road or public utility, as the case may be, of the present necessity of such crossing, giving the location, kind, dimensions, and requirement thereof, for the purpose of the system of improvement, and stating a reasonable time, to be fixed by the county engineer, within which plans for such crossing must be filed for approval in case the public officers, corporation, or person controlling or owning such road or public utility desire to construct such crossing. As soon as convenient, within the time fixed in the notice, the public officers, corporation, or person shall, if they desire to construct such crossing, prepare and submit to the county engineer for approval duplicate detailed plans and specifications for such crossing. Upon submission of such plans, the county engineer shall examine and may modify the same to meet the requirements of the system of improvement, and when such plans or modified plans are satisfactory to the county engineer, he or she shall approve the same and return one thereof to the public officers, corporation, or person submitting the same, and file the duplicate in his or her office, and shall notify such public officers, corporation, or person of the time within which said crossing must be constructed. Upon the return of such approved plans, the public officers, corporation, or person controlling such road or public utility shall, within the time fixed by the county engineer, construct such crossing in accordance with the approved plans, and shall thereafter maintain the same. In case such public officers, corporation, or person controlling or owning such road or public utility shall fail to file plans for such crossing within the time prescribed in the notice, the board of supervisors or of county commissioners, as the case may be, shall proceed with the construction of such crossing in such manner as will cause no unnecessary injury to or interference with such road or public utility. The cost of construction and maintenance of only such crossings or such portion of such cost as would not have been necessary but for the construction of the system of improvement shall be a proper charge against the improvement district, and only so much of such cost as the board of county commissioners shall deem reasonable shall be allowed as a charge against the district in the case of crossings constructed by others than the district. The amount of costs of construction allowed as a charge against the district by the board of county commissioners shall be credited on the assessments against the property on which the crossing is constructed, and any excess over such assessment shall be paid out of the funds of the district.
[ 2013 c 23 s 408; 1917 c 130 s 29; 1913 c 176 s 24; RRS s 4429. Formerly RCW 85.08.340 and 85.08.350. ]
When the improvement is fully completed and accepted by the county engineer, the clerk of the board shall compile and file with the board of county commissioners an itemized statement of the total cost of construction, including engineering and election expenses, the cost of publishing and posting notices, damages, and costs allowed or awarded for property taken or damaged, including compensation of attorneys, including the costs of crossings constructed by the district and the cost of crossings constructed by others and allowed by the board of county commissioners, and including the sum paid or to be paid to the United States, and the discount, if any, on the bonds and warrants sold and including all other costs and expenses, including fees, per diem, and necessary expenses of nonsalaried officers incurred in connection with the improvement, together with interest on such costs and expenses from the time when incurred at the rate of interest borne by the warrants issued for the cost of construction. There shall also be included in said statement, in case the county engineer is a salaried officer, a statement of the services performed by him or her in connection with said improvement at a per diem of five dollars per day and his or her necessary expenses, and a reasonable sum to be fixed by the board of county commissioners on account of the services rendered by the prosecuting attorney. Upon the filing of such statement of costs and expenses the board of county commissioners shall revise and correct the same if necessary and add thereto a reasonable sum which shall be not less than five percent nor more than ten percent of the total thereof in drainage improvement districts, and not less than ten percent nor more than fifteen percent of the total thereof in diking improvement districts, to cover possible errors in the statement or the apportionment hereinafter provided for, and the cost of such apportionment and other subsequent expenses, and interest on the costs of construction from the date of the statement until fifty days after the filing of the assessment roll with the treasurer; and unless the same have been previously appointed, shall appoint a board of appraisers consisting of the county engineer and two other competent persons, to apportion the grand total as contained in said statement as hereinafter provided. Each member of said board of appraisers shall take, subscribe, and file with the board of county commissioners an oath to faithfully and impartially perform his or her duties to the best of his or her ability in making said apportionment, and said board of appraisers shall proceed to carefully examine the system and the public and private property within the district and fairly, justly, and equitably apportion the grand total cost of the improvement against the property and the county or counties, cities, and towns within the district, in proportion to the benefits accruing thereto.
[ 2013 c 23 s 409; 1917 c 130 s 30; 1913 c 176 s 25; RRS s 4430. ]
Whenever any system of improvement constructed under the provisions of this chapter will drain, protect or otherwise improve the whole or any part of any public road, roadbed or track thereof, or where any such system of improvement will furnish an outlet for or facilitate the construction or maintenance of any sewer system in any city or town, there shall be apportioned against the state, in the case of state primary and secondary highways, and against the county in which any other such state or county road outside of any incorporated city or town is located, or against the city or town in which any such public road is located, or against any such other road or part thereof so drained, protected or otherwise improved, or against the city or town for which an outlet for sewage will be furnished or wherein the construction or maintenance of a sewer system will be facilitated, the proper amount of the total sum to be apportioned. The board of county commissioners may pay such portion as they deem proper of the amount assessed against the county on account of the drainage, protection or improvement of the roads, out of the funds of the road district in which such drainage, protection or improvement is made. The amount assessed against the state shall be paid out of the appropriate fund of the state.
[ 1923 c 46 s 8; 1917 c 130 s 31; 1913 c 176 s 26; RRS s 4431. FORMER PART OF SECTION: 1913 c 176 s 28 now codified as RCW 85.08.375. ]
There shall be apportioned against all state school, granted, and other lands, in the district the proper amount of the total sum to be apportioned in proportion to the benefits accruing thereto.
[ 1913 c 176 s 28; RRS s 4433. Formerly RCW 85.08.370, part. ]
In the plans for and in the construction of a drainage system in an irrigated region, under the provisions of this chapter, provision may be made for the prevention of, or affording an outlet for drains to prevent, injury to land from seepage of or saturation by irrigation water, and for the carrying off of necessary wastewater from irrigation, and benefits resulting from such provision shall be considered in making the apportionment of the cost of such system.
[ 1913 c 176 s 27; RRS s 4432. FORMER PART OF SECTION: 1921 c 160 s 3 now codified as RCW 85.08.385. ]
Drainage ditches of any drainage improvement district heretofore or hereafter created may be constructed and maintained along any public highway, street, alley or road within the limits of any drainage district.
[ 1921 c 160 s 3; RRS s 4409. Formerly RCW 85.08.380, part. ]
Upon the completion of the apportionment the board of appraisers shall prepare upon suitable blanks, to be prescribed by the *bureau of inspection and supervision of public offices, sign and file with the clerk of the board of county commissioners a schedule giving the name of each county, city and town and the description of each piece of property found to be benefited by the improvement in the following order: First, counties, cities and towns and the respective amounts apportioned thereto for benefits accruing to public roads and sewer systems therein; second, other roads (1) railroads, (2) street railroads, (3) interurban railroads, (4) logging roads, and (5) tramways, giving the location of the particular portion or portions of each road benefited and the respective amounts apportioned thereto; third, unplatted lands giving a description of each tract arranged in the numerical order of the townships, ranges and sections, and giving the legal subdivisions and such other subdivisions and metes and bounds descriptions as may be necessary to show a different rate of apportionment, or different ownership, and giving the respective amounts apportioned to each tract; fourth, platted lands arranged by cities and towns and platted acreage in alphabetical order, giving under each the names of the plats in alphabetical order and the numbers of blocks and lots, and such other subdivisions and metes and bounds descriptions as may be necessary to show a different rate of apportionment, or different ownership, and giving the respective amounts apportioned to each plat, block, lot, or other description, as the case may be.
[ 1913 c 176 s 29; RRS s 4434. ]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: The "bureau of inspection and supervision of public offices" has been abolished and its powers and duties transferred and devolved upon the state auditor through the division of municipal corporations by a chain of statutes as follows: 1921 c 7 ss 55, 135; 1925 c 18 s 11; and 1927 c 280 s 11. The division of municipal corporations was repealed by 1995 c 301 s 79.
Upon the filing of the schedule of apportionment, the county legislative authority shall fix the time and place for a hearing thereon, which time shall be not more than sixty days from the date of the filing of the schedule. Notice of the hearing shall be given in the manner provided for giving notice of a hearing in *RCW 85.08.150. The notice shall fix the time and place of the hearing on the roll, and shall state that the schedule of apportionment showing the amount of the cost of the improvement apportioned to each county, city, town, and piece of property benefited by the improvement is on file in the office of the county legislative authority and is open to public inspection, and shall notify all persons who may desire to object thereto that they may make their objections in writing and file them with the clerk of the county legislative authority at or before the date fixed for the hearing. The notice shall also state that at the time and place fixed and at such other times and places as the hearing may be continued to, the county legislative authority will sit as a board of equalization for the purpose of considering the schedule and at the hearing or hearings will also consider any objections made thereto, or any part thereof, and will correct, revise, raise, lower, change, or modify the schedule or any part thereof, or set aside the schedule and order that the apportionment be made de novo as to such body shall appear just and equitable, and that at the hearing the board will confirm the schedule as finally approved by them and will levy an assessment against the property described thereon for the amounts as fixed by them. The county legislative authority shall serve by mail, at least ten days before the hearing, upon the commissioner of public lands of the state of Washington a like notice, in duplicate, showing the amount of the cost of the improvements apportioned against all state, school, granted, or other lands owned by the state of Washington in the district. The county legislative authority shall serve a like notice upon the state secretary of transportation showing the amount apportioned against any state primary or secondary highways. Upon receipt of the notice the commissioner of public lands or the secretary of transportation, as the case may be, shall endorse thereon a statement either that he or she elects to accept or that he or she elects to contest the apportionment, and shall return the notice, so endorsed, to the county legislative authority. At or before the hearing any person interested may file with the clerk of the county legislative authority written objections to any item or items of the apportionment.
[ 2013 c 23 s 410; 1984 c 7 s 377; 1923 c 46 s 9, part; 1917 c 130 s 32; 1913 c 176 s 30; RRS s 4435-1. ]
NOTES:
Reviser's note: *(1) RCW 85.08.150 was repealed by 1985 c 396 s 87. See RCW 85.38.040, 85.38.050.
(2) The powers and duties of the commissioner of public lands have been transferred to the department of natural resources. See 1957 c 38 ss 1, 13; RCW 43.30.010, 43.30.411.
At such hearing, which may be adjourned from time to time and from place to place, until finally completed, the board of county commissioners shall carefully examine and consider said schedule and any objections filed or made thereto and shall correct, revise, raise, lower, change, or modify such schedule or any part thereof, or strike therefrom any property not benefited, or set aside such schedule and order that such apportionment be made de novo, as to such body shall appear equitable and just. The board shall cause the clerk of the board to enter on such schedule all such additions, cancellations, changes, modifications, and reapportionments, all credits for damages allowed or awarded to the owner of any piece of property benefited, but not paid, as provided in RCW 85.08.200; also a credit in favor of the county on any apportionment against the county, of all sums paid on account of said improvement, as provided in RCW 85.08.210; and all sums allowed the county on account of services rendered by the county engineer or prosecuting attorney, as provided in RCW 85.08.360; and all credits allowed to property owners constructing crossings as provided in RCW 85.08.340. When the board of county commissioners shall have finally determined that the apportionment as filed or as changed and modified by the board is a fair, just and equitable apportionment, and that the proper credits have been entered thereon, the members of the board approving the same shall sign the schedule and cause the clerk of the board to attest their signature under his or her seal, and shall enter an order on the journal approving the final apportionment and all proceedings leading thereto and in connection therewith, and shall levy the amounts so apportioned against the property benefited, and the determination by the board of county commissioners in fixing and approving such apportionment and making such levy shall be final and conclusive.
The board of county commissioners shall also at said hearing, levy, in the manner hereinafter provided for the levy of maintenance assessments, such assessment as they shall deem necessary to provide funds for the maintenance of the system of improvement until the first annual assessment for maintenance shall fall due.
[ 2013 c 23 s 411; 1983 c 3 s 230; 1923 c 46 s 9, part; 1917 c 130 s 32; 1913 c 176 s 30; RRS s 4435-2. ]
Upon the approval of said roll the county auditor shall immediately prepare a completed assessment roll which shall contain, first, a map of the district showing each separate description of property assessed; second, an index of the schedule of apportionments; third, an index of the record of the proceedings had in connection with the improvement; fourth, a copy of the resolution of the board of county commissioners fixing the method of payment of assessments; fifth, the warrant of the auditor authorizing the county treasurer to collect assessments; and sixth, the approved schedule of apportionments of assessments; and shall charge the county treasurer with the total amount of assessment and turn the rollover to the treasurer, for collection in accordance with the resolution of the board of county commissioners fixing the method of payment of assessments. As soon as the assessment roll has been turned over to the treasurer for collection, he or she shall publish a notice in the official newspaper of the county for once a week for at least two consecutive weeks, that the said roll is in his or her hands for collection and that any assessment thereon or any portion of any such assessment may be paid at any time on or before a date stated in such notice, which date shall be thirty days after the date of the first publication, without interest, and the treasurer shall accept such payment as in said notice provided. Upon the expiration of such thirty-day period the county treasurer shall certify to the county auditor the total amount of assessments so collected by him or her and the total amount of assessments remaining unpaid upon said roll.
[ 2013 c 23 s 412; 1923 c 46 s 9, part; 1917 c 130 s 32; 1913 c 176 s 30; RRS s 4435-3. ]
After the expiration of said thirty-day period, payment of assessments in full, with interest to the next interest payment date which is more than thirty days from the date of such payment, may be made at any time; PROVIDED, That the aggregate amount of such advance payments in any year, together with the total amount of the assessments due at the beginning of said year, shall not exceed the total amount of the bonds which may be called in that year according to the applicable bond redemption schedule. The treasurer shall accept payments of assessments in advance, in the order tendered, until the limit herein set forth has been reached.
The assessments contained in the assessment roll shall bear interest from the expiration of the thirty-day period at a rate determined by the county legislative authority and interest upon the entire assessment then unpaid shall be due and payable at the time each of said installments becomes due and payable as a part thereof.
The assessments contained in said assessment roll shall be liens upon the property assessed, such lien shall be of equal rank with other liens assessed against the property for local improvements and paramount to all other liens except the lien of general taxes, and shall relate back to and take effect as of the date when the county legislative authority determined to proceed with the construction of the improvement as provided in RCW 85.08.220.
[ 1983 c 167 s 195; 1981 c 156 s 24; 1923 c 46 s 9, part; 1917 c 130 s 32; 1913 c 176 s 30; RRS s 4435-4. ]
NOTES:
Liberal construction—Severability—1983 c 167: See RCW 39.46.010 and note following.
The decision of the board of county commissioners upon any objections made within the time and in the manner prescribed in RCW 85.08.400 through 85.08.430, may be reviewed by the superior court upon an appeal thereto taken in the following manner. Such appeal shall be made by filing written notice of appeal with the clerk of such board and with the clerk of the superior court of the county in which such drainage or diking improvement district is situated, or in case of joint drainage or diking improvement districts with the clerk of the court of the county in which the greater length of such drainage or diking improvement system lies, within ten days after the order confirming such assessment roll shall have become effective, and such notice shall describe the property and set forth the objections of such appellant to such assessment; and, within ten days from the filing of such notice of appeal with the clerk of the superior court, the appellant shall file with the clerk of said court a transcript consisting of the assessment roll and his or her objections thereto, together with the order confirming such assessment roll, and the record of the board of county commissioners with reference to said assessment, which transcript, upon payment of the necessary fees therefor, shall be furnished by such clerk of the board of county commissioners, and by him or her certified to contain full, true, and correct copies of all matters and proceedings required to be included in such transcript. Such fees shall be the same as the fees payable to the county clerk for the preparation and certification of transcripts on appeal to the supreme court or the court of appeals in civil actions. At the time of the filing of the notice of appeal with the clerk of the superior court, the appellant shall execute and file with the clerk of the superior court a sufficient bond in the penal sum of two hundred dollars, with good and sufficient surety, to be approved by the judge of said court, conditioned to prosecute such appeal without delay, and if unsuccessful, to pay all costs to which the county or the drainage or diking improvement district is put by reason of such appeal. The court may order the appellant upon application therefor, to execute and file such additional bond or bonds as the necessity of the case may require; within three days after such transcript is filed in the superior court as aforesaid, the appellant shall give written notice to the prosecuting attorney of the county, and to the clerk of the board of county commissioners that such transcript is filed. Said notice shall state a time (not less than three days from the service thereof) when the appellant will call up the said cause for hearing; and the superior court of said county shall, at said time or at such further time as may be fixed by order of the court, hear and determine such appeal without a jury. The judgment of the court shall confirm, correct, modify, or annul the assessment insofar as the same affects the property of the appellant. A certified copy of the decision of the court shall be filed with the officer who shall have custody of the assessment roll, and he or she shall modify and correct such assessment roll in accordance with such decision. Appellate review of the judgment of the superior court may be sought as in other civil cases. However, the review must be sought within fifteen days after the date of the entry of the judgment of such superior court. A certified copy of the order of the supreme court or the court of appeals upon such appeal shall be filed with the officer having custody of such assessment roll, who shall thereupon modify and correct such assessment roll in accordance with such decision.
[ 2013 c 23 s 413; 1988 c 202 s 77; 1971 c 81 s 162; 1921 c 157 s 1; RRS s 4436. ]
NOTES:
Rules of court: Cf. RAP 5.2, 8.1, 18.22.
Severability—1988 c 202: See note following RCW 2.24.050.
Whenever any schedule of apportionment of any drainage or diking improvement district shall have been confirmed, and the assessment therefor shall have been levied, by the board of county commissioners, as provided by RCW 85.08.400 through 85.08.430, the regularity, validity and correctness of the proceedings relating to such improvement, and to the assessment therefor, including the action of the board of county commissioners upon such assessment roll and the confirmation thereof, shall be conclusive in all things upon all parties, and cannot in any manner be contested or questioned in any proceeding whatsoever by any person not filing written objections to such roll in the manner and within the time provided in RCW 85.08.400 through 85.08.430, and not appealing from the action of the board of county commissioners in confirming such assessment roll in the manner and within the time in this chapter provided. No proceeding of any kind shall be commenced or prosecuted for the purpose of defeating or contesting any such assessment, or the sale of any property to pay such assessment, or any certificate of delinquency issued therefor, or the foreclosure of any lien issued therefor: PROVIDED, That this section shall not be construed as prohibiting the bringing of injunction proceedings to prevent the sale of any real estate upon the grounds:
(1) That the property about to be sold does not appear upon the assessment roll, or
(2) That said assessment has been paid.
[ 1921 c 157 s 2; RRS s 4437. ]
Any judgment that heretofore has been obtained or that hereafter may be obtained against a county on account of any contract lawfully made by its officials for or on behalf of any drainage, diking, or sewerage improvement district, or on account of the construction or maintenance of any drainage, diking, or sewerage system of a drainage, diking, or sewerage improvement district shall be collected and reimbursed to the county from said improvement district, and the amount of such judgment shall be included in the construction costs of said district: PROVIDED, That if such judgment be recovered after the assessment to pay the construction costs shall have been levied, then the county commissioners are hereby empowered and they shall make a supplemental levy upon the lands of the district, and from the funds collected under such levy said reimbursements shall be made.
[ 1923 c 46 s 10; 1921 c 157 s 3; RRS s 4438. ]
There shall be established in the county treasury of any county in which any drainage or diking or sewerage improvement is established under the provisions of this chapter, appropriate funds as follows:
(1) The construction fund, into which shall be paid the proceeds of all bonds or warrants sold and the proceeds of all assessments paid prior to the sale of bonds or warrants. In case no bonds have been issued or warrants have been sold, the proceeds of all assessments levied to pay the cost of construction shall be paid into such fund. All warrants including temporary warrants, issued in payment of cost of construction shall be paid out of such fund.
(2) A fund for the redemption of all bonds issued or warrants sold, to be known as the redemption fund, into which shall be paid all proceeds derived from assessments levied to pay cost of construction which shall not have been paid prior to the sale of bonds or warrants, in case bonds have been issued or warrants sold, and also all moneys, if any, remaining in the construction fund after the payment of all warrants drawn against it as above provided. The redemption fund shall be applied, first, to the payment of the interest due upon all such outstanding bonds issued or warrants sold and, second, to the payment of the principal thereof. After the payment of the principal and interest of all such bonds or warrants, the balance, if any, remaining in such fund shall be applied to the payment of any warrants outstanding, including temporary warrants, which may have been issued in payment of cost of construction which for any reason may remain unpaid. Any balance, if any, thereafter remaining shall be paid into the maintenance fund.
(3) The maintenance fund, into which shall be paid the proceeds of all assessments for maintenance, and all other funds received by the district which are not required by the provisions of this chapter to be paid into the construction fund or the redemption fund.
[ 1923 c 46 s 11, part; 1917 c 130 s 33; 1913 c 176 s 31; RRS s 4439-1. ]
The respective installments of assessments for construction or maintenance of improvements made under the provisions of this chapter, shall be collected in the same manner and shall become delinquent at the same time as general taxes, certificates of delinquency shall be issued, and the lien of the assessment shall be enforced by foreclosure and sale of the property assessed, as in the case of general taxes, all according to the laws in force on January 1, 1923, except as hereinafter specifically provided.
The annual assessments or installments of assessments, both for construction and for maintenance and repairs of the diking and/or drainage system shall become due in two equal installments, one-half being payable on or before April 30th, and the other half on or before October 31st; and delinquency interest thereon shall run from said dates on said respective halves of said assessments.
The rate of interest thereon after delinquency, also the rate of interest borne by certificates of delinquency, shall be twelve percent per annum. Certificates of delinquency for any assessment or installment thereof shall be issued upon demand and payment of such delinquent assessment and the fee for the same at any time after the expiration of twelve months after the date of delinquency thereof. In case no certificate of delinquency be issued after the expiration of four years from date of delinquency of assessments for construction costs, or after the expiration of two years from date of delinquency of assessments for maintenance or repairs, certificates of delinquency shall be issued to the county, and foreclosure thereof shall forthwith be effected in the manner provided in chapter 84.64 RCW.
The holder of a certificate of delinquency for any drainage, diking or sewerage improvement district or consolidated district assessment or installment thereof may pay any delinquent general taxes upon the property described therein, and may redeem any certificate of delinquency for general taxes against said property and the amount so paid together with interest thereon at the rate provided by law shall be included in the lien of said certificate of delinquency.
The expense of foreclosure proceedings by the county shall be paid by the districts whose liens are foreclosed: Costs of foreclosure by the county or private persons as provided by law, shall be included in the judgment of foreclosure.
[ 2009 c 350 s 7; 1933 c 125 s 2; 1923 c 46 s 11, part; 1917 c 130 s 33; 1913 c 176 s 31; RRS s 4439-2. ]
The purchaser, upon the foreclosure of any certificate of delinquency for any assessment or installment thereof, shall acquire title to such property subject to the installments of the assessment not yet due at the date of the decree of foreclosure, and the complaint, decree of foreclosure, order of sale, sale, certificate of sale and deed shall so state.
The holder of any certificate of delinquency for general taxes may, before commencing any action to foreclose the lien of such certificate, pay in full all drainage or diking or sewerage improvement district assessments or any installment thereof due and outstanding against the whole or any portion of the property included in such certificate of delinquency and the amount of all assessments so paid together with interest at ten percent per annum thereon shall be included in the amount for which foreclosure may be had; or, if he or she elects to foreclose such certificate without paying such assessments in full, the purchaser at such foreclosure sale shall acquire title to such property subject to all such drainage or diking or sewerage improvement district assessments. Any property in any drainage or diking or sewerage improvement district sold under foreclosure for general taxes shall remain subject to the lien of all drainage and diking or sewerage improvement district assessments or installments thereof not yet due at the time of the decree of foreclosure and the complaint, decree of foreclosure, order of sale, sale, certificate of sale and deed shall so state.
[ 2013 c 23 s 414; 1923 c 46 s 11, part; 1917 c 130 s 33; 1913 c 176 s 31; RRS s 4439-3. ]
Property subject to a drainage or diking or sewerage improvement district assessment, acquired by a county pursuant to a foreclosure and sale for general taxes, when offered for sale by the county, shall be offered for the amount of the general taxes for which the same was struck off to the county, together with all drainage or diking or sewerage improvement district assessments or installments thereof, due at the time of such resale, including maintenance assessments, and supplemental assessments levied pursuant to the provisions of RCW 85.08.520, coming due while the property was held in the name of the county; and the property shall be sold subject to the lien of all drainage or diking or sewerage improvement district assessments or installments thereof not yet due at the time of such sale, and the notice of sale and deed shall so state. PROVIDED, That the county board may in its discretion, sell said property at a lesser sum than the amount for which the property is offered in the notice of sale. The proceeds of such sale shall be applied first to discharge in full the lien or liens for general taxes for which said property was sold, and the remainder, or such portion thereof as may be necessary, shall be applied toward the discharge of all drainage or diking or sewerage improvement district assessment liens upon such property, and the surplus, if any, shall be applied toward the payment of any delinquent or due local assessments or local assessment installments outstanding against the property levied by any authority other than that of the county, taking them in the order of their maturities, beginning with the earliest; after which if any money remains the treasurer shall hold the same for the person whose interest in the property entitles him or her thereto. If there be no purchaser, the property shall again be offered for sale within one year thereafter, and shall be successively offered for sale each year until a sale thereof be effected.
Property struck off to or bid in by a county may be leased pursuant to resolution of the county commissioners on such terms as the commissioners shall determine for a period ending not later than the time at which such property shall again be offered for sale as required by law. Rentals received under such lease shall be applied in the manner hereinabove provided for the proceeds of sale of such property.
All statements of general state taxes where drainage, diking, or sewer [sewerage] improvement district assessments against the land described therein are due shall include a notation thereon or be accompanied by a statement showing such fact.
[ 2013 c 23 s 415; 1923 c 46 s 11, part; 1917 c 130 s 33; 1913 c 176 s 31; RRS s 4439-4. ]
Whenever any improvement, any extension or betterment thereof shall have been constructed in whole or in part, either heretofore in a district established or attempted to be established under and by virtue of *chapter 66 of the Laws of 1901, or in a district heretofore or hereafter established or attempted to be established under this chapter, and the assessment therefor or any part thereof shall be invalid by reason of any omission, irregularity or defect in any proceeding whatever, a reassessment shall be made upon the property benefited by the improvement to provide a fund for the payment of the costs thereof, and any bonds or warrants issued therefor in the following manner:
The board of county commissioners shall by order cause the clerk of the board to compile and file with the board an itemized statement of the total cost of the improvement in the manner prescribed by RCW 85.08.360. Upon the filing of such statement the same proceedings shall be had assessing the costs of said improvement against the lands benefited thereby and the counties, cities and towns within the district, as are prescribed by RCW 85.08.360 and **subsequent sections of this act. In case no bonds have been issued or warrants sold to pay the costs of said improvement, the same may be issued and sold and disposed of as hereinbefore provided. In case an assessment for such improvement shall have been theretofore made or attempted, and any payment has been made thereon, proper credit for the amount of such payment shall be made upon the reassessment.
[ 1923 c 46 s 11, part; 1917 c 130 s 33; 1913 c 176 s 31; RRS s 4439-5. ]
NOTES:
Reviser's note: *(1) "chapter 66 of the Laws of 1901" refers to a prior drainage district law which was repealed by the basic act, 1913 c 176, codified in this chapter; see 1913 c 176 ss 39, 40; see notes following chapter digest.
**(2) The language "subsequent sections of this act" first appears in 1917 c 130 s 33 amending 1913 c 176 s 31. The 1917 amendatory act was a 39 section act with sections 34 through 39 being codified as RCW 85.08.530, 85.08.540, 85.08.560, and 85.08.680. Section 34 thereof was repealed by 1949 c 26 s 18 and new subject matter thereof is in chapter 85.16 RCW. Section 39 was a construction section. The basic act in chapter 176, Laws of 1913 was a 42 section act with sections 32 through 41 being codified as RCW 85.08.530, 85.08.540, 85.08.560, 85.08.570, 85.08.670, and 85.08.680. Section 32 was repealed in the 1949 act and the new subject matter is in chapter 85.16 RCW. The other sections being construction sections are footnoted herein following the chapter digest. Notice that this section itself was a single section in the basic act of 1913 but it was divided into separate sections in 1923 c 46 s 11 codified herein as RCW 85.08.470 through 85.08.520.
If upon the foreclosure of the assessment upon any property the same shall not sell for enough to pay the assessment against it, or if any property assessed was not subject to assessment, or if any assessment made shall have been eliminated by foreclosure of a tax lien or made void in any other manner, the board of county commissioners shall cause a supplemental assessment to be made on the property benefited by the improvement, including property upon which any assessment shall have been so eliminated or made void, and against the county, cities and towns chargeable therewith in the manner provided for the original assessment, to cover the deficiency so caused in the original assessment.
If by inadvertence or for any cause the assessment levied shall be found to be insufficient to meet the entire cost of construction, a supplemental assessment shall be made by the board of county commissioners upon the lands of the district in the same proportion as the original assessment is levied, same being spread over not to exceed three years as the commissioners may determine.
Duplicate assessments or other errors that may by inadvertence be found to have been incorporated in the assessment roll may be corrected by order of the county commissioners upon same being certified to them by the treasurer and the engineer.
[ 1923 c 46 s 11, part; 1917 c 130 s 33; 1913 c 176 s 31; RRS s 4439-6. ]
The amount of the costs of construction or maintenance of any system of improvement assessed against any city, town or county may be met by levies to be paid in similar installments and extending over a like period of time as the assessments against property benefited are spread, or such amounts may be met by the issue and sale of the bonds of such city, town or county in the manner in which bonds to meet general indebtedness of such city, town or county are issued. The proper authorities of such city, town or county shall make the necessary levies to meet such amounts thus apportioned thereto as a general levy on all property therein.
[ 1917 c 130 s 35; 1913 c 176 s 33; RRS s 4441. ]
Upon a petition and bond being filed by one or more landowners, either within or without the boundaries of a district, and like proceedings being had as in the case of the original establishment and construction of a system of improvement, the county commissioners may declare any system of improvement or any part thereof, abandoned or may strike from the district lands no longer benefited or served thereby, or they may cause any system of improvement to be altered, reduced, enlarged, added to or in any other manner bettered or improved, either within or without the district, and to effect such subsequent improvements, may exercise any of the powers which are in this chapter, or may be hereafter conferred upon such districts. But the striking of any lands from a district shall not in any way affect any assessment theretofore levied against such lands. When such improvements shall have been completed the costs thereof shall be apportioned and assessed against the lands benefited thereby in the manner hereinbefore provided for such apportionment and assessment in the case of original proceedings. New lands assessed for any such improvement shall become a part of such district. The construction and maintenance of any such new improvement, unless let by contract by the board of county commissioners, shall be under the direction of the board of supervisors of the district in which they are made or to which said improvement is added. The lands assessed for such new improvements, of less than the entire district, shall be designated, alphabetically, "subdistrict . . . . . . of . . . . . . improvement district No. . . . . ."
[ 1917 c 130 s 36; 1913 c 176 s 34; RRS s 4442. ]
When any extension of or addition to any existing system of improvement shall be thus constructed, the cost thereof shall be assessed to all the property, counties, cities and towns in the enlarged district benefited thereby in proportion to the benefits received therefrom. Any new lands thus brought into the district shall be assessed in addition a proper and equitable share of the then value of the original system of improvement in proportion to the benefits which such new lands derive therefrom. In determining the value to be so assessed the board of appraisers shall take into consideration the amount, if any, which the property to be assessed has already paid toward the construction of the original system and all other matters that may be pertinent. If at any time it shall appear to the board of supervisors of any drainage or diking improvement district that any lands without the boundaries of such district are being benefited by the improvements of the district and are not being assessed for the benefits received, they shall file a petition with the board of county commissioners praying the benefits received by such lands be determined and an assessment made upon such lands for the benefits so received. Thereupon, the board of county commissioners shall appoint a board of appraisers as provided in RCW 85.08.360 for the apportionment of the cost of construction of the original system of improvement, and an apportionment of the then value of the improvements of the district shall be made to such lands in proportion to the benefits received therefrom as nearly as may be in the manner provided for the apportionment of the cost of the original system of improvement. In determining what share of the value of the improvements of the district shall be apportioned to such lands the board of appraisers shall take into consideration the benefits already received by such lands and all other matters that may be pertinent. The amount of the value of the original system assessed upon any new property brought within the district shall be rebated pro rata upon the assessments, if any, outstanding against the lands of the district on account of the construction of such original system. If the assessment against any land has been paid in full, or if the assessment remaining outstanding against such land is less than the rebate apportioned to such land, the amount so rebated or excess of rebate over assessment shall be paid into the maintenance fund of the district and a proper credit on any existing or future assessment for maintenance shall be entered in favor of the land entitled thereto. The lands in the original district shall remain bound for the whole of the original unpaid assessment thereon for the payment of any outstanding unpaid warrants or bonds secured to be paid by such assessments.
[ 1917 c 130 s 37; 1913 c 176 s 35; RRS s 4443. ]
RCW 85.38.140 through 85.38.170 constitute a mutually exclusive alternative method by which diking, drainage, or sewerage improvement districts in existence as of July 28, 1985, may measure and impose special assessments and adopt budgets. RCW 85.38.150 through 85.38.170 constitute the exclusive method by which diking, drainage, or sewerage improvement districts created after July 28, 1985, may measure and impose special assessments and adopt budgets.
[ 1985 c 396 s 26. ]
When a drainage, diking, or sewerage system is proposed which will require a location, or the assessment of lands, in more than one county, application therefor shall be made to the board of county commissioners in each of said counties, and the county engineers shall make preliminary reports for their respective counties. The lines of such proposed improvement shall be examined by the county engineers of the counties wherein said improvements will lie, jointly. The hearings in regard to such improvements, provided for by RCW * 85.08.150, and 85.08.400 through 85.08.430 shall be had by the boards of county commissioners of the two counties in joint sessions, and all other matters required to be done by the county commissioners in regard to such improvement and the improvement district shall be had and done by the boards of county commissioners of the counties wherein such system of improvements shall lie, either in joint session at such place as the said board shall order, or by concurrent order entered into by the said boards at their respective offices. Notice of the hearings shall be given by the auditors of both counties jointly by publication in the official paper of each of said counties. The county engineer of the county wherein the greatest length of drainage, diking, or sewerage system will lie, shall have charge of the engineering work and be ex officio a member of the boards in this chapter provided for. The schedule of apportionment shall be prepared in separate parts for the land in the respective counties; and that part of said roll containing the assessments upon the lands in each respective county shall be transmitted to the treasurer thereof, and the treasurer of said county shall give notice of said assessments as provided in RCW 85.08.400 through 85.08.430, and shall collect the assessments therein contained and shall also extend and collect the annual maintenance levies of said district upon the lands of said district lying in his or her county. The auditor of the county in which the greater length of the drainage, diking, or sewerage system shall lie shall act as clerk of the joint session of the boards of county commissioners, and shall issue the warrants of the improvement district, and shall attest the signatures of the two boards of county commissioners on the bonds. He or she shall furnish to the auditor of the other county duplicate copies of the records of proceedings of such joint sessions. Duplicate records of all proceedings had and papers filed in connection with such improvements shall be kept, one with the auditor of each county. Protests or other papers filed with the auditor who is not clerk of the joint sessions shall be forwarded forthwith by him or her to the auditor who acts as clerk of such joint sessions. The treasurer of said county shall register and certify and pay the warrants and the bonds, and shall have charge of the funds of the district; and to him or her, the treasurer of the county in which the lesser portion of such system of improvements lie, shall remit semiannually, in time for the semiannual warrant and bond calls, all such collections made in such other county. A drainage, diking, or sewerage improvement district lying in more than one county shall be designated "joint drainage (or diking) or sewerage improvement district No. . . . . of . . . . . . and . . . . . . counties." All proceedings in regard to joint drainage, diking improvement districts, which have heretofore been had and done substantially in accordance with the amendatory provisions of this chapter are hereby approved and declared to be valid.
[ 2013 c 23 s 416; 1923 c 46 s 13; 1921 c 157 s 6; 1913 c 176 s 38; RRS s 4446. ]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 85.08.150 was repealed by 1985 c 396 s 87. See RCW 85.38.040, 85.38.050.
The use of any waters developed by the drainage system of any drainage improvement district shall be subject to the control of the drainage improvement district and such district shall have the right to dispose of and contract for the use of such waters for irrigation or other uses, as hereinafter provided: PROVIDED, That the waters developed by any existing drainage system, and the waters developed by any drainage system hereafter constructed which shall remain undisposed of for three years after the completion of the improvement and the levy of the assessment to pay the cost thereof, shall not be subject to disposal by such district where such waters shall have been appropriated by any person at a point below the outlet of the drainage system of such district. The term "waters developed" as used in this chapter shall not be held to include surface wastewaters from irrigation.
[ 1917 c 130 s 7; RRS s 4455. ]
The board of supervisors may enter into any contract for the use, sale or disposal of such waters that in their judgment shall be for the best interests of the district; but no such sale, contract or disposition shall be made except by the unanimous vote of the board. The district shall not guarantee nor warrant the amount or flow of, nor the title to, such waters; and no use, sale or disposition of such waters shall be lawful that will interfere with the efficiency of said drainage system.
[ 1917 c 130 s 8; RRS s 4456. ]
Any person or corporation desiring to acquire and use the waters developed by any drainage system, may make application therefor in writing to the board of supervisors of the district, accompanying such application with a bond to be approved by the board, conditioned that the applicant will pay the costs of the investigation and hearing in case no disposal of said waters be made thereat. Successive applications and proceedings may be made and had as long as there is any water remaining undisposed of in said drainage system.
[ 1917 c 130 s 9; RRS s 4457. ]
When any such application shall be filed, the board of supervisors of the district shall cause to be published in the county official paper, once a week for three successive weeks prior to the date of the hearing hereinafter referred to, a notice fixing the time and place within the district when the board will hear and consider such applications. All applications shall be in writing and contain a statement of the proposed use to be made of the water, specifying the time, place and manner of such proposed use; and in entering into any such contract, the board of supervisors of the district may require such security as they may deem reasonable for the proper construction and installation of works of diversion and for the use of said water by the party proposing to use the same.
[ 1917 c 130 s 10; RRS s 4458. ]
It shall be the duty of the prosecuting attorney of each county to prepare suitable blanks for the use of the board of county commissioners under this chapter, not otherwise provided for, and to advise the board of county commissioners and other officers of the county and the boards provided for by this chapter in regard to the proceedings and in the performance of their duties under this chapter, and perform such other duties as in this chapter provided and required.
[ 1913 c 176 s 36; RRS s 4444. ]
The board of supervisors of each district shall make reasonable rules and regulations whereby any owner of land in the district may make connection for drainage, or sewerage purposes, with any drainage, or sewerage system thereof. They shall also maintain and keep efficient the system of improvement of the district.
[ 1923 c 46 s 12; 1917 c 130 s 38; 1913 c 176 s 37; RRS s 4445. ]
Every person who shall wilfully damage or interfere with the operation of any dikes, drains, ditches or other improvements of any diking or drainage improvement district shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
[ 1917 c 130 s 11; RRS s 4459. ]
Whenever the department of ecology shall have purchased and the state of Washington owns the entire issue of any series of bonds of any county in the state, the payment of which is to be made from and is secured by assessments upon the property included within any drainage improvement district organized and existing in such county, and it shall appear to the satisfaction of the director of ecology that owing to and by reason of the nature of the soil within and the topography of such drainage improvement district the lands contained therein were not or will not be drained sufficiently to permit the cultivation thereof within the time when assessments for the payment of the interest on said bonds and to constitute a sinking fund to retire said bonds as provided by law became or will become due, and that by reason thereof the owners of said lands were or will be unable to meet said assessment, the director of ecology shall have the power and he or she is hereby authorized under such terms and conditions as he or she shall deem advisable to enter into a contract in writing with the board of county commissioners of the county issuing such bonds, waiving the payment of interest upon such bonds from the date of their issue for not to exceed five years, and extending the time of payment of said bonds for not to exceed five years; and upon the execution of said contract the board of county commissioners of said county shall have the power and is hereby authorized to cancel all assessments made upon the lands included within such drainage improvement district for the payment of principal and/or interest on said bonds prior to the date of said contract, and to omit the levy of any assessments for said purposes until the expiration of the time of the waiver of interest payments upon said bonds specified in said contract.
[ 2013 c 23 s 417; 1988 c 127 s 38; 1925 ex.s. c 140 s 1; RRS s 4332-1. ]
Whenever a drainage improvement district, joint drainage improvement district, or consolidated drainage improvement district within an irrigation district or irrigation districts desires to merge with an irrigation district or irrigation districts in which lands of the drainage improvement district, joint drainage improvement district, or consolidated drainage improvement district are located, it may petition the board or boards of county commissioners, as the case may be, to do so: PROVIDED, That only that portion of the drainage improvement district, joint drainage improvement district, or consolidated drainage improvement district within a particular irrigation district may merge with the irrigation district within which it is situated.
[ 1957 c 94 s 2. ]
NOTES:
Merger of improvement district with irrigation district: RCW 87.03.720 through 87.03.745.
The boards of county commissioners of the counties in which a joint drainage improvement district is situated shall have jurisdiction in joint session to hear, supervise, and conduct the merger proceedings relating to such a district. The auditor of the county in which the greater length of the system of improvements lies shall act as clerk of the joint sessions of the boards of county commissioners, and shall give the notice provided for in RCW 85.08.870. He or she shall furnish to the auditor of the other county duplicate copies of the records of proceedings of the joint sessions. Duplicate records of all proceedings had and papers filed in connection with the merger of a joint drainage improvement district shall be kept with the auditor of each county. The board of county commissioners of the county in which a drainage improvement district or consolidated drainage improvement district is situated shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear, supervise, and conduct merger proceedings relating to such districts.
[ 2013 c 23 s 418; 1957 c 94 s 3. ]
The petition requesting the merger shall be signed by the board of supervisors of, or by ten landowners located within, the drainage improvement district, joint drainage improvement district, or consolidated drainage improvement district and presented to the clerk or clerks of the appropriate county legislative authority or authorities, at a regular or special meeting.
[ 2001 c 149 s 2; 1996 c 313 s 1; 1957 c 94 s 4. ]
If it appears to the board or boards of county commissioners that all portions of the drainage improvement district, joint drainage improvement district, or consolidated drainage improvement district will, as a result of the proceedings, be merged with the irrigation district or irrigation districts and that the board or boards of directors of the irrigation district or irrigation districts into which the drainage improvement, joint drainage improvement district, or consolidated drainage improvement district will be merged, which irrigation district or irrigation districts shall be named in the petition, are agreeable to the merger, and that the assent or assents thereto, in writing, by said irrigation district board or boards have been filed with the board or boards of county commissioners, the board or boards of county commissioners shall order an election to be held in the drainage improvement district, joint drainage improvement district or consolidated drainage improvement district to approve or disapprove the merger and shall fix the time thereof and cause notice to be published.
[ 1957 c 94 s 5. ]
The notice shall be given and the election conducted in the manner, so far as is applicable, as for the election of members of the board of supervisors of a drainage improvement district. The notice shall advise of the election so ordered and the date, time and place thereof, state the filing of the petition, the names of those signing the petition and prayer thereof, and shall require the voters to cast ballots with the words "Merger, Yes" or "Merger, No."
[ 1957 c 94 s 6. ]
If a majority of the votes cast favor merger, the board or boards of county commissioners shall enter an order approving the petition and ordering the merger and file a certified copy thereof with the county auditor or auditors of the county or counties in which the district is situated, and the drainage improvement district, joint drainage improvement district, or consolidated drainage improvement district shall thereupon be dissolved and its system of improvements vested in the irrigation district or irrigation districts without further proceedings. If a majority of the votes cast are against merger, the board of commissioners shall enter an order dismissing the proceedings. If the merger is approved, the expenses of the county or counties in connection with the election will be paid by the irrigation district or irrigation districts, with each irrigation district, if there is more than one, paying the same portion of the expenses as that portion of the drainage improvement district, joint drainage improvement district, or consolidated drainage district which is merged into the irrigation district. If the merger is not approved, the expenses of the county or counties in connection with the election will be paid by the drainage improvement district, joint drainage improvement district, or consolidated drainage improvement district.
[ 1957 c 94 s 7. ]
None of the indebtedness of the drainage improvement district, joint drainage improvement district, or consolidated drainage improvement district, or of the drainage improvement districts taken into the consolidated drainage improvement district, shall be affected by the merger and dissolution, and all lands liable to be assessed to pay such indebtedness shall remain liable to the same extent as if the merger and dissolution had not taken place, and all assessments theretofore levied shall remain unimpaired and shall be collected in the same manner as if no merger had taken place. The board or boards of directors of the irrigation district or irrigation districts with which the drainage improvement district, joint drainage improvement district, or consolidated drainage improvement district was merged shall have all the powers possessed at the time of the merger by the board of supervisors of the drainage improvement district, joint drainage improvement district, or consolidated drainage improvement district and the board or boards of county commissioners may levy and cause to be collected any and all assessments against any of the lands formerly within the drainage improvement district, joint drainage improvement district, or consolidated drainage improvement district necessary for the payment of all indebtedness thereof, and of the drainage improvement districts taken into the consolidated drainage improvement district. Until the assessments are collected and all indebtedness of each drainage improvement district or joint drainage improvement district included in the merger, either as such or, in the case of the former, as a part of a consolidated drainage improvement district, is paid, separate funds shall be maintained for each such drainage improvement district or joint drainage improvement district as were maintained before the merger.
[ 1957 c 94 s 8. ]
Diking or drainage improvement districts may annex territory, consolidate with other special districts, and have their operations suspended and be reactivated, in accordance with chapter 85.38 RCW.
[ 1986 c 278 s 13. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
Whenever an improvement district is sought to be established, in addition to the procedures authorized by this chapter there may be employed any other method authorized by law for the formation of districts or improvement districts so that the improvement district will qualify under the provisions of chapter 89.16 RCW.
[ 1959 c 104 s 6. ]
Sewerage improvement districts may investigate, plan, construct, acquire, repair, maintain, and operate improvements, works, projects, and facilities to collect, treat, and dispose of sanitary, industrial, and other sewage. Such facilities include on-site and off-site sewerage facilities, including approved septic tanks or septic tank systems.
[ 1985 c 396 s 30. ]
See RCW 57.04.120.
See RCW 57.04.130.
Whenever, under the provisions of any act of the congress of the United States, the corps of engineers of the United States army, or any other agency of the United States, shall be authorized to reconstruct, improve, repair or maintain any system of improvements of any diking, drainage or sewerage improvement district under the laws of the state of Washington, the board of county commissioners of the county in which such district is situated, on behalf of such district may consent to and permit the United States, or any agency thereof, to perform any work or service upon or with regard to such district's system of improvements which shall by the board be found to be for the benefit of such district and the property therein, or, if the enlargement, betterment or other improvement of such district's system of improvements, or the performance of extraordinary maintenance work upon or with respect to its existing system of improvements shall have been authorized, the board may contract, on behalf of said district, upon such terms as may be agreed upon by the United States and the board for the performance of the work so authorized by said corps of engineers, or other agency of the United States. No bond shall be required by the district for any work performed by or under the supervision of said corps of engineers, or other agency of the United States.
[ 1949 c 175 s 1; RRS s 4459-50. Formerly RCW 85.12.010 and 85.12.020. ]
If at any time, whether prior or subsequent to the making of any contract authorized by the preceding section, there shall be made available and paid to a district fund appropriated by the congress of the United States to pay the costs and expenses of reconstruction, improvement, repair or maintenance of the district's system of improvements or any part thereof, said funds shall be paid into the district's maintenance or construction fund, according as the work is maintenance or new construction, and thereafter used and disbursed upon the order of the board, provided that if the district shall have theretofore issued extraordinary maintenance warrants or maintenance bonds or construction bonds, said funds shall be used to pay and retire said bonds or warrants to the extent of said funds. When all said warrants or bonds have been paid, the assessment levied to pay said warrants or bonds, or those installments of such assessment not then due and payable, shall be canceled. If the funds made available and paid to the district by the United States shall be more than sufficient to pay and retire all then outstanding warrants or bonds issued to pay the cost of the particular work, whether maintenance or new construction, then the excess of such federal aid funds, up to the amount of the total of the assessments to pay for such work theretofore paid, shall be paid by the treasurer to those who have paid such assessment or assessments in the proportion that the total of all such assessments paid by any one bears to the total of all such assessments theretofore paid, and any balance of such federal aid funds remaining shall become and be part of the maintenance fund of the district. Any assessment or installment of assessment not canceled under the provisions hereof, or any balance thereof which when collected shall not be required for the payment of interest or principal of any of said warrants or bonds, shall, after all said warrants or bonds have been paid, be paid into and become part of the maintenance fund of the district.
[ 1949 c 175 s 2; RRS s 4459-51. ]
The maintenance, enlargement and extension of diking, drainage and sewerage improvement districts formed under chapter 85.08 RCW is essential to the public welfare and economy of the state. The influx of population and changes in land use since many such districts were formed, has made obsolete, expensive and unjust the method used under existing law to provide funds for the operation of such districts and for the maintenance and expansion of their systems of improvement.
[ 1967 c 184 s 2. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1967 c 184: See note following RCW 85.05.610.
As used in this chapter:
"District" means a diking, drainage or sewerage improvement district organized under chapter 85.08 RCW.
"Maintenance" means and includes not merely operating expenses and such upkeep and other work commonly classed as maintenance as shall be necessary to restore and preserve the district's systems of improvement and the machinery and equipment operated in connection therewith in the same or as good condition as when originally constructed and installed, but also the making of such changes in and betterments to the original works, improvements and installations as shall, subject to approval of the board of county commissioners, be by the board deemed necessary to put the systems of improvements into such condition as will provide protection and services as contemplated and intended by the original construction and any enlargement and extensions thereof thereafter made.
[ 1967 c 184 s 3. ]
To operate under this chapter, the board of commissioners of the improvement district shall cause to be prepared and filed with the board of county commissioners a property roll. The roll shall contain: (1) A description of all properties benefited and improvements thereon which receive protection and service from the systems of the district with the name of the owner or the reputed owner thereof and his or her address as shown on the tax rolls of the assessor or treasurer of the county wherein the property is located and (2) the determined value of such land and improvements thereon as last assessed and equalized by the assessor of such county or counties. Such assessed and equalized values shall be deemed prima facie to be just, fair, and correct valuations against which annual taxes shall be levied for the operation of the district and the maintenance and expansion of its facilities.
If property outside of the limits of the original district are upon the roll as adopted ultimately, and the original district has outstanding bonds or long-term warrants, the board of county commissioners shall set up separate dollar rate levies for the full retirement thereof.
[ 2013 c 23 s 419; 1973 1st ex.s. c 195 s 111; 1967 c 184 s 4. ]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.
When a property roll is filed with the county legislative authority, the county legislative authority shall hold a public hearing to determine whether the facts and conditions heretofore recited in this chapter as a prerequisite to its application do or do not exist, and shall give notice of hearing as follows:
The notice shall be published at least once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper having general circulation in the area involved. The last publication shall be more than fifteen days prior to date of hearing.
[ 1985 c 469 s 75; 1967 c 184 s 5. ]
Any person, owner or reputed owner having any interest in any property against which the board of county commissioners seeks to make a protection and service charge under this chapter, may object thereto. All such objections must be in writing and filed with the board of county commissioners before the hearing is commenced upon the roll containing such properties and must state clearly the grounds of such objection. Objections not made within this time and in this manner shall be deemed conclusively to have been waived.
[ 1967 c 184 s 6. ]
The board of county commissioners may at any time reexamine the properties on any roll, and upon receipt of a petition from the board of supervisors of the district or the written request of a property owner shall do so. If it is found that the condition of such property or properties has changed so that such property should be eliminated from any rolls on file, or the valuation against which dollar rate is levied should be lowered, it shall so determine and enter an order adjusting the valuation as to such properties and shall certify and file a copy thereof with the treasurer of the county wherein the property is situated, and the treasurer shall alter and change the existing rolls accordingly. Valuations may be revised periodically to reflect changes in real property valuations by the county assessor.
[ 1973 1st ex.s. c 195 s 112; 1967 c 184 s 7. ]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.
The roll approved and certified to the county officers by the board of county commissioners as in this chapter provided shall constitute the valuations of land, buildings and improvements furnished protection and services by the systems of the district against which valuation taxes shall be levied and collected annually in the same manner as general taxes for the continuing operations of the district and its systems. The valuations on said roll shall be subject to adjustment from time to time in the manner provided in RCW 85.15.060.
The board of county commissioners shall hold a hearing on such adjustments at the county seat at the time of equalization of real property assessments for the purpose of considering written objections to any revision of valuations filed at least ten days prior to the hearing and shall give published notice only of such hearing as provided in RCW 85.15.040.
[ 1973 1st ex.s. c 195 s 113; 1967 c 184 s 8. ]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.
Wherever any roll shall have been adopted by the board of county commissioners, the regularity, validity and correctness of the proceedings relating thereto shall be conclusive upon all parties, and it cannot in any manner be contested or questioned in any proceeding whatsoever by any person not filing written objections to the roll as provided in RCW 85.15.050 and appealing from the action of said board in confirming the roll in the manner and within the time in this chapter provided. No proceeding of any kind, except proceedings had throughout the process of appeal as in this chapter provided, shall be commenced or prosecuted or may be maintained, for the purpose of defeating or contesting any assessment or charge made through levies under this chapter, or the sale of any property to pay such charges: PROVIDED, That suit in injunction may be brought to prevent collection of charges of assessments or sale of property thereunder upon the following grounds and no other:
(1) That the property charged or about to be sold does not appear upon the district roll, or
(2) The charge has been paid.
[ 1967 c 184 s 9. ]
The decision of the board of county commissioners upon any objection made within the time and in the manner prescribed may be reviewed by the superior court of the county wherein the property in question is located, upon appeal thereto taken in the following manner: Any person aggrieved must file his or her petition for writ of review with the clerk of the superior court wherein the property is located within ten days after the roll affecting such aggrieved party was adopted by resolution, and serve a copy thereof upon the county treasurer. The petition shall describe the property in question, shall set forth the written objections which were made to the decision, and the date of filing of such objections, and shall be signed by such party or someone in his or her behalf. The court shall forthwith grant such petition if correct as to form and filed in accordance with this chapter.
[ 2013 c 23 s 420; 1967 c 184 s 10. ]
Within ten days from the filing of such petition for review, the county treasurer, unless the court shall grant additional time, shall file with the clerk of the superior court its certified transcript containing such portion of the roll as is subject to review, any written objections thereto filed with the board by the person reviewing before the roll was adopted, and a copy of the resolution adopting the roll.
[ 1967 c 184 s 11. ]
The county clerk shall charge the same filing fees for petitions for review as in civil actions. At the time of the filing of such a petition with the clerk, the appellant shall execute and file a bond in the penal sum of two hundred dollars, with at least two sureties, to be approved by the judge of the court, conditioned upon his or her prosecuting his or her appeal without delay and to guarantee all costs which may be assessed against him or her by reason of such review. The court shall, on motion of either party to the cause, with notice to the other party, set the cause for trial at the earliest time available to the court, fixing a date for hearing and trial without a jury. The cause shall have preference over all civil actions pending in the court except eminent domain and forcible entry and detainer proceedings.
[ 2013 c 23 s 421; 1967 c 184 s 12. ]
At the trial the court shall determine whether the board of county commissioners has acted within its discretion and has correctly construed and applied the law. If it finds that it has, the finding of the board shall be affirmed; otherwise it shall be reversed or modified. The judgment of the court may change, confirm, correct, or modify the values of the property in question as shown upon the roll, and a certified copy thereof shall be filed with the county treasurer, who shall change, modify, or correct the roll as and if required by the judgment.
[ 1967 c 184 s 13. ]
Appellate review may be sought as in other civil cases: PROVIDED, That review must be sought within fifteen days after the date of entry of the judgment of the superior court. The supreme court or the court of appeals may change, conform, correct, or modify the values of the property in question as shown upon the roll. A certified copy of any judgment of the supreme court or the court of appeals shall be filed with the county treasurer having custody of such roll, who shall thereupon change, modify, or correct such roll in accordance with such judgment as and if required.
[ 1988 c 202 s 78; 1971 c 81 s 163; 1967 c 184 s 14. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1988 c 202: See note following RCW 2.24.050.
The dollar rate levies collected from time to time under this chapter are solely assessments for benefits received continuously by the protected properties, calculated in the manner specified in this chapter as a just and equitable way for all protected property to share the expense of such required protection and services.
[ 1973 1st ex.s. c 195 s 114; 1967 c 184 s 15. ]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.
The board of any improvement district proceeding under this chapter shall, on or before the first day of September of each year, make an estimate of the costs reasonably anticipated to be required for the effective functioning of the district during the ensuing year and until further revenue therefor can be made available, and shall cause its chair or secretary to file the same with the board of county commissioners of the county containing the district and other benefited area. The board of county commissioners shall, on or before the first Monday in October next ensuing, certify the amount of the district's estimate, or such amount as it shall deem advisable, to the county treasurer. The amount so certified shall be applied by the regular taxing agencies against the benefit valuation of lands, buildings and improvements as shown by the then current complete roll of such properties certified to and filed with such county treasurer by the board of county commissioners. When thus levied, the amount of assessment produced thereby shall be added by the general taxing authorities to the general taxes against said lands and collected therewith as a part thereof. If unpaid, any delinquencies in such assessments shall bear interest at the same rate and in the same manner as general taxes and they shall be included in and be made a part of any general tax foreclosure proceedings, according to the provisions of law with relation to such foreclosures. As assessment collections are made, the county treasurer shall credit the same to the funds of the district.
[ 2013 c 23 s 422; 1967 c 184 s 16. ]
In the case of an emergency or disaster occurring after the time of making the annual estimate of costs, declared to be such by resolution of the board, the board of the district may incur additional obligations and issue valid warrants therefor in excess of such estimate, in the manner provided by law for issuance of warrants by districts and the servicing thereof. All such warrants so issued shall be valid and legal obligations of the district and its taxable lands and improvements as shown upon the then current roll of the district filed with the county treasurer.
[ 1967 c 184 s 17. ]
Any diking, drainage, or sewerage improvement district operating under this chapter shall not use concurrently the processes provided for raising revenue for maintenance purposes under any other law: PROVIDED, That any other method of raising such revenue provided by law may be used concurrently for the sole purpose of extinguishing indebtedness incurred before the district adopts the procedures of this chapter, and no funds raised hereunder shall be used to pay such prior indebtedness.
[ 1967 c 184 s 18. ]
As used in this chapter:
(1) "Appraisers" means the board of appraisers;
(2) "Supervisors" means the district board of supervisors;
(3) "Board" means the board of county commissioners;
(4) "Auditor" means the county auditor;
(5) "Treasurer" means the county treasurer; and
(6) "Maintenance", "maintenance of the system of improvements", "maintenance work", and other terms of similar import, mean and include not merely operating expenses and such upkeep and other work commonly classed as maintenance as shall be necessary to restore and preserve the district's system of improvement and the machinery and equipment operated in connection therewith in the same or as good condition as when originally constructed and installed, but also: (a) The making of such changes in and betterments to the original works, improvements and installations as shall, subject to the approval of the board, be by the supervisors deemed necessary to put the system of improvements into such condition that it shall provide adequate drainage and protection from overflow for the lands within the district as contemplated and intended by the original construction and any enlargement and extension thereof thereafter made; and (b) all costs and expenses incident to any determination or redetermination of benefits and apportionment of costs made under the terms of this chapter.
[ 1949 c 26 s 1; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 4459-20. ]
On or before the first Monday in September in each year the supervisors of each diking, drainage or sewerage improvement district shall make and file with the board of the county containing such district, a statement and estimate in writing of the amount required for the maintenance of the system of improvements of said district for the ensuing fiscal year. The board shall, on or before the first Monday in October next ensuing, levy assessments for the amount of said estimate, or such amount as it shall deem advisable, upon the property within the district and against the state, the county containing such district, and the cities, towns and other municipal corporations within such district in respect of all highways, roads and streets and other lands, improvements, and facilities chargeable therewith owned by them respectively within such district. Said assessments shall be levied in the same proportion as the assessments to pay the original cost of construction of said system of improvements: PROVIDED HOWEVER, That when a determination or redetermination of benefits accruing to the properties within the district from the maintenance of the district's system of improvements or from the maintenance of the district's diking system and drainage system separately shall have been made, as hereinafter in this chapter provided, then the assessments for maintenance shall be levied in proportion to the benefits accruing to each piece or parcel of property and improvements benefited according to the latest determination of such benefits. Each such levy as made shall be certified by the auditor to the treasurer, who shall extend the same upon the district assessment roll.
[ 1949 c 26 s 2; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 4459-21. ]
In maintaining a system of improvements of any such district the supervisors thereof may at any time, with the approval of the county legislative authority and upon determination by such county legislative authority that an emergency exists, make expenditures in excess of the last annual maintenance assessments theretofore made, which excess amount or amounts shall in such event be included in the maintenance assessments for the succeeding year except as otherwise herein provided.
[ 1986 c 278 s 33; 1983 c 167 s 197; 1949 c 26 s 3; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 4459-22. Formerly RCW 85.16.030, 85.16.040, part and 85.16.050. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
Liberal construction—Severability—1983 c 167: See RCW 39.46.010 and note following.
At any time and from time to time, after completion of the original construction of any such district's system of improvements or after the completion of any alteration, reduction, enlargement, addition to, or other improvement of the system not constituting maintenance, as herein defined, the board may upon their own initiative, or upon petition filed by at least ten percent of the total number of owners of property within the district subject to assessments for maintenance, as shown by the latest assessment roll of the district shall, fix a date for and hold a hearing at the county seat for the purpose of determining or redetermining the special benefits accruing from the maintenance of the district's system of improvements to all property benefited thereby.
[ 1961 c 16 s 2. Prior: 1951 c 63 s 1; 1949 c 26 s 4, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 4459-23, part. ]
Notice of the hearing shall be given by publication in the official county newspaper and in such other newspaper published in or near the district as the county legislative authority may in its discretion direct, once a week for two consecutive weeks, the last publication of which shall be not less than seven nor more than fourteen days before the date of the hearing. Also, the county legislative authority shall serve by mail, at least ten days before the hearing, upon the commissioner of public lands of the state two copies of the published notice of the hearing together with a statement showing the amount of benefits determined by the appraisers in respect of each parcel of state, school, granted, or other lands owned by the state in the district, and shall similarly serve notice of the hearing upon the secretary of transportation, with a statement showing the amount of benefits determined by the appraisers in respect of any state primary or secondary highways within the district.
[ 1984 c 7 s 378; 1949 c 26 s 6; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 4459-25. ]
NOTES:
Reviser's note: The powers and duties of the commissioner of public lands have been transferred to the department of natural resources; see 1957 c 38 ss 1, 13; RCW 43.30.010, 43.30.411.
At or within two weeks of the time of fixing the date for such hearing the board shall appoint three qualified appraisers, at least one of whom shall be a resident of the county in which said district is situated, who shall qualify as provided in RCW 85.08.360. Thereupon said appraisers shall proceed immediately to carefully examine the district's system of improvements and the public and private property within the district, and fairly, justly and equitably determine and apportion the special benefits which will accrue from the maintenance of the district's system of improvements to each piece or parcel of privately and publicly owned land, together with the buildings and other permanent improvements thereon, and to the state, county, cities, towns and other municipal corporations for their roads and streets and other property within the district. The fact that any such property shall be exempt from general taxes shall not exempt the same from the provisions hereof.
[ 1961 c 16 s 3. Prior: 1949 c 26 s 4, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 4459-23, part. ]
The appraisers shall carefully consider and take into account all factors, situations and conditions which lawfully may be taken into consideration as bearing upon and determining such benefits and to that end may make such investigations, hold such hearings, and receive such evidence as they may deem proper and shall file their sworn report, with a complete schedule of all property within the district and the special benefits determined by them as accruing to each piece and parcel thereof, not less than twenty days prior to the date fixed for the hearing by the board.
[ 1949 c 26 s 5; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 4459-24. Formerly RCW 85.16.090 and 85.16.100. ]
In a district which functions both as a diking and a drainage improvement district, the appraisers, if so directed in the order of the board appointing them, shall determine separately, in accordance with RCW 85.16.060 and 85.16.080, the special benefits accruing to the various properties within the district from the maintenance of the diking system and from the maintenance of the drainage system, and in such case their report shall contain separate schedules of the respective benefits accruing from the maintenance of the diking and drainage systems of improvement considered separately and, so far as may be, independently of each other.
[ 1961 c 16 s 4; 1949 c 26 s 7; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 4459-26. ]
When any person applies to the county treasurer to pay the diking, drainage or sewerage improvement district assessments upon a portion of a lot, tract or parcel upon which special benefits have been confirmed, the county treasurer shall refer such matter to the county engineer for investigation. The county engineer shall apportion the total benefits found as to such lot, tract or parcel between the portions thereof in such manner as may be fair, just and equitable taking into account all factors, situations and conditions which may be lawfully taken into consideration in determining such special benefits. Unless the several owners interested in said lot, tract or parcel assent to the apportionment so made, the county engineer shall give notice to the apportionment by mail to them, if known. Upon assent of the interested owners or after the expiration of five days from the date of notice without the filing of a written protest to the apportionment, the county engineer shall certify in writing the apportioned benefit valuations to the county treasurer. The county treasurer, upon receipt of such certification, shall accept payment and issue receipt on the certified apportionment. If a written protest to such apportionment is filed with the county treasurer, the matter shall be heard by the county commissioners at their next regular session for final apportionment and the county treasurer shall accept and receipt for such assessments as determined and ordered by the county commissioners.
[ 1951 c 63 s 4. ]
NOTES:
County road engineer: Chapter 36.80 RCW.
District engineer: RCW 85.08.010.
Whenever the board shall provide that a levy to meet extraordinary maintenance expenditures shall be spread over a term of years and warrants or bonds issued as provided in RCW 85.16.030, said board shall fix a date for and hold a hearing and appoint appraisers as provided in RCW 85.16.060 and 85.16.080. Said appraisers, in addition to discharging the duties imposed upon the appraisers by RCW 85.16.060, 85.16.080 and 85.16.090, shall: (1) Apportion the estimated costs of such extraordinary maintenance work to the properties within the district in proportion to the benefits accruing to said properties from the maintenance of the district's system of improvements as determined by them; and (2) file a complete schedule of said apportionment of costs with the board.
[ 1961 c 16 s 5; 1949 c 26 s 8; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 4459-27. ]
At the hearing upon the report of the appraisers, which may be adjourned from time to time until finally completed, the board shall carefully examine and consider the special benefits and the apportionment of estimated costs determined by the appraisers and reported in the schedule or schedules, and any objections thereto which shall have been made in writing and filed with the board on or prior to ten o'clock a.m. of the date fixed for such hearing. Each objector shall be given reasonable time and opportunity to submit evidence and be heard on the merits of his or her objections. At the conclusion of such hearing, the board shall so correct, revise, raise, lower, change, or modify such schedule or schedules, or any part thereof, or strike therefrom any property not specially benefited, as to said board shall appear equitable and just. The board shall cause the clerk of the board to enter on each such schedule or schedules all such additions, cancellations, changes, and modifications made by it.
[ 2013 c 23 s 423; 1949 c 26 s 9; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 4459-28. Formerly RCW 85.16.130 and 85.16.140. ]
When the board shall have determined that the schedule or schedules of benefits and/or apportionment of costs as filed or as changed and modified by it are fair, just and equitable and, if estimated costs have been apportioned, that said benefits equal or exceed said costs apportioned, the members of the board approving the same shall sign said schedule or schedules and cause the clerk of the board to attest their signatures under his or her seal, and shall enter an order in the journal approving and confirming the final determination of such benefits and apportionment of costs and all proceedings leading thereto and in connection therewith. If separate schedules be established for maintenance of the diking system and of the drainage system, the board shall by order establish two separate maintenance funds, one for the maintenance of the diking system and one for the maintenance of the drainage system.
[ 2013 c 23 s 424; 1949 c 26 s 10; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 4459-29. ]
Upon the approval and final determination of benefits the auditor shall immediately prepare a completed roll thereof, which shall contain a copy of the order of the board approving and confirming said benefits as finally determined, and shall deliver said roll to the treasurer. Said benefits shall be the basis for the apportionment and collection of maintenance levies thereafter made by the board.
[ 1949 c 26 s 11; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 4459-30. ]
Upon the approval and final determination of the apportionment of estimated costs of extraordinary maintenance expenditures as provided in RCW 85.16.120 and 85.16.130, the board shall levy the amounts so apportioned against all the properties benefited and the amounts assessed against the state, county, cities and towns, and other municipal corporations benefited, and the auditor shall immediately prepare a completed roll thereof, which shall contain a copy of the order of the board approving and confirming said apportionment of estimated costs as finally determined and fixing and levying the assessments therefor, and shall deliver said roll to the treasurer for collection in accordance with the order of the board.
[ 1949 c 26 s 12; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 4459-31. ]
The county legislative authority shall thereupon enter an order authorizing the contemplated extraordinary maintenance work to be done and authorizing the issuance of temporary construction warrants to pay the cost of said work as it progresses, which warrants may bear interest at such rate or rates of interest as the county legislative authority shall determine. Warrants to pay the costs of such extraordinary maintenance may be issued and sold at one time or from time to time and in such series and amounts as may be found practicable and as determined by the board.
[ 1986 c 278 s 34; 1983 c 167 s 198; 1970 ex.s. c 56 s 92; 1969 ex.s. c 232 s 54; 1949 c 26 s 13; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 4459-32. Formerly RCW 85.16.040 and 85.16.180. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
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.
The decision of the board upon any objections to the determination of benefits and/or apportionment of costs and/or the levy of the assessments therefor, made within the time and in the manner prescribed in RCW 85.16.130, may be reviewed by the superior court of the county in which the district is situated and thereafter by the supreme court or the court of appeals within the time and in the manner and upon the conditions, so far as applicable, provided in RCW 85.08.440, with respect to appeals from and appellate review of the board's apportionment of the cost of construction of the district's system of improvements. The provisions of RCW 85.08.450, shall be controlling as to the regularity, validity, and conclusiveness of all the proceedings hereunder.
[ 1988 c 202 s 79; 1971 c 81 s 164; 1949 c 26 s 14; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 4459-33. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1988 c 202: See note following RCW 2.24.050.
Whenever, after the determination of special benefits accruing from the maintenance of the district's system of improvements, it appears to the board from a petition filed by the affected property owner or owners or otherwise, that by reason of permanent improvements or additions made, removed, abandoned or destroyed by fire or other casualty, or of other changes in the character or condition of the property, the benefits theretofore determined in respect to any one or more pieces or parcels of property are no longer fair, just and equitable, then the board shall appoint three appraisers who shall qualify as in RCW 85.08.360 hereof. Said appraisers shall proceed immediately to carefully examine the pieces or parcels of property as to which since the last determination of special benefits thereto there have been permanent improvements or additions made, removed, abandoned or destroyed by fire or other casualty or other changes in the character or condition of the property. Said appraisers shall file their sworn report with the board setting forth the special benefits determined by them as accruing to each piece and parcel of property examined by them not less than ten days prior to the date of hearing. The board shall hold a hearing thereon at the county seat at the time of equalization of the real property assessment and shall give notice thereof as provided in RCW 85.16.070.
[ 1951 c 63 s 2; 1949 c 26 s 15; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 4459-34. ]
At such hearing, which may be adjourned from time to time as may be necessary to give all persons interested or affected a reasonable opportunity to be heard, and after consideration of all evidence offered and all factors, situations, and conditions bearing upon or determinative of the benefits accruing and to accrue to such pieces or parcels of property, the board shall correct, revise, raise, lower, or otherwise change or confirm the benefits as theretofore determined, in respect of such pieces or parcels of property, as to it shall seem fair, just, and equitable under the circumstances, and thereafter such proceedings shall be had with respect to the confirmation or determination of the benefits and making and filing of a roll thereof, as are in RCW 85.16.130, 85.16.150, and 85.16.160 provided. Any property owner affected by any change thus made in the determination of benefits accruing to his or her property who shall have appeared at the hearing by the board and made written objections thereto as provided in RCW 85.16.130, may appeal from the action of the board to the superior court and seek appellate review by the supreme court or the court of appeals, within the time, in the manner and upon the conditions, so far as applicable, provided in RCW 85.08.440, with respect to appeals from the order of the board confirming the apportionment of the original cost of construction.
[ 2013 c 23 s 426; 1988 c 202 s 80; 1971 c 81 s 165; 1949 c 26 s 16; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 4459-35. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1988 c 202: See note following RCW 2.24.050.
The provisions of *RCW 85.08.280, 85.08.310, 85.08.320, 85.08.420, 85.08.430, and 85.08.480 through 85.08.520, shall be deemed and hereby are made a part of this chapter insofar as they may be applicable hereto, except that the unpaid assessments or installments thereof, which may have been levied for extraordinary maintenance costs as provided in RCW 85.16.170, shall bear interest at a rate determined by the county legislative authority.
[ 1981 c 156 s 25; 1949 c 26 s 17; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 4459-36. ]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 85.08.280 was repealed by 1986 c 278 s 46.
Whenever any payer of a diking, drainage, or sewerage improvement district maintenance assessment believes that, through obvious error in name, number, description, amount of benefit valuation, double assessment, or extension, or other obvious error, property on which he or she has paid an assessment has been erroneously assessed, he or she may pay such assessment under protest. If, within thirty days after such payment under protest, he or she files with the board a written verified petition setting out his or her name, address, and legal description of the property, the nature of the obvious error alleged to have been made, and the date and amount of any assessment paid thereon, the board shall cause such claim to be investigated. If upon investigation any assessment is found to be erroneous through obvious error, the board shall order such assessment to be corrected if no bond or long term warrant issue is affected. Where correction is ordered of an erroneous assessment already collected, the auditor, upon receipt of a certified copy of the board's order of correction, shall refund to the person paying the assessment the difference between the correct assessment and the erroneous assessment, plus legal interest on such difference from date of payment, by a warrant drawn on the maintenance fund of the district.
[ 2013 c 23 s 427; 1951 c 63 s 3. ]
The state declares that it has an interest in protecting and preserving productive land and buildings needed to make business function continuously. Where organized diking districts, through their improvements, have reclaimed land or protected it from overflow and have enabled erection of improvements thereon or have furnished such land and buildings protection against flood water, it is necessary to provide a just and equitable method to enable such diking districts continuously to function effectively. It is declared that there is a direct relationship, where such conditions exist, between the continuous functioning of such districts and the fair value of the lands and buildings thereon, or to be erected thereon, thus afforded protection.
[ 1951 c 45 s 1. ]
When any diking district has been organized and the improvements made afford protection to land and buildings within such district against damage or destruction from overflow waters in that the level of the land and of the foundational structures of buildings thereon is below the water level at flood or high tide stages of the waters, fresh or salt, against which such district improvements furnished protection, the board of diking commissioners of such district may, under the procedure established in this chapter, determine such fact and by resolution so declare; and may provide that the cost of continued functioning of the district shall be paid through levies of dollar rates made and collected according to this chapter against the land and buildings thus protected, based upon the determined base benefits received by such land and buildings.
[ 1973 1st ex.s. c 195 s 115; 1951 c 45 s 2. ]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.
To operate under this chapter, the board shall cause to be prepared and filed with it a roll containing descriptions of the land and buildings thereon within the district to which its improvements furnish the nature of protection set forth in RCW 85.18.010. The roll shall show descriptions of the land and the name of its owner, or reputed owner, and such owner's address, as shown upon the tax roll of the treasurer of the county wherein the property is located, and the determined value of such land and any buildings thereon as last assessed and equalized by the taxing agencies of such county.
[ 1951 c 45 s 3. ]
After the roll is prepared the board shall give notice of a time and place at which the board will hold a public hearing to determine whether the facts and conditions heretofore recited in this chapter as a prerequisite to its application do or do not exist, and if so found to exist by said board at said hearing, then the board shall by resolution so declare. The notice shall also state that at said hearing, or any continuance thereof, the board will sit to consider said roll and to determine the continuous base benefits which each of the properties thereon are receiving and will receive from the continued operation and functioning of such district, which shall in no instance exceed one hundred percent of the true and fair value of such property in money, will consider all objections made thereto or to any part thereof, and will correct, revise, lower, change, or modify such roll as shall appear just and equitable; that when correct benefits are fixed upon said roll by said board, it will adopt said roll by resolution as establishing, until modified as hereinafter provided, the continuous base benefit to said protected lands and buildings against which will be levied and collected dollar rates to provide funds for the continuous functioning of said district.
[ 1973 1st ex.s. c 195 s 116; 1951 c 45 s 4. ]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.
The notice of the time and place of hearing shall be given to any owner, or reputed owner, of the property which is listed on the roll as aforesaid, by mailing a copy thereof at least thirty days before the date fixed for the hearing to the owner or owners at his or her or their address as shown on the tax rolls of the county treasurer for the property described. In addition thereto, the notice shall be published at least once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the district. At least fifteen days must elapse between the last date of publication thereof and the date fixed for the hearing.
[ 2013 c 23 s 428; 1985 c 469 s 76; 1951 c 45 s 5. ]
At said hearing, or adjournments thereof, the board shall review said roll and determine the continuous base benefits to land and buildings furnished continuous protection by the improvement system of the district; hear objections to the adoption of said roll; correct, revise, change, modify or set aside such roll, or any part thereof, as to the board shall appear equitable and just; and then adopt the same by resolution. All objections to this or any subsequent roll must be in writing and filed with the board during the hearing before the roll is adopted and must state clearly the grounds of objection. Objections not made within the time and in the manner herein prescribed shall be conclusively presumed to have been waived.
[ 1951 c 45 s 6. ]
The board shall, from time to time, examine the properties within said district, and if it finds that any protected land or buildings thereon have been omitted from the existing roll, or new buildings have been added to lands, or the condition of land or buildings has changed, and in the initial judgment of the board such land or the buildings thereon was such that it was furnished the protective benefits of the improvements of the district, the board shall cause at each such time an additional roll of such property to be filed with it, and hold a hearing to determine and make such corrections, additions, alterations and modifications of the benefits to such property only, and to hear any objections filed as to such property only. The board shall give notice of such hearing to the owner, or reputed owner, of the property involved, at the address of such owner as then shown on the tax rolls of the treasurer of the county wherein the property is located, in the same way and manner as herein provided for consideration of the original roll, but such notice need not be published.
At the hearing, or any adjournment thereof, the board shall have power to correct, revise, change, modify, or set aside such roll, or any part thereof, as shall be deemed just and equitable, and then adopt the same by resolution.
[ 1951 c 45 s 7. ]
When any roll or additional or supplemental roll be adopted by the board of commissioners, the same shall be certified to, and filed with, the auditor of the county wherein the property contained on said roll is situated, and shall supplement said original roll.
[ 1951 c 45 s 8. ]
Until further modified, amended, or changed by an additional or supplemental roll certified to the county auditor after the foregoing procedure is had, the original roll, as modified or supplemented, if the same is done, shall serve as the base of benefits to the land and buildings protected by the improvement system of said district against which dollar rate is levied and collected from time to time for the continued functioning of said diking district.
[ 1973 1st ex.s. c 195 s 117; 1951 c 45 s 9. ]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.
Whenever any roll shall have been adopted by the board of commissioners, the regularity, validity and correctness of the proceedings relating thereto shall be conclusive upon all parties, and it cannot in any manner be contested or questioned in any proceeding whatsoever by any person not filing written objections to such roll as provided in RCW 85.18.050 and appealing from the action of the board in confirming such roll in the manner and within the time in this chapter provided. No proceeding of any kind, except proceedings had through the process of appeal as in this chapter provided, shall be commenced or prosecuted or may be maintained, for the purpose of defeating or contesting any assessment or charge made through levies under this chapter, or the sale of any property to pay such charges: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That suit in injunction may be brought to prevent collection of charges of assessments or sale of property thereunder upon the following grounds and no other:
(1) That the property charged or about to be sold does not appear upon the district roll filed with the county auditor, or
(2) The charge has been paid.
[ 1951 c 45 s 10. ]
The decision of the board of commissioners upon any objection made within the time and in the manner prescribed may be reviewed by the superior court of the county wherein the property in question is located, upon appeal thereto taken in the following manner: Any person aggrieved must file his or her petition for writ of review with the clerk of the superior court wherein the property is located within ten days after the roll affecting such aggrieved party was adopted by resolution, and serve a copy thereof upon the commissioners. The petition shall describe the property in question, set forth the written objections which were made to the decision, the date of filing of such objections, and be signed by such party or one in his or her behalf. The court shall forthwith grant such petition if correct as to form and filed in accordance with this chapter.
[ 2013 c 23 s 429; 1951 c 45 s 11. ]
Within ten days from the filing of such petition for review, the commission, unless the court shall grant additional time, shall file with the clerk of such court its certified transcript containing such portion of the roll as is subject to review, any written objections thereto filed with the board by the person reviewing before said roll was adopted, and a copy of the resolution adopting the roll.
[ 1951 c 45 s 12. ]
The county clerk shall charge the same filing fees for petitions for review as in civil actions. At the time of the filing of such petition with the clerk, the appellant shall execute and file a bond in the penal sum of two hundred dollars, with at least two sureties, to be approved by the judge of said court, conditioned upon his or her prosecuting his or her appeal without delay and to guarantee all costs which may be assessed against him or her by reason of such review. The court shall, on motion of either party to the cause, with notice to the other party, set said cause for trial at the earliest time available to the court, fixing a date for hearing and trial without a jury. Said cause shall have preference over all civil actions pending in said court except eminent domain and forcible entry and detainer proceedings.
[ 2013 c 23 s 430; 1951 c 45 s 13. ]
At the trial the court shall determine whether the board has acted within its discretion and has correctly construed and applied the law. If it finds that it has, the finding of the board shall be affirmed; otherwise it shall be reversed or modified. The judgment of the court may change, confirm, correct, or modify the values of the property in question as shown upon the roll, and a certified copy thereof shall be filed with the county auditor, who shall change, modify or correct as and if required.
[ 1951 c 45 s 14. ]
Appellate review may be sought as in other civil cases: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That review must be sought within fifteen days after the date of entry of the judgment of the superior court. The supreme court or the court of appeals, on such appeal, may change, confirm, correct or modify the values of the property in question as shown upon the roll. A certified copy of any judgment of the supreme court or the court of appeals shall be filed with the county auditor having custody of such roll, who shall thereupon change, modify, or correct such roll in accordance with such decision if required.
[ 1988 c 202 s 81; 1971 c 81 s 166; 1951 c 45 s 15. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1988 c 202: See note following RCW 2.24.050.
The dollar rate levy returns collected from time to time under this chapter are solely assessments for benefits received continuously by the protected properties, calculated in the manner specified in this chapter as a just and equitable way for all protected property to share the expense of such required protection.
[ 1973 1st ex.s. c 195 s 118; 1951 c 45 s 16. ]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.
The board of commissioners of any diking district proceeding under this chapter shall, on or before the first day of November of each year, make an estimate of the costs reasonably anticipated to be required for the effective functioning of such district during the ensuing year and until further revenue therefor can be made available, and cause its chair or secretary to certify the same on or before said date to the county auditor, and the amount so certified shall be levied by the regular taxing agencies against the base benefits to the lands and buildings within such district as shown by the then current complete roll of such properties and the determined benefits thereto as therefore certified to and filed with such county auditor by the commissioners of such district. When thus levied, the amount of assessment produced thereby shall be added by the general taxing authorities to the general taxes against said lands and collected therewith as a part thereof. If unpaid, any delinquencies in such assessments shall bear interest at the same rate and in the same manner as general taxes and they shall be included in and be made a part of any general tax foreclosure proceedings, according to the provisions of law with relation to such foreclosures. As assessment collections are made, the county treasurer shall credit the same to the funds of such district.
[ 2013 c 23 s 425; 1951 c 45 s 17. ]
In the case of an emergency or disaster not in contemplation at the time of making the annual estimate of costs, declared to be such by resolution of such board, the diking commissioners may incur additional obligations and issue valid warrants therefor in excess of such estimate, in the manner provided by law for issuance of warrants by diking districts and the servicing thereof, and all such warrants so issued shall be valid and legal obligations of such district and its taxable lands and improvements as shown upon the then current roll of said district filed with the county auditor.
[ 1951 c 45 s 18. ]
Any diking district operating under this chapter shall not use the processes provided for raising revenue under any other law: PROVIDED, That any such other method of raising revenue provided by law may be used concurrently for the sole purpose of extinguishing indebtedness incurred before the district adopts the procedure of this chapter, and no funds raised hereunder shall be used to pay such prior indebtedness.
[ 1951 c 45 s 19. ]
Any drainage district or diking district organized under the provisions of chapter 115 or chapter 117 of the Laws of 1895, and the acts amendatory thereof, may be reorganized as a drainage improvement district or a diking improvement district, upon proceedings had in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
[ 1917 c 131 s 1; RRS s 4347. FORMER PART OF SECTION: 1933 c 182 s 1, now codified as RCW 85.22.010. ]
NOTES:
Reviser's note: Chapter 115, Laws of 1895 referred to herein is the basic diking district act codified as chapter 85.06 RCW, Part I, and chapter 117, Laws of 1895 is the basic drainage district act codified as chapter 85.05 RCW.
For the purpose of securing such reorganization, a petition shall be presented to the clerk of the board of county commissioners of the county in which such district is located, at a regular or special meeting of the board. The petition shall be signed by the board of commissioners of the district and shall state the number of the district seeking to reorganize, and shall pray that such district be reorganized as a drainage or a diking improvement district.
[ 1917 c 131 s 2; RRS s 4348. FORMER PART OF SECTION: 1933 c 182 s 2 now codified as RCW 85.22.020. ]
Whenever a petition is presented as provided in RCW 85.20.020, the county legislative authority shall order an election to be held to determine if the district shall be reorganized. The county legislative authority shall specify the election date which may or may not be at the normal special district general election. Notice of the election shall be posted and published, and the election shall be conducted, as for any special district election. The notice shall state the number of the district so petitioning to reorganize, the place where and the time when the election is to be held. The auditor shall certify the results of the election to the county legislative authority. If the proposition to reorganize the district is approved by a simple majority vote of the voters voting on the proposition, the district shall be reorganized as either a diking improvement district or drainage improvement district upon the county legislative authority ordering the reorganization. The district shall be liable to the county for its costs incurred for the election.
[ 1985 c 396 s 48; 1917 c 131 s 3; RRS s 4349. FORMER PART OF SECTION: 1933 c 182 s 3 now codified as RCW 85.22.030. ]
The board of commissioners of the drainage or diking district shall constitute the board of supervisors of the reorganized district. From the entry of an order under RCW 85.20.030 reorganizing the district, such reorganized district, and its board of supervisors, shall have all the rights and powers of and be subject to all laws applicable to a diking or drainage improvement district, and such district so reorganized shall be dissolved without any further proceedings therefor. Notwithstanding such dissolution and reorganization, none of the outstanding bonds, warrants or other indebtedness of the district, shall be affected thereby; and all lands liable to be assessed to pay any of such bonds, warrants or other indebtedness shall remain liable to the same extent as if such reorganization had not been made, and any and all assessments theretofore levied or made against any such lands shall be and remain unimpaired and shall be collected in the same manner as if no such reorganization had been had. The legislative authority of the county in which such reorganized district is situated shall have all the powers possessed at the time of the reorganization by the board of commissioners of such district to levy, assess, and cause to be collected any and all assessments or charges against any of the lands within such district that may be necessary or required to provide funds for the payment of all the bonds, warrants and other indebtedness thereof.
[ 1985 c 396 s 49; 1917 c 131 s 5; RRS s 4351. FORMER PART OF SECTION: 1933 c 182 s 5, part, now codified in RCW 85.22.050. Formerly RCW 85.20.050, part and 85.20.060, part. ]
Whenever in any district reorganized under the provisions of this chapter any bonds issued prior to such reorganization shall become payable and the county legislative authority determines that it is in the interest of the property owners of the district to have refunding bonds issued, the county legislative authority may authorize the district to issue refunding bonds in accordance with chapter 85.38 RCW.
[ 1986 c 278 s 35; 1917 c 131 s 6; RRS s 4352. FORMER PART OF SECTION: 1933 c 182 s 6, now codified as RCW 85.22.060. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
Upon the expiration of thirty days from the first publication of the notice given by the treasurer as provided herein, the county legislative authority of the county in which all or the major part of the district is located may issue and sell refunding bonds of the district subject to chapter 85.38 RCW.
[ 1986 c 278 s 36; 1917 c 131 s 11; RRS s 4357. FORMER PART OF SECTION: 1933 c 182 s 11 now codified as RCW 85.22.110. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
The board of county commissioners shall have all the powers possessed by the board of commissioners of any district reorganized under the provisions of this chapter prior to such reorganization, to levy assessments for the payment of the interest on any other bonds of the district not then payable and refunded under the provisions of this chapter, and to levy assessments to provide a sinking fund for the liquidation of such bonds at their maturity. Such assessments shall be called and collected in the manner provided by the law under which they were assessed, and such bonds shall be paid as provided by the law under which they were issued. Proper funds shall be established in the county treasury for the proceeds of the payments of such assessments, and such funds shall be applied to the payment of the bonds for the payment of which they were levied.
[ 1917 c 131 s 13; RRS s 4359. FORMER PART OF SECTION: 1933 c 182 s 13 now codified as RCW 85.22.130. ]
Whenever in any district reorganized under the provisions of this chapter, extensions or additions are made to the system of improvements of the district to provide drainage or protection from overflow for lands previously found benefited and assessed for the construction of the original system of improvement which are not receiving benefits therefrom in proportion to the benefits found and the assessments levied against such lands, the costs of such extensions or additions shall be included as a cost of maintenance of the improvements of the district and shall be levied and collected in the manner provided for the levy and collection of such costs.
[ 1917 c 131 s 14; RRS s 4360. FORMER PART OF SECTION: 1933 c 182 s 14 now codified as RCW 85.22.140. ]
Any diking district; drainage district; irrigation improvement district; intercounty diking and drainage district; diking, drainage, and/or sewerage improvement district; consolidated diking district, drainage district, diking improvement district, and/or drainage improvement district; or flood control district may reorganize as a drainage and irrigation improvement district or as a diking, drainage and irrigation improvement district in the manner provided in this chapter.
[ 1993 c 464 s 1; 1933 c 182 s 1; RRS s 4477-1. Formerly RCW 85.20.010, part. ]
For the purpose of securing such reorganization, a petition shall be presented to the clerk of the board of county commissioners of the county in which such district is located, at a regular or special meeting of the board. The petition shall be signed by the board of commissioners of the district and shall state the number of the district seeking to reorganize, and shall pray that such district be reorganized as a drainage and irrigation improvement district or diking, drainage and irrigation improvement district.
[ 1933 c 182 s 2; RRS s 4477-2. Formerly RCW 85.20.020, part. ]
Whenever a petition is presented as provided in RCW 85.22.020, the county legislative authority shall order an election to be held to determine if the district shall be reorganized. The county legislative authority shall specify the election date which may or may not be the same as the regular special district general election. Notice of the election shall be posted and published, and the election shall be conducted, as for any special district election. The notice shall state the number of the district so petitioning to reorganize, the place where and the time when the election is to be held. The auditor shall certify the results of the election to the county legislative authority. If the proposition to reorganize the district is approved by a simple majority vote of the voters voting on the proposition, the district shall be reorganized as either a diking improvement district or drainage improvement district upon the county legislative authority ordering the reorganization. The district shall be liable to the county for its costs incurred for the election.
[ 1985 c 396 s 50; 1933 c 182 s 3; RRS s 4477-3. Formerly RCW 85.20.030, part. ]
The commissioners of the old district shall become the supervisors of the reorganized district and shall have all the rights and powers and be subject to all laws applicable to a diking or drainage improvement district. The supervisors shall also have the power of using such drainage ditches and equipment in the district for irrigation purposes at proper times and may adapt such ditches to such purposes by making the necessary improvements therein. The supervisors shall also have the right to purchase and install machinery, pumps and other equipment for the carrying on of such irrigation within the district. Notwithstanding such dissolution and reorganization, none of the outstanding bonds, warrants or other indebtedness of the district, shall be affected thereby; and all lands liable to be assessed to pay any of such bonds, warrants or other indebtedness shall remain liable to the same extent as if such reorganization had not been made, and any and all assessments theretofore levied or made against any such lands shall be and remain unimpaired and shall be collected in the same manner as if no such reorganization had been had. The legislative authority of the county in which such reorganized district is situated shall have all the powers possessed at the time of the reorganization by the board of commissioners of such district to levy, assess, and cause to be collected any and all assessments or charges against any of the lands within such district that may be necessary or required to provide funds for the payment of all the bonds, warrants and other indebtedness thereof.
[ 1985 c 396 s 51; 1933 c 182 s 5; RRS s 4477-5. Formerly RCW 85.20.050, part and 85.20.060, part. ]
Whenever in any district reorganized under the provisions of this chapter any bonds issued prior to such reorganization shall become payable and the county legislative authority determines that it is in the interest of the property owners of the district to have refunding bonds issued, the county legislative authority may authorize the district to issue refunding bonds in accordance with chapter 85.38 RCW.
[ 1986 c 278 s 37; 1933 c 182 s 6; RRS s 4477-6. Formerly RCW 85.20.070, part. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
The board of county commissioners shall have all the powers possessed by the board of commissioners of any district reorganized under the provisions of this chapter prior to such reorganization, to levy assessments for the payment of the interest on any other bonds of the district not then payable and refunded under the provisions of this chapter, and to levy assessments to provide a sinking fund for the liquidation of such bonds at their maturity. Such assessments shall be called and collected in the manner provided by the law under which they were assessed, and such bonds shall be paid as provided by the law under which they were issued. Proper funds shall be established in the county treasury for the proceeds of the payments of such assessments, and such funds shall be applied to the payment of the bonds for the payment of which they were levied.
[ 1933 c 182 s 13; RRS s 4477-13. Formerly RCW 85.20.140, part. ]
Whenever in any district reorganized under the provisions of this chapter, extensions or additions are made to the system of improvements of the district to provide drainage or protection from overflow for lands previously found benefited and assessed for the construction of the original system of improvement which are not receiving benefits therefrom in proportion to the benefits found and the assessments levied against such lands, the costs of such extensions or additions shall be included as a cost of maintenance of the improvements of the district and shall be levied and collected in the manner provided for the levy and collection of such costs.
[ 1933 c 182 s 14; RRS s 4477-14. Formerly RCW 85.20.150, part. ]
Whenever a portion of two or more counties require diking, drainage, or the erection of flood dams or drift barriers to prevent inundations, such portion of two or more counties may be organized into a district; and the board of commissioners, hereinafter provided for, shall have and possess the powers herein conferred, or that may hereafter be conferred by law upon such districts and board of commissioners, and all such powers not in conflict with those herein granted, which now exist under the provisions of the laws of the state relating to the establishment, construction and maintenance of dikes and drains; and such districts shall be known and designated as "Diking and Drainage District No. . . . . in . . . . . . and . . . . . . counties (here insert name of counties), of the state of Washington"; and shall have the right to sue and be sued by, in the name of its board of commissioners herein provided for, and shall have perpetual succession, and shall adopt and use a seal.
[ 1923 c 140 s 1; 1909 c 225 s 1; RRS s 4361. ]
Intercounty diking and drainage districts shall possess the authority and shall be created, district voting rights shall be determined, and district elections shall be held as provided in chapter 85.38 RCW.
[ 1985 c 396 s 34. ]
Intercounty diking and drainage improvement districts may annex territory, consolidate with other special districts, and have their operations suspended and be reactivated, in accordance with chapter 85.38 RCW.
[ 1986 c 278 s 14. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
RCW 85.38.140 through 85.38.170 constitute a mutually exclusive alternative method by which intercounty diking and drainage districts in existence as of July 28, 1985, may measure and impose special assessments and adopt budgets. RCW 85.38.150 through 85.38.170 constitute the exclusive method by which intercounty diking and drainage districts created after July 28, 1985, may measure and impose special assessments and adopt budgets.
[ 1985 c 396 s 27. ]
A three-member board of commissioners shall be the governing body of an intercounty diking and drainage district. The initial commissioners shall be appointed, and the elected commissioners elected, as provided in chapter 85.38 RCW.
The members of such board, before entering upon their duties, shall take and subscribe on oath substantially as follows:
| State of Washington | | | | --- | --- | --- | | | ss. | | | County of . . . . | | |
I, the undersigned, a member of the board of commissioners of the diking and drainage district No. . . . ., in . . . . . . and . . . . . . counties, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully discharge my duties as a member of the commission.
Upon the taking of such oath and the entering into a bond, as provided in RCW 85.38.080, the county legislative authority shall enter an order upon its records that the three persons named have qualified as the board of commissioners for diking and drainage district No. . . . ., in . . . . . . and . . . . . . counties, and that those persons and their successors do and shall constitute a board of commissioners for the diking and drainage district. The order when made shall be conclusive of the regularity of the election and qualification of the board of diking and drainage commissioners for the particular district, and the persons named therein shall constitute the board of diking and drainage commissioners.
The board of diking and drainage commissioners shall thereupon immediately organize and elect one of their number as chair and may either appoint a voter of the district or another diking and drainage commissioner to act as secretary. The board shall then proceed to make and cause to be made specifications and details of a system which may be adopted by the board for the improvements to be made, together with an estimate of the total cost thereof; and shall, upon the adoption of the plan of improvement of the district, proceed to acquire the necessary property and property rights for the construction, establishment, and maintenance of the system either by purchase or by power of eminent domain as hereinafter provided. Upon such acquisition being had, the board shall then proceed with the construction of the diking and drainage system and in doing so shall have the power to do the work directly or in its discretion to have all or any part of the work done by contract. In case the board shall decide upon doing the same by contract, it shall advertise for bids for the construction work, or such part thereof as they may determine to have done by contract, and shall have the authority to let a contract to the lowest responsible bidder after advertising for bids.
Any contractor doing work hereunder shall be required to furnish a bond as provided by the laws of the state of Washington relating to contractors of public work.
The board shall have the right, power, and authority to issue vouchers or warrants in payment or evidence of payment of any and all expenses incurred under this chapter, and shall have the power to issue the same to any contractor as the work progresses, the same to be based upon the partial estimates furnished from time to time by engineers of the district. All warrants issued hereunder shall draw interest at a rate determined by the board.
Upon the completion of the construction of the system, and ascertainment of the total cost thereof including all compensation and damages and costs and expenses incident to the acquiring of the necessary property and property right, the board shall then proceed to levy an assessment upon the taxable real property within the district which the board may find to be specially benefited by the proposed improvements; and shall make and levy such assessment upon each piece, lot, parcel, and separate tract of real estate in proportion to the particular and special benefits thereto. Upon determining the amount of the assessment against each particular tract of real estate as aforesaid, the commissioners shall make or cause to be made an assessment roll, in which shall appear the names of the owners of the property assessed, so far as known, and a general description of each lot, block, parcel, or tract of land within the district, and the amount assessed against the same, as separate, special, or particular benefits. The board shall thereupon make an order setting and fixing a day for hearing any objections to the assessment roll by any one affected thereby, which day shall be at least twenty days after the mailing of notices thereof, postage prepaid, as herein provided. The board shall send or cause to be sent by mail to each owner of the premises assessed, whose name and place of residence is known, a notice, substantially in the following form:
To . . . . . .: Your property (here describe the property) is assessed $ . . . . . A hearing on the assessment roll will be had before the undersigned at the office of the board at . . . . . . on the . . . . day of . . . . . . at which time you are notified to be and appear and to make any and all objections which you may have as to the amount of the assessment against your property, or as to whether it should be assessed at all; and to make any and all objections which you may have to the assessment against your lands, or any part or portion thereof.
The failure to send or cause to be sent such notice shall not be fatal to the proceedings herein described. The secretary of the board on the mailing of the notices shall certify generally that he or she has mailed such notices to the known address of all owners, and such certificate shall be prima facie evidence of the mailing of all such notices at the date mentioned in the certificate.
The board shall cause at least ten days' notice of the hearing to be given by posting notice in at least ten public places within the boundaries of the district, and by publishing the same at least five successive times in a daily newspaper published in each of the counties affected; and for at least two successive weeks in one or more weekly newspapers within the boundaries of the district, in each county if there are such newspapers published therein, and if there is no such newspaper published, then in one or more weekly newspapers, having a circulation in the district, for two successive weeks. The notice shall be signed by the chair or secretary of the board of commissioners, and shall state the date and place of hearing of objections to the assessment roll and levy, and of all other objections; and that all interested parties will be heard as to any objection to the assessment roll and the levies as therein made.
[ 2013 c 23 s 431; 1985 c 396 s 53; 1981 c 156 s 26; 1923 c 140 s 4; 1909 c 225 s 5; RRS s 4365. FORMER PART OF SECTION: 1909 c 225 ss 9, 11, 21, 28, 32 now codified as RCW 85.24.071, 85.24.073, 85.24.075, 85.24.077, and 85.24.079. Formerly RCW 85.24.070, 85.24.090, 85.24.100, 85.24.110, and 85.24.120. ]
The commissioners herein provided for and their successors in office, shall from the time of their election and qualifications aforesaid, have the power, and it shall be their duty, to manage and conduct the business affairs of the district, making and executing all necessary contracts, appoint such agents and employees as may be required, and prescribe their duties, and perform any and all acts which may be necessary, proper or requisite to carry into effect their duties as commissioners, and all such other acts as may be provided in this chapter or in any other act.
[ 1909 c 225 s 9; RRS s 4369. Formerly RCW 85.24.070, part. ]
Said board of commissioners herein provided for shall have the exclusive charge of the construction and maintenance of all dikes and drainage systems which may be constructed within the said district, and shall be the executive officers thereof, with full power to bind said district by their acts in the performance of their duties as provided by law.
[ 1909 c 225 s 11; RRS s 4371. Formerly RCW 85.24.070, part. ]
The chair of the board shall preside at all meetings and shall have the right to vote upon all questions the same as other members, and shall perform such duties in addition to those in this chapter prescribed as may be fixed by the board. The secretary of the board shall perform the duties in this chapter prescribed, and such other duties as may be fixed by the board. A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but it shall require a majority of the entire board to authorize any action by the board.
[ 2013 c 23 s 432; 1909 c 225 s 21; RRS s 4381. Formerly RCW 85.24.070, part. ]
The board of commissioners shall have power to adjourn any and all proceedings before them from time to time.
[ 1909 c 225 s 28; RRS s 4388. Formerly RCW 85.24.070, part. ]
The board shall have power and authority to make rules and regulations for the purpose of carrying into effect any of the provisions of this chapter.
[ 1909 c 225 s 32; RRS s 4392. Formerly RCW 85.24.070, part. ]
The members of the board may receive as compensation up to ninety dollars per day or portion thereof spent in actual attendance at official meetings of the district, or in performance of other official services or duties on behalf of the district: PROVIDED, That such compensation shall not exceed eight thousand six hundred forty dollars in one calendar year: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the board may fix a different salary for the secretary thereof in lieu of the per diem. Each commissioner is entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses actually incurred in connection with such business, including subsistence and lodging, while away from the commissioner's place of residence, and mileage for use of a privately owned vehicle in accordance with chapter 42.24 RCW. The salary and expenses shall be paid by the treasurer of the fund, upon orders made by the board. Each member of the board must before being paid for expenses, take vouchers therefore from the person or persons to whom the particular amount was paid, and must also make affidavit that the amounts were necessarily incurred and expended in the performance of his or her duties.
Any commissioner may waive all or any portion of his or her compensation payable under this section as to any month or months during his or her term of office, by a written waiver filed with the secretary as provided in this section. The waiver, to be effective, must be filed any time after the commissioner's election and prior to the date on which the compensation would otherwise be paid. The waiver shall specify the month or period of months for which it is made.
The dollar thresholds established in this section must be adjusted for inflation by the office of financial management every five years, beginning January 1, 2024, based upon changes in the consumer price index during that time period. "Consumer price index" means, for any calendar year, that year's annual average consumer price index, for Washington state, for wage earners and clerical workers, all items, compiled by the bureau of labor and statistics, United States department of labor. If the bureau of labor and statistics develops more than one consumer price index for areas within the state, the index covering the greatest number of people, covering areas exclusively within the boundaries of the state, and including all items shall be used for the adjustments for inflation in this section. The office of financial management must calculate the new dollar threshold and transmit it to the office of the code reviser for publication in the Washington State Register at least one month before the new dollar threshold is to take effect.
A person holding office as commissioner for two or more special purpose districts shall receive only that per diem compensation authorized for one of his or her commissioner positions as compensation for attending an official meeting or conducting official services or duties while representing more than one of his or her districts. However, such commissioner may receive additional per diem compensation if approved by resolution of all boards of the affected commissions.
[ 2020 c 83 s 11; 2007 c 469 s 11; 1998 c 121 s 11; 1991 c 349 s 23; 1985 c 396 s 54; 1909 c 225 s 33; RRS s 4393. ]
Any person interested in any real estate affected by said assessment may, within the time fixed, appear and file objections. As to all parcels, lots, or blocks as to which no objections are filed, within the time as aforesaid, the assessment thereon shall be confirmed and shall be final. On the hearing, each person may offer proof, and proof may also be offered on behalf of the assessment, and the board shall affirm, modify, change, and determine the assessment, in such sum as to the board appears just and right. The commissioners may increase the assessment during such hearing upon any particular tract by mailing notice to the owner at his or her last known address, to be and appear within a time not less than ten days after the date of the notice, to show cause why his or her assessment should not be increased. When the assessment is finally equalized and fixed by the board, the secretary thereof shall certify the same to the county treasurer of each county in which the lands are situated, for collection; or if appeal has been taken from any part thereof, then so much thereof as has not been appealed from shall be certified. In case any owner of property appeals to the superior court in relation to the assessment or other matter when the amount of the assessment is determined by the court finally, either upon determination of the superior court, or review by the supreme court or the court of appeals, then the assessment as finally fixed and determined by the court shall be certified by the clerk of the proper court to the county treasurer of the county in which the lands are situated and shall be spread upon and become a part of the assessment roll hereinbefore referred to.
[ 2013 c 23 s 433; 1988 c 202 s 82; 1971 c 81 s 167; 1909 c 225 s 6; RRS s 4366. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1988 c 202: See note following RCW 2.24.050.
Any person who feels aggrieved by the final assessment made against any lot, block, or parcel of land owned by him or her, may appeal therefrom to the superior court of the county in which the land is situated. Such appeal shall be taken within the time and substantially in the manner prescribed by the laws of this state for appeals from justices' courts. All notice of appeal shall be filed with the said board, and shall be served upon the prosecuting attorney of the county in which the action is brought. The secretary of the board shall, at appellant's expense, certify to the superior court so much of the record as appellant may request, and the cause shall be tried in the superior court de novo.
Any person aggrieved by any final order or judgment made by the superior court concerning any assessment authorized by this chapter, may seek appellate review of the order or judgment as in other civil cases.
[ 2013 c 23 s 434; 1988 c 202 s 83; 1971 c 81 s 168; 1909 c 225 s 7; RRS s 4367. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1988 c 202: See note following RCW 2.24.050.
The final assessment shall be a lien paramount to all other liens except liens for taxes and other special assessments upon the property assessed, from the time the assessment roll shall have been finally approved by the board, and placed in the hands of the county treasurers as collectors. After the roll shall have been delivered to the county treasurers for collection, each treasurer shall proceed to collect the amounts due in the manner that other taxes are collected as to all lands situated within the county of which he or she is treasurer. The treasurer shall give at least ten days' notice in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the counties in which the lands are situated for two successive weeks, that the roll has been certified to him or her for collection, and that unless payment be made within thirty days from the date of the notice, that the sum charged against each lot or parcel of land shall be paid in not more than ten equal annual payments, with interest upon the whole sum so charged, at a rate not to exceed seven percent per annum. The interest shall be paid annually. The county treasurer shall proceed to collect the amount due each year upon the publication of notice as hereinafter provided. In such publication notice it shall not be necessary to give a description of each tract, piece or parcel of land, or of the names of the owners thereof.
The treasurer shall also mail a copy of the notice to the owner of the property assessed, when the post office address of the owner is known to the treasurer; but the failure to mail the notice shall not be necessary to the validity of the collection of the tax.
[ 2013 c 23 s 435; 1985 c 469 s 83; 1909 c 225 s 8; RRS s 4368. ]
The owner of any lot or parcel of land charged with any assessment, as hereinbefore provided, may redeem the same from all liability by paying the entire assessment charged against such lot or parcel of land, or part thereof, without interest, within thirty days after notice to him or her of such assessment, as herein provided.
[ 2013 c 23 s 436; 1986 c 278 s 38; 1983 c 167 s 199; 1909 c 225 s 17; RRS s 4377. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
Liberal construction—Severability—1983 c 167: See RCW 39.46.010 and note following.
The treasurer of each county shall collect the taxes levied and assessed hereunder upon all that portion of the property situated within the county for which the treasurer is acting. The treasurer of the county in which the smaller or minor portion of the taxes are to be collected shall forward the amount collected by him or her quarterly each year on the first Monday in January, April, July, and October, to the treasurer of the county in which the larger or major portion of the taxes are to be collected. The treasurer of the county in which the larger portion of the taxes have been levied and assessed shall be the disbursing officer of such diking and drainage district, and shall pay out the funds of such district upon orders drawn by the chair and secretary of the board acting under authority of the board, and shall be the treasurer of the fund.
[ 2013 c 23 s 437; 1909 c 225 s 22; RRS s 4382. ]
If any of the installment of taxes are not paid as herein provided, the county treasurer shall sell all lots or parcels of land on which taxes have been levied and assessed, whether in the name of the designated owner or the name of an unknown owner, to satisfy all delinquent and unpaid assessments, interest, penalties, and costs. The treasurer must commence the sale of property upon which taxes are delinquent within sixty days after the same become delinquent, and continue such sale from day to day thereafter until all the lots and parcels of land upon which taxes have not been paid are sold. Such sales shall take place at the front door of the courthouse. The proper treasurer shall give notice of such sales by publishing a notice thereof once a week for two successive weeks in two or more newspapers published within the district, or if no such newspaper is published, within the district, then within any two or more newspapers having a general circulation in such district; such notice shall contain a list of all lots and parcels of land upon which such assessments are delinquent, with the amount of interest, penalty, and cost at the date of sale, including costs of advertising had upon each of such lots, pieces, or parcels of land, together with the names of the owners thereof, if known to the treasurer, or the word "unknown" if unknown to the treasurer, and shall specify the time and place of sale, and that the several lots or parcels of land therein described, or so much as may be necessary, will be sold to satisfy the assessment, interest, penalty, and cost due upon each. All such sales shall be made between the hours of ten o'clock a.m. and three o'clock p.m. Such sales shall be made in the manner now prescribed by the general laws of this state for the sale of property for delinquent taxes, and certificates and deeds shall be made to the purchasers and redemptions made as is now prescribed by the general laws of this state in the manner and upon the terms therein specified: PROVIDED, That no tax deeds shall be made until after the expiration of one year after the issuance of the certificate, and during such year any person interested may redeem. A certificate of purchase shall be issued to the district for all lots and parcels of land not sold. Certificates issued to the district shall be delivered to the board of commissioners of the district. The board of commissioners of the district may sell and transfer any such certificate to any person who is willing to pay to the district the amount for which the lot or parcel of land therein described was stricken off to the district, with the interest subsequently accrued thereon. Within ten days after the completion of sale of all lots, pieces, and parcels of land authorized to be sold as aforesaid, the treasurer must make a return to the board of commissioners with a statement of the doings thereon, showing all lots and parcels of land sold by him or her, to whom sold and the sum paid therefor. The purchaser at improvement sales acquires a lien on the lot, piece, or parcel of land sold for the amount paid by him or her at such sales for all delinquent taxes and assessments, and all costs and charges thereon, whether levied previously or subsequently to such sale, subsequently paid by him or her on the lot or parcel of land, and shall be entitled to interest thereon at the rate of ten percent per annum from the date of such payment.
[ 2013 c 23 s 438; 1909 c 225 s 23; RRS s 4383. Formerly RCW 85.24.180 and 85.24.190, part. ]
The board of commissioners of the district shall have the power to sell, lease and dispose of any and all lands which may be acquired by it by virtue of deeds issued to it by the treasurer for lands not redeemed from sale, and the funds derived from any disposition of such land shall become the fund of the district to be used for the benefit of the district under the direction of its board of commissioners.
[ 1909 c 225 s 24; RRS s 4384. FORMER PART OF SECTION: 1909 c 225 s 23, part, now codified as RCW 85.24.180. ]
If because of a substantial reduction of the amount of the assessment upon any lands, the result would be to leave the amount of the assessment upon other lands insufficient, or if for any cause the assessment should be held invalid or become inoperative, then the board shall have power to make a reassessment of all lands to the same extent as the original assessment.
[ 1909 c 225 s 30; RRS s 4390. ]
When a piece, lot, or tract of land has been assessed in one body, if the same is subsequently subdivided by the owner, or there should be purchasers of different portions of such tract, then the owner or purchaser may pay the taxes upon such piece or tract of land, paying the proportion which is proper upon such separate piece or tract.
[ 1909 c 225 s 25; RRS s 4385. ]
Special assessment bonds and notes shall be issued and sold in accordance with chapter 85.38 RCW.
[ 1986 c 278 s 26. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
Whenever any highways, roads, or bridges are maintained by either county in which a diking and drainage district may be established, as herein provided, and it shall appear that the construction and maintenance of such diking and drainage system will be beneficial to such highways, roads, and bridges, or which will be beneficial to such highways, roads and bridges as may thereafter be constructed or maintained by the county, in which any part of the system of dikes and drains is situated, then the board of county commissioners of such county may, and it shall be the duty of such board to appropriate to such diking and drainage district an amount of money sufficient to pay the proportionate share of such county in accordance with the benefits received or to be received; and whenever it may appear to the board of county commissioners of any county that any improvements made or to be made in any diking or drainage district under the provisions of this chapter, shall on account of the health of the people of the county be beneficial in respect thereto, the board of county commissioners may make an appropriation of money to such diking and drainage district in such an amount to such board as may seem proper.
[ 1909 c 225 s 18; RRS s 4378. ]
NOTES:
Basis of supplemental assessments: RCW 85.07.050.
Benefits to public roads, how paid: RCW 85.07.040.
Whenever it appears to the council of any incorporated city or town not included or not wholly included within the limits of any diking or drainage district established hereunder, which incorporated city or town may be within a county in which a portion of such district is located that the construction and maintenance of such diking and drainage system will be beneficial to the health and general welfare of the inhabitants of the incorporated city or town, then the city or town council may appropriate money out of the general funds of the city or town to such diking and drainage system, or the council may for such purpose impose assessments upon all the property in the city or town that benefits from facilities and activities of the diking or drainage district, and give the assessments to the diking or drainage district.
[ 1991 c 349 s 7; 1973 1st ex.s. c 195 s 119; 1909 c 225 s 19; RRS s 4379. ]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.
Limitation of levies: RCW 84.52.050.
The districts organized under the provisions of this chapter, and the commissioners appointed and qualified as such shall have the right of eminent domain with the power by and through the board of commissioners to condemn and cause to be condemned and appropriated private property for the use of said district in the construction and maintenance of the system of dikes, drains, flood dams and drift barriers, and for any other purpose proper, necessary and convenient for the purpose of carrying into effect the powers vested in said district and the commissioners thereof; and that the property of private corporations shall be subject to the same rights of eminent domain as private individuals. Said board of commissioners shall also have the power to acquire by purchase, in the name of the district, any and all real property necessary to make the improvements herein provided for.
[ 1909 c 225 s 10; RRS s 4370. FORMER PART OF SECTION: 1909 c 225 ss 12, 20, 27, now codified as RCW 85.24.261, 85.24.263, and 85.24.265. ]
In the exercise of the right of eminent domain, all proceedings shall be prosecuted by the board of commissioners for and on behalf of the district, or in the name of the district itself, and such proceedings shall be conducted in the superior court of the county in which the lands sought to be condemned are situated, and shall be in the manner and in accordance with the procedure now provided by law regulating the mode of procedure to appropriate lands, real estate, or property by corporations for corporate purposes.
[ 1909 c 225 s 12; RRS s 4372. Formerly RCW 85.24.260, part. ]
In the construction and maintenance of the improvements herein provided for, the said district may acquire by purchase or otherwise, and by the exercise of the right of eminent domain, any right-of-way through, over and across any property situated without said district which may be necessary or proper to the completion of the system of improvements.
[ 1909 c 225 s 20; RRS s 4380. Formerly RCW 85.24.260, part. ]
Any district created hereunder is hereby granted the right to exercise the power of eminent domain against any lands or other property belonging to the state of Washington or any municipality thereof, and such power of eminent domain shall be exercised under and by the same procedure as is now, or may hereafter be, provided by the laws of this state for the exercise of the right of eminent domain by ordinary railroad corporations.
[ 1909 c 225 s 27; RRS s 4387. Formerly RCW 85.24.260, part. ]
NOTES:
Corporations, eminent domain: Chapter 8.20 RCW.
Railroads, corporate powers: Chapter 81.36 RCW.
Within the limits of said diking or drainage district may be included any incorporated city or town, or any part thereof.
[ 1909 c 225 s 14; RRS s 4374. FORMER PART OF SECTION: 1909 c 225 s 15, now codified as RCW 85.24.275. ]
Any of the state, school, or granted land within the district, shall also be assessed the same as other lands are assessed in proportion to the benefit, but any such lands shall not be sold for delinquencies, but the amount of the assessment shall be paid by the state at the time, in the manner, under the circumstances, and in accordance with the provisions of the act relating to the payment by the state of assessments made on state, school and granted lands for the construction and maintenance of dikes and drains benefiting such lands, approved March 5, 1907; Laws of 1907, pp. 125-126.
[ 1909 c 225 s 15; RRS s 4375. Formerly RCW 85.24.270, part. ]
NOTES:
Reviser's note: The 1907 act referred to herein appears to be superseded by chapter 164, Laws of 1919 codified as chapter 79.44 RCW. See Paine v. State, 156 Wash. 31, 40, 286 P. 89, 93 (1930). See also reviser's notes following RCW 85.05.110 and 85.06.110.
Any district so established as aforesaid through its board of commissioners shall have the right, power and authority to straighten, deepen and improve any and all rivers, watercourses, or streams, whether navigable or otherwise, flowing through or located within the boundaries of said diking or drainage district, whenever necessary or proper in carrying out the objects of the system. The district by and through its board of commissioners shall also have the power to construct all needed auxiliary ditches, canals, flumes, locks, flood barriers, and all necessary artificial appliances in the construction of the system, and which shall be necessary and advisable to protect the land in any such district from overflow or to assist, or which may become necessary in the preservation or maintenance of such system.
[ 1909 c 225 s 13; RRS s 4373. FORMER PART OF SECTION: 1909 c 225 s 26, now codified as RCW 85.24.285. ]
The board shall have power and authority to straighten, widen, deepen and improve any and all rivers, watercourses or streams, whether navigable or otherwise, flowing through or located within the boundaries of such district; and the beds of any streams or rivers which may be changed, shall become the property of the district, and the board shall have the power to sell and dispose of the same, or exchange the same or any portion thereof for other lands.
[ 1909 c 225 s 26; RRS s 4386. Formerly RCW 85.24.280, part. ]
When any notice is required to be given to the owner under any of the provisions of this chapter, such notice shall be given to the agent instead of the owner, in case the owner prior to the giving of the notice required by the board or proper officer has filed with the board or proper officer the name of the agent with his or her post office address.
[ 2013 c 23 s 439; 1909 c 225 s 29; RRS s 4389. ]
The organization, establishment and creation of all diking and drainage districts in this state situated in two or more counties heretofore had or made, or attempted to be had or made, pursuant to the provisions of chapter 4, Title XXVII of Remington's Compiled Statutes, relating to the creation and establishment of such diking and drainage districts, and all acts, steps or proceedings had or attempted to be had by any such district, are hereby for all purposes declared legal and valid, and such districts situated in two or more counties are hereby declared duly organized, established and created, and all contracts, obligations or debts heretofore made or incurred by or in favor of such diking and drainage district situated in two or more counties so attempted to be organized, established and created, and all official bonds or other obligations executed in connection with or in pursuance of such organization, are hereby declared legal and valid, and of full force and effect.
[ 1923 c 140 s 6; RRS s 4376-1. ]
The owner or owners of any land which requires drainage and which is so situated that it is necessary to the proper drainage of the same to construct ditches or drains across the lands of others, may obtain the location and establishment of such ditch or drain across such lands, in the manner provided in this chapter.
[ 1899 c 125 s 1; RRS s 4394. Prior: 1883 p 77 s 1; 1875 p 92 s 2; 1863 p 485 s 1; 1858 p 31 s 1. ]
The person or persons desiring the location and establishment of such ditch or drain may file in the superior court of the county in which the lands sought to be appropriated are situated, a petition showing the name of the petitioner or petitioners; a description of the lands to be benefited, and of those over which the ditch would pass, and setting forth the name of every owner, incumbrancer, or other person or party interested in the lands over which said ditch would pass, or any part thereof, so far as the same can be ascertained from the public records of the county. Such petition shall also show the object for which the lands are sought to be appropriated, the necessity for the appropriation, and the length, width and depth of the ditch on the lands of each separate owner, with a description of said ditch, as nearly as practicable; and shall also set out the estimated damage to the lands of each owner to be crossed by such ditch.
[ 1899 c 125 s 2; RRS s 4395. Prior: 1883 p 77 s 2, part. ]
The petitioner, or someone in his or her behalf, shall enter into a bond in the penal sum of one hundred dollars, with two or more sureties, to be approved by the clerk of said court, payable to the state of Washington, conditioned that the petitioner or petitioners will pay all costs and expenses incurred in the proceeding; which said bond shall be filed with the petition.
[ 2013 c 23 s 440; 1899 c 125 s 3; RRS s 4396. Prior: 1883 p 77 s 2, part. ]
Upon the filing of said petition the court shall appoint three viewers, two of whom shall be resident freeholders of said county, and not interested in the result of the proceeding, and the other the *county surveyor of the county in which the lands are situated (unless said *county surveyor shall be a party in interest, in which case some other competent surveyor shall be appointed in his or her place who shall receive the same compensation as is allowed by law to *county surveyors) who shall, upon a day to be fixed by the court, in the order appointing them, view the lands of the petitioner and the lands which said proposed ditch or drain is to cross, for the purpose of determining: First, whether there is a necessity for the establishment of a ditch; and, second, the most practicable route for said ditch to run, if the same be necessary. The clerk of said court shall furnish to said viewers a certified copy of the order appointing them, which shall warrant them entering upon the lands described in the petition for the purpose of viewing the same.
[ 2013 c 23 s 441; 1899 c 125 s 4; RRS s 4397. Prior: 1883 p 78 s 4; Code 1881 s 2504; 1877 p 314 s 2; 1875 p 93 s 3; 1863 p 485 s 1; 1858 p 31 s 1. ]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: This section refers to the "county surveyor." 1907 c 160 s 1 designated the county surveyor as county engineer; 1925 ex.s. c 167 s 1 abolished the elective office of engineer, except in Class A and first-class counties, and the powers and duties were transferred to the county commissioners with power to employ an engineer; 1937 c 187 s 4 provided duties to vest in county commissioners who were directed to employ a county road engineer. See RCW 36.75.050 and chapter 36.80 RCW.
When said viewers shall have made said examination they shall, within ten days after the day appointed by the court for such examination, report to the court, in writing, (filing the same with the clerk of said court) their decision as to the necessity for said ditch and if they deem such ditch necessary, then the *county surveyor shall file with such report an accurate description and plat of the proposed ditch, showing the course thereof as recommended by the viewers. The viewers shall also estimate the amount of damage which each separate owner would suffer by reason of the construction thereof.
[ 1899 c 125 s 5; RRS s 4398. Prior: 1883 p 79 s 8; Code 1881 s 2507; 1877 p 314 s 2; 1875 p 94 s 6. ]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: "county surveyor," see note following RCW 85.28.040.
Upon the filing of the report of the viewers aforesaid, a summons shall be issued in the same manner as summons are issued in civil actions, and served upon each person owning or interested in any lands over which the proposed ditch or drain will pass. Said summons must inform the person to whom it is directed of the appointment and report of the viewers; a description of the land over which said ditch will pass of which such person is the owner, or in which he or she has an interest; the width and depth of said proposed ditch, and the distance which it traverses said land, also an accurate description of the course thereof. It must also show the amount of damages to said land as estimated by said viewers; and that unless the person so summoned appears and files objections to the report of the viewers, within twenty days after the service of said summons upon him or her, exclusive of the day of service, the same will be approved by the court, which summons may be in the following form:
In the Superior Court of the State of Washington, for . . . . . . County.
In the matter of the application of . . . . . . for a private ditch.
The state of Washington to . . . . . .
Whereas, on the . . . . day of . . . . . . (year) . . . . filed his or her petition in the above entitled court praying that a private ditch or drain be established across the following described lands, to wit: . . . .
. . . .
for the purpose of draining certain lands belonging to said . . . . . ., and whereas, on the . . . . day of . . . . . ., (year) . . . ., Messrs. . . . . . . and . . . . . . with . . . . . . *county surveyor of . . . . . . county, were appointed to view said premises in the manner provided by law, and said viewers having, on the . . . . day of . . . . . ., (year) . . ., filed their report in this court, finding in favor of said ditch and locating the same upon the following course: . . . . . . . . . . . for a distance of . . . . . . upon said land, and of a width of . . . . feet and a depth of . . . . feet; and they further find that said land will be damaged by the establishing and construction of said ditch in the sum of $. . . .: Now therefore, you are hereby summoned to appear within twenty days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service, and file your objections to said petition and the report of said viewers, with this court; and in case of your failure so to do, said report will be approved and said petition granted.
| | . . . . | | --- | --- | | | Plaintiff's Attorney. | | | P.O. Address . . . . |
[ 2016 c 202 s 50; 2013 c 23 s 442; 1899 c 125 s 6; RRS s 4399. Formerly RCW 85.28.060 and 85.28.070. ]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: "county surveyor," see note following RCW 85.28.040.
In case any person interested in any of the lands to be crossed by such ditch, as aforesaid, does not reside in the county, or cannot be found therein, or conceals himself or herself so that personal service cannot be had upon him or her, upon proof thereof being made satisfactorily to appear to said court, said summons may be served by publication, in the same manner and with like effect as is done in civil actions: PROVIDED, That no other or different form of summons shall be required for publication than is required for personal service.
[ 2013 c 23 s 443; 1899 c 125 s 7; RRS s 4400. ]
Upon the expiration of the time within which exceptions may be filed to the report of the viewers aforesaid, the court shall set a day upon which the petition and the report of the viewers shall be heard and considered by the court. In case exceptions have been filed by any party or parties, which exceptions must have been served upon the petitioner or petitioners prior to the hearing, the court shall hear evidence in regard thereto, and without a jury, pass upon the questions of the necessity for said ditch and the location thereof. If the court finds that such ditch is necessary, and the route selected is the best and most practicable, and that the compensation allowed by the viewers is just and reasonable, then the court shall file his or her findings to this effect and cause an order to be entered approving the petition and report of the viewers. If, within twenty days from the filing of the findings of facts aforesaid, the petitioner or petitioners shall pay into court all the costs and sums awarded to the owner or owners of the land over which said ditch shall pass, a decree shall be entered establishing the same: PROVIDED, If any party shall except to the amount of damages found by the viewers, then the amount of such damages shall be tried by jury, unless a jury trial be waived by the parties, in which case trial thereof may be had by the court. Such trial shall be at a regular term of said court, at which a jury shall be present, and shall be conducted and verdict rendered in the same manner as in civil actions: PROVIDED FURTHER, That it shall not be incumbent on the petitioner to pay into court the amount of the award or awards of said jury, until within twenty days after said verdict shall have been rendered and entered.
[ 2013 c 23 s 444; 1899 c 125 s 8; RRS s 4401. ]
No appeal shall be taken from the finding of the court as to the necessity of such ditch or as to the route thereof until after final judgment or decree is entered: PROVIDED, That exceptions shall be taken and allowed to such orders at the time that they are made, and appeal from such orders and from the award of damages shall be taken at the same time. All the provisions of the law in regard to appeals in civil actions shall apply to the proceedings provided for in this chapter.
[ 1899 c 125 s 9; RRS s 4402. ]
The viewers appointed under the provisions of this chapter shall receive the sum of two dollars per day for their services, and the *county surveyor shall receive such compensation as is allowed by law for like services, the same to be taxed as costs and paid by the petitioner. All other costs shall be the same as in civil actions in the superior court.
[ 1899 c 125 s 10; RRS s 4403. ]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: "county surveyor," see note following RCW 85.28.040.
In case the court should not for any reason adopt the report of the viewers, or the same should be deemed insufficient for any reason, the court may appoint other viewers whose duties shall be the same as the duties of the viewers first appointed.
[ 1899 c 125 s 11; RRS s 4404. ]
Persons owning or desiring to improve contiguous tracts of tide marsh or swampy lands exposed to the overflow of the tide and capable of being made dry, may separate their respective tracts by a dike or ditch, which shall make and designate their common boundary. In all such cases said dike or ditch shall be constructed at the equal cost and expense of the respective parties, and either party failing to pay his or her contributive share of such expense shall be liable to the party constructing the dike or ditch for such contributive share, or so much thereof as may remain due and unpaid, to be recovered in a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction and the party constructing such dike shall also be entitled to a lien upon the tract of the party failing to pay his or her contributive share for the construction of said dike, or so much thereof as shall be due, which lien shall be secured and enforced as liens of material suppliers and mechanics are now by law enforced.
[ 2007 c 218 s 95; Code 1881 s 2517; No RRS. Prior: 1877 p 258 s 1. ]
NOTES:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.
Any person or persons who may hereafter take a tract of tideland or marsh and shall desire to adopt as his or her boundary line any dike or ditch heretofore constructed upon and entirely within the boundary line of a neighboring contiguous tract he or she may join on to said tract and adopt said dike as his or her boundary by paying to the owner of the tract upon which said dike is constructed one-half of the cost and expense of the construction thereof, and any person so adopting the dike or ditch of another without contributing his or her half share of the cost or expense thereof shall be liable for his or her said half share, which may be recovered in a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction, or the owner of the dike or ditch so used may secure a lien upon the tract of land bounded by said dike for the amount due for the use of said dike in accordance with the provisions of the law securing a lien to material suppliers and mechanics: PROVIDED ALWAYS, That when such dike has become the common boundary of two adjacent tracts, it shall be and remain the common boundary and the persons owning the said tracts shall be mutually liable for the expense of keeping it in repair, share and share alike.
[ 2007 c 218 s 96; Code 1881 s 2518; No RRS. Prior: 1877 p 258 s 2. ]
NOTES:
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW 41.08.020.
It shall be lawful for any adjacent or abutting owner or owners, to construct a dike, dam, or causeway over or in the waters of the state of Washington described as: That certain body of water lying between Bachelor Island and the mainland, appearing on the state survey map made by Edw. C. Dohm, state field engineer, as Columbia Slough and designated on the map as compiled by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey of September, 1937, Number "U.S.C.&G.S. 6154" as Bachelor Island Slough from its point of confluence with Lake River South to the Columbia River, in sections 13, 23, 24, 26 and 35, township 4 north, range 1 west of the Willamette Meridian, in Clark county, Washington: PROVIDED, That the location and plans thereto are submitted to and approved by the chief of engineers of the United States and the secretary of war of the United States, before construction is commenced subject to the terms of section 9 of the River & Harbor Act, approved March 3, 1899 (30 Stat. 1151; 33 U.S.C. 401) and: PROVIDED FURTHER, That all such dikes, dams, causeways, or other structures, shall be constructed at the expense of the owners.
[ 1947 c 276 s 1; No RRS. ]
The maintenance of drainage districts is essential to the economy of the state. The influx of population and changes in land use since many such districts were formed, has made obsolete and unjust the method used under existing law to provide funds for the operation of such districts and for the maintenance and expansion of its drainage systems. Also, in many instances, properties lying outside of the territorial limits of such districts, have been and are being developed in such a manner that waters therefrom, through artificial rather than natural processes, are accumulated and discharged for outlet upon lands within such districts, and the facilities of such district are used without charge to furnish service and benefit to such lands. To furnish remedy for such situations where they are found to exist the state declares that it has an interest therein and this chapter is passed.
[ 1961 c 131 s 2. ]
As used in this chapter:
"District" means a regularly formed and established drainage district under the provisions of this title.
"Board" means the board of commissioners of a regularly formed and established drainage district under the provisions of this title.
[ 1961 c 131 s 3. ]
The board may: (1) Make initial determination that the district's facilities furnish benefit to improvements upon land as well as land alone within the district in protecting against and furnishing runoff for surface and/or flood waters; (2) make initial determination that lands and improvements thereon outside of the territorial limits of the district are receiving a service from the facilities of the district, and are benefited thereby in that waters from such lands through ditches, drains, or other artificial methods, other than by natural flow or seepage, are so cast as to have outlet through the district's facilities; (3) determine that properties so found to be served should pay a just proportion of the operational and maintenance costs of the district; (4) in connection with so finding, cause a roll of property thus served and benefited by the district's facilities to be prepared and filed with it, and give notice of a hearing thereon as provided in this chapter; (5) hold public hearings to determine the ultimate facts and approve an ultimate roll of properties served and benefited by the facilities of the district and valuations thereof to serve as a basis against which annual dollar rate levy may be assessed for continuous benefits furnished such properties; make revision thereof as the facts warrant from time to time; provide for the levying of such dollar rate levy; and make return of such roll finally adopted by certifying and filing a copy thereof with the auditor, assessor and treasurer of the county wherein the properties involved are located.
[ 1973 1st ex.s. c 195 s 120; 1961 c 131 s 4. ]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.
In the initial instance, when the board of any district, desires to use the method and procedure provided in this chapter, and in order that uniformity may be had, it may cause a roll of all properties within the district claimed to be benefited by its drainage system, and in addition or as a part thereof, a roll of all properties outside of the territorial limits of said district claimed to be served and benefited by the drainage systems of said district, to be prepared and filed with it. Thereupon, the board shall by resolution declare:
(1) That it has made initial determination that the district's facilities are furnishing and will furnish service and benefit to the properties, including improvements thereon, described in such roll;
(2) That such roll has been filed with it and will remain so filed and open to inspection by any party interested therein at all reasonable times;
(3) That a public hearing will be held by the board at a time and place stated to give consideration to the facts and make ultimate determination of the same and to said roll;
(4) That when said roll is finally adopted, annual dollar rate levies will be made by the district against said properties based upon the valuation thereof as shown on said roll when ultimately adopted to raise money based on benefit and service for the continuous operation and maintenance of said district;
(5) That at the time of hearing, it will hear all objections filed and will review, adopt, modify, or revise said roll consistent with existing facts to the end that property receiving service and benefit from the facilities of the district shall pay justly and equitably therefor in proportion to benefit received and;
(6) That upon said hearing or adjournments thereof, the board will determine the ultimate facts concerning service and benefit received by all properties ultimately contained in said roll and as to such properties it will adopt the roll in final form and proceed as in this chapter provided.
[ 1973 1st ex.s. c 195 s 121; 1961 c 131 s 5. ]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.
The roll of properties referred to in this chapter shall contain (1) a description of all properties and improvements thereon, with the name of the owner or the reputed owner thereof and his or her address as shown on the tax rolls of the assessor or treasurer of the county wherein the property is located, and (2) the determined value of such land and improvements thereon as last assessed and equalized by the taxing agencies of such county. Such assessed and equalized values shall be deemed prima facie as a just, fair, and correct base of value for consideration by the board in its determination ultimately of the just and correct base of value in each instance against which annual dollar rates shall be levied by the district for the operation of the district and the expansion and maintenance of its facilities.
If property outside of the territorial limits of the district are upon the roll as adopted ultimately, and the district has prior indebtedness existing, the board shall set up separate dollar rate levies for the retirement thereof until it is extinguished, which levies shall be applied solely against the properties within the territorial limits of the district. Adjustments of the roll shall be made before final adoption in such a manner that the money raised through annual dollar rate levies for maintenance, expansion, and operational costs of the district in no instance shall exceed the value of the service rendered or to be rendered and the benefit received and to be received by the property involved.
[ 2013 c 23 s 445; 1973 1st ex.s. c 195 s 122; 1961 c 131 s 6. ]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.
When the board causes a property roll to be filed with it and a hearing to be held thereon as provided in this chapter, it shall give notice of the hearing in the following manner:
The notice shall be published at least three times in consecutive issues in a weekly newspaper, or once a week for three consecutive weeks in a daily newspaper having general circulation in the area involved. The last publication shall be more than fifteen days prior to date of hearing. The board also shall cause a copy of the notice to be mailed in regular course of the federal mail at least thirty days prior to the date of the hearing to the owner or reputed owner of the property at his or her address, all as shown on the tax rolls or records of the county taxing agencies of the county wherein the property is situated, such notice being deemed adequate and sufficient. The sworn affidavit of the one doing such mailing shall be deemed conclusive of the fact that the notice was mailed.
The notice shall state the following:
(1) That the board has tentatively determined that the property of the owner or reputed owner named is receiving and will receive service and benefit from the facilities of the district;
(2) That the board has caused a tentative roll of the properties with any improvements thereon which are receiving and will receive service and benefit to be filed with it; and that the roll shows a base of valuation thereon for the properties against which annual dollar rates will be levied and collected in the same manner as general taxes to pay the fair value of the benefit and service received and to be received by the property through use of the facilities of the district, and to pay the annual cost of operation, development, and maintenance of the district and its facilities;
(3) That on a date, time, and place stated, the board will give consideration to the facts and the roll, will hear all objections filed, will review the roll and alter, modify, or change the same consistent with facts established and with equity and fair dealing concerning the properties involved to the end that just levies will be made for service and benefits received and to be received against each property for the purposes mentioned; and at the hearing or continuance thereof, it will adopt the roll in final form and certify and file a copy thereof with the assessor and treasurer of the county wherein the property is located; and will cause annual millage to be levied against such established valuations for the purposes stated;
(4) That all persons desiring to object to the proceedings, to the proposed base valuations, or to any other thing or matter in connection with the proceedings, must file written objections with the board stating clearly the basis of the objection before the time of the hearing, or all objections will be deemed waived.
[ 2013 c 23 s 446; 1985 c 469 s 84; 1973 1st ex.s. c 195 s 123; 1961 c 131 s 7. ]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.
Any person, owner or reputed owner having any interest in any property against which the board seeks to make a service and benefit charge under this chapter, may object thereto. All such objections must be in writing and filed with the board before the hearing is commenced upon the roll containing such properties and must state clearly the grounds of such objection. Objections not made within this time and in this manner shall be deemed conclusively to have been waived.
[ 1961 c 131 s 8. ]
The board shall from time to time examine the properties within and without said district, and if it finds tentatively that property, including improvements thereon, has been omitted from the existing roll, or conditions have changed so that there are new properties or additional properties receiving benefit and service from the facilities of the district without charge, it shall cause from time to time an additional roll of such property to be filed with it and shall proceed in the same manner as provided in this chapter where the board causes property roll to be filed with it.
[ 1961 c 131 s 9. ]
When any roll or additional or supplemental roll is adopted by the board, a copy thereof shall be certified to and filed with the auditor, the assessor and the treasurer of the county wherein the property contained on said roll is situated. Where the roll is a supplemental or additional roll, it shall supplement the original roll.
[ 1961 c 131 s 10. ]
The board may at any time reexamine the properties on any roll, and upon request of an owner shall do so, and if it is found that the condition of such property or properties has changed so that justly such property should be eliminated from any rolls on file, or the base against which dollar rate is levied should be lowered, it shall so determine and make a supplemental roll with reference to such property or properties. When adopted by it, the board shall certify and file a copy thereof with the auditor, assessor and treasurer of the county wherein the property is situated, and such officer shall alter and change the existing rolls accordingly.
[ 1973 1st ex.s. c 195 s 124; 1961 c 131 s 11. ]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.
The roll certified to the county officers as in this chapter provided, and any modification thereof as provided, shall serve as the base of benefits as to land, buildings and improvements furnished service and benefit by the systems of the district against which valuations dollar rates shall be levied and collected in the same manner as general taxes from time to time for the continuing functioning of the district and its systems. The dollar rate shall be levied in the manner required by law for dollar rate levies by drainage districts.
[ 1973 1st ex.s. c 195 s 125; 1961 c 131 s 12. ]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.
If any property outside of the territorial limits of the district is placed upon a roll as finally adopted, and at the time such property becomes subject to charge for service and benefit from the district's system, there is an existing outstanding indebtedness owing by the district, the board shall make a separate estimate of the revenue required to be raised to pay or apply upon such indebtedness until it is extinguished, and it shall proceed and certify the same as hereinabove provided, and no dollar rate for raising revenue to extinguish such indebtedness shall be included in the levies made against any properties lying outside of the territorial limits of said district.
When thus levied, the amount of assessment produced thereby shall be added by the general taxing authorities to the general taxes against said lands and collected therewith as a part thereof. If unpaid, any delinquencies in such assessments shall bear interest at the same rate and in the same manner as general taxes and they shall be included in and be made a part of any general tax foreclosure proceedings according to the provisions of law with relation to such foreclosures. As assessment collections are made, the county treasurer shall credit same to the funds of such district.
[ 1973 1st ex.s. c 195 s 126; 1961 c 131 s 13. ]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.
In the case of an emergency or disaster not in contemplation at the time of making the annual estimate of costs and declared to be such by resolution of the board, the board may incur additional obligations and issue valid warrants therefor in excess of such estimate in the manner provided by law for issuance of warrants by drainage districts and the servicing thereof, and all such warrants so issued shall be valid as shown upon the then current roll of said district filed with the county auditor.
[ 1961 c 131 s 14. ]
Any district choosing to operate under this chapter shall not use the processes provided for raising revenue under any other law: PROVIDED, That if for any reason it is deemed more just and advisable by the board, any such other method or process for raising revenue as provided by law may be used concurrently against properties solely within the territorial limits of the district for the sole purpose of extinguishing indebtedness incurred before the district adopts the procedure of this chapter, in which event no funds raised under this chapter shall be used to pay such prior indebtedness. However, when a drainage district issues special assessment bonds or notes after June 1, 1986, the process of raising revenue related to the bonds or notes shall be as specified in chapter 85.38 RCW.
[ 1986 c 278 s 39; 1961 c 131 s 15. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
Whenever lands, or lands with improvements thereon, lying outside of the existing territorial limits of such district are ultimately placed upon the assessment roll of such district in the manner provided by this chapter so that such lands are subject to maintenance benefits as provided, the owner of such land shall be deemed to be an elector within such district, and shall have the same right to participate in all district affairs and to vote upon all matters submitted to the electors of said district, including that of electing or becoming commissioners for the district, all in the manner provided for voting and elections under existing law pertaining to drainage districts. If such owner is a corporation, one of its duly constituted officers shall be deemed to have the right as an elector to vote on behalf of such corporation.
[ 1961 c 131 s 16. ]
Whenever any roll shall have been adopted by the board, the regularity, validity and correctness of the proceedings relating thereto shall be conclusive upon all parties and cannot in any manner be contested or questioned in any proceeding whatsoever by any person not filing written objections to such roll as provided in RCW 85.18.050 and appealing from the action of the board in confirming such roll in the manner and within the time in this chapter provided. No proceeding of any kind, except proceedings had through the process of appeal as in this chapter provided, shall be commenced or prosecuted or may be maintained for the purpose of defeating or contesting any assessment or charge made through levies under this chapter, or the sale of any property to pay such charges: PROVIDED, That a suit in injunction may be brought to prevent collection of charges or assessments or sale of property thereunder upon the following grounds and no other: (1) That the property charged or about to be sold does not appear upon the district roll filed with the county auditor, or (2) the charge or assessment has been paid.
[ 1961 c 131 s 17. ]
The decision of the board upon any objection made within the time and in the manner prescribed in this chapter may be reviewed by the superior court of the county wherein the property in question is located. Any person aggrieved must file his or her petition for writ of review with the clerk of the superior court wherein the property is located within ten days after the roll affecting such aggrieved party was adopted by resolution, and he or she shall serve a copy thereof upon the board. The petition shall describe the property in question, set forth the written objections which were made to the decision, give the date of filing of such objections, and shall be signed by such party or someone in his or her behalf. The court shall forthwith grant such petition if correct as to form and filed in accordance with this section.
[ 2013 c 23 s 447; 1961 c 131 s 18. ]
Within ten days after the filing of such petition for review, the board, unless the court shall grant additional time, shall file with the clerk of such court its certified transcript containing such portion of the roll as is subject to review, any written objections thereto filed with the board by the petitioner before such roll was adopted, and a copy of the resolution adopting the roll. The filing fee shall be a cost recoverable by petitioner against the district.
The clerk of the court shall charge the same filing fees for petitions for review as in other civil actions. The appellant need not file any bond to cause review to be had by the superior court. The court shall, on motion of either party to the cause, with notice to the other party, set the same for hearing and trial without jury at the earliest time available.
[ 1961 c 131 s 19. ]
At the trial the court shall determine whether the board has acted within its discretion and has correctly construed and applied the law. If it finds that it has, the findings and decision of the board shall be affirmed; otherwise it shall be reversed or modified. The judgment of the court may change, confirm, correct, or modify the values of the property in question as shown upon the roll, and a certified copy thereof shall be filed with the county auditor, who shall change, modify or correct as and if required.
[ 1961 c 131 s 20. ]
Appellate review may be sought as in other civil cases: PROVIDED, That such review must be sought within fifteen days after the date of entry of the judgment of the superior court. The supreme court or the court of appeals on such review may change, confirm, correct or modify the values of the property in question as shown upon the roll. A certified copy of any judgment of the supreme court or the court of appeals shall be filed with the county auditor having custody of such roll, who shall thereupon change, modify, or correct such roll in accordance with such decision, if required.
[ 1988 c 202 s 84; 1971 c 81 s 169; 1961 c 131 s 21. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1988 c 202: See note following RCW 2.24.050.
The dollar rate levy returns collected from time to time under this chapter are solely assessments for benefits received continuously by the benefited properties, calculated in the manner specified in this chapter as a just and equitable way for all benefited property to share the expense of such required service.
[ 1973 1st ex.s. c 195 s 127; 1961 c 131 s 22. ]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.
The board of any drainage district proceeding under this chapter shall, on or before the first day of November of each year, make an estimate of the costs reasonably anticipated to be required.
[ 1961 c 131 s 23. ]
The rights, powers and duties granted and imposed by this chapter are supplemental and in addition to any existing rights, powers and duties of drainage districts established under this title.
[ 1961 c 131 s 24. ]
Consolidated diking districts, drainage districts, diking improvement districts, and drainage improvement districts shall possess the authority and shall be created, district voting rights shall be determined, and district elections shall be held as provided in chapter 85.38 RCW.
[ 1985 c 396 s 35. ]
RCW 85.38.140 through 85.38.170 constitute a mutually exclusive alternative method by which consolidated diking districts, drainage districts, diking improvement districts, and/or drainage improvement districts in existence as of July 28, 1985, may measure and impose special assessments and adopt budgets. RCW 85.38.150 through 85.38.170 constitute the exclusive method by which consolidated diking districts, drainage districts, diking improvement districts, and/or drainage improvement districts created after July 28, 1985, may measure and impose special assessments and adopt budgets.
[ 1985 c 396 s 28. ]
Special assessment bonds and notes shall be issued and sold in accordance with chapter 85.38 RCW.
[ 1986 c 278 s 27. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
Consolidated diking districts, drainage districts, diking improvement districts, and/or drainage improvement districts may annex territory, consolidate with other special districts, and have their operations suspended and be reactivated, in accordance with chapter 85.38 RCW.
[ 1986 c 278 s 15. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
The establishment of a drainage district, drainage improvement district, or drainage or diking improvement district may be subject to potential review by a boundary review board under chapter 36.93 RCW. Annexations, consolidations, or transfers of territory by a drainage district, drainage improvement district, or drainage or diking improvement district may be subject to potential review by a boundary review board under chapter 36.93 RCW.
[ 1989 c 84 s 64. ]
The purpose of this chapter is to provide uniform and simplified procedures for the creation, elections, and operations of various special districts that provide diking, drainage, and flood control facilities and services. The legislature finds that it is in the public interest to clarify and standardize the laws relating to these special districts.
[ 1985 c 396 s 1. ]
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter:
(1) "Governing body" means the board of commissioners, board of supervisors, or board of directors of a special district.
(2) "Owner of land" means the record owner of at least a majority ownership interest in a separate and legally created lot or parcel of land, as determined by the records of the county auditor, except that if the lot or parcel has been sold under a real estate contract, the vendee or grantee shall be deemed to be the owner of such land for purposes of authorizing voting rights. It is assumed, unless shown otherwise, that the name appearing as the owner of property on the property tax rolls is the current owner.
(3) "Qualified voter of a special district" means a person who is either: (a) A natural person who is a voter under general state election laws, registered to vote in the state of Washington for a period of not less than thirty days before the election, and the owner of land located in the special district for a period of not less than thirty days before the election; (b) a corporation or partnership that has owned land located in the special district for a period of not less than sixty days before the election; or (c) the state, its agencies or political subdivisions that own land in the special district or lands proposed to be annexed into the special district except that the state, its agencies and political subdivisions shall not be eligible to vote to elect a member of the governing board of a special district.
(4) "Special district" means: (a) A diking district; (b) a drainage district; (c) a diking, drainage, and/or sewerage improvement district; (d) an intercounty diking and drainage district; (e) a consolidated diking district, drainage district, diking improvement district, and/or drainage improvement district; or (f) a flood control district.
(5) "Special district general election" means the election of a special district regularly held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in February in each even-numbered year at which a member of the special district governing body is regularly elected.
[ 1991 c 349 s 1; 1986 c 278 s 41; 1985 c 396 s 2. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
The establishment of a special district may be initiated by either petition of the owners of property located within the proposed special district, or by resolution of the county legislative authority or authorities within which the proposed special district is located.
A petition calling for the creation of a special district, which is signed by at least ten owners of land located within the proposed district, shall be filed with the county legislative authority within which a proposed special district, or the largest portion of a special district, is located. If the proposed special district is proposed to be located within more than one county, the county legislative authority receiving the petitions shall notify the other county legislative authorities of the proposal. The petition shall set forth in general terms: (1) The objects sought by the creation of the special district; (2) the projects proposed to be completed by the special district that will accomplish these objects; (3) the boundaries of the proposed special district, which may be stated in terms of sections, townships, and ranges; and (4) any other matters deemed material by the petitioners. The jurisdiction of the county legislative authority to proceed with consideration of the creation of the proposed special district shall not be affected by the form of the petition or allegations on the petition. The petition shall be accompanied by proof of land ownership that is sufficient in the opinion of the county legislative authority to evidence the ownership of land by the petitioners within the proposed special district. A petition calling for the creation of a special district shall be accompanied by a bond of five thousand dollars to defray the costs incurred by the county, or counties, in considering the creation of the special district.
A resolution proposing the creation of a special district shall contain the same items as are required and permitted to be contained in a petition to create a special district.
[ 1985 c 396 s 3. ]
Upon the filing of a valid petition or upon the adoption of the resolution, the county legislative authority shall direct the county engineer to investigate the proposed boundaries of the special district and the feasibility of the projects located in the county as proposed in the petition or resolution. The engineer shall report to the county legislative authority within ninety days of such direction on the proposed boundaries of the special district within the county and feasibility of that portion of the proposed project. If the proposed special district is located in more than one county, the county legislative authority of each county shall direct its county engineer to investigate and report on the proposal within its boundaries.
[ 1985 c 396 s 4. ]
The county legislative authority shall schedule a public hearing on the proposed special district if the county engineer's report indicates that the proposed projects are feasible. If the engineers of each of the counties within which a proposed special district is located indicate that the proposed projects are feasible, the county legislative authorities shall schedule a joint public hearing on the proposed special district. The county legislative authority may, on its own initiative, schedule a public hearing on the proposed special district if the county engineer's report indicates that the proposed projects are not feasible. The county legislative authorities of counties within which a proposed special district is located may, on their own initiative, schedule a joint public hearing on the proposed special district if one or more of the county engineers' reports indicate that the proposed projects are not feasible.
Notice of the public hearing shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the proposed special district, which notice shall be purchased in the manner of a general advertisement, not to be included with legal advertisements or with classified advertisements. This notice shall be published at least twice, not more than twenty nor less than three days before public hearing. Additional notice shall be made as required in RCW 79.44.040.
The notice must contain the following: (1) The date, time, and place of the public hearing; (2) a statement that a particular special district is proposed to be created; (3) a general description of the proposed projects to be completed by the special district; (4) a general description of the proposed special district boundaries; and (5) a statement that all affected persons may appear and present their comments in favor of or against the creation of the proposed special district.
[ 1991 c 349 s 8; 1985 c 396 s 5. ]
The county legislative authority or authorities shall conduct the public hearing at the date, time, and place indicated in the notice. Public hearings may be continued to other dates, times, and places specified by the county legislative authority or authorities before the adjournment of the public hearing. Each county legislative authority may alter those portions of boundaries of the proposed special district that are located within the county, but if territory is added that was not described in the original proposed boundaries, an additional hearing on the proposal shall be held with notice being published as provided in RCW 85.38.040.
After receiving the public testimony, the county legislative authority may cause an election to be held to authorize the creation of a special district if it finds:
(1) That creation of the special district will be conducive to the public health, convenience and welfare;
(2) That the creation of the special district will be of special benefit to a majority of the lands included within the special district; and
(3) That the proposed improvements are feasible and economical, and that the benefits of these improvements exceed costs for the improvements.
If the proposed special district is located within two or more counties, the county legislative authorities may cause an election to be held to authorize the creation of the special district upon making the findings set forth in subsections (1) through (3) of this section.
The county legislative authority or authorities may also choose not to allow such an election to be held by either failing to act or finding that one or more of these factors are not met.
[ 1991 c 349 s 9; 1985 c 396 s 6. ]
The county legislative authority or authorities shall cause an election on the question of creating the special district to be held if findings as provided in RCW 85.38.050 are made. The county legislative authority or authorities shall designate a time and date for such election, which shall be one of the special election dates provided for in RCW 29A.04.330, together with the site or sites at which votes may be cast. The persons allowed to vote on the creation of a special district shall be those persons who, if the special district were created, would be qualified voters of the special district as described in RCW 85.38.010. The county auditor or auditors of the counties within which the proposed special district is located shall conduct the election and prepare a list of presumed eligible voters.
Notices for the election shall be published as provided in RCW 85.38.040. The special district shall be created if the proposition to create the special district is approved by a simple majority vote of the voters voting on the proposition and the special district may assume operations whenever the initial members of the governing body are appointed as provided in RCW 85.38.070.
Any special district created after July 28, 1985, may only have special assessments measured and imposed, and budgets adopted, as provided in RCW 85.38.140 through 85.38.170.
If the special district is created, the county or counties may charge the special district for the costs incurred by the county engineer or engineers pursuant to RCW 85.38.030 and the costs of the auditor or auditors related to the election to authorize the creation of the special district pursuant to this section. Such county actions shall be deemed to be special benefits of the property located within the special district that are paid through the imposition of special assessments.
[ 2015 c 53 s 100; 1991 c 349 s 10; 1985 c 396 s 7. ]
(1) Except as provided in RCW 85.38.090, each special district shall be governed by a three-member governing body. The term of office for each member of a special district governing body shall be six years and until his or her successor is elected and qualified. One member of the governing body shall be elected at the time of special district general elections in each even-numbered year for a term of six years beginning as soon as the election returns have been certified for assumption of office by elected officials of cities.
(2) The terms of office of members of the governing bodies of special districts, who are holding office on July 28, 1985, shall be altered to provide staggered six-year terms as provided in this subsection. The member who on July 28, 1985, has the longest term remaining shall have his or her term altered so that the position will be filled at the February 1992, special district general election; the member with the second longest term remaining shall have his or her term altered so that the position will be filled at the December, 1989, special district general election; and the member with the third longest term of office shall have his or her term altered so that the position will be filled at the December, 1987, special district general election.
(3) The initial members of the governing body of a newly created special district shall be appointed by the legislative authority of the county within which the special district, or the largest portion of the special district, is located. These initial governing body members shall serve until their successors are elected and qualified at the next special district general election held at least ninety days after the special district is established. At that election the first elected members of the governing body shall be elected. No primary elections may be held. Any voter of a special district may become a candidate for such a position by filing written notice of this intention with the county auditor at least thirty, but not more than sixty, days before a special district general election. The county auditor in consultation with the special district shall establish the filing period. The names of all candidates for such positions shall be listed alphabetically. At this first election, the candidate receiving the greatest number of votes shall have a six-year term, the candidate receiving the second greatest number of votes shall have a four-year term, and the candidate receiving the third greatest number of votes shall have a two-year term of office. The initially elected members of a governing body shall take office immediately when qualified as defined in RCW 29A.04.133. Thereafter the candidate receiving the greatest number of votes shall be elected for a six-year term of office. Members of a governing body shall hold their office until their successors are elected and qualified, and assume office as soon as the election returns have been certified.
(4) The requirements for the filing period and method for filing declarations of candidacy for the governing body of the district and the arrangement of candidate names on the ballot for all special district elections conducted after the initial election in the district shall be the same as the requirements for the initial election in the district. No primary elections may be held for the governing body of a special district.
(5) Whenever a vacancy occurs in the governing body of a special district, the legislative authority of the county within which the special district, or the largest portion of the special district, is located, shall appoint a district voter to serve until a person is elected, at the next special district general election occurring sixty or more days after the vacancy has occurred, to serve the remainder of the unexpired term. The person so elected shall take office immediately when qualified as defined in RCW 29A.04.133.
If an election for the position which became vacant would otherwise have been held at this special district election, only one election shall be held and the person elected to fill the succeeding term for that position shall take office immediately when qualified as defined in RCW 29A.04.133 and shall serve both the remainder of the unexpired term and the succeeding term. A vacancy occurs upon the death, resignation, or incapacity of a governing body member or whenever the governing body member ceases being a qualified voter of the special district.
(6) An elected or appointed member of a special district governing body, or a candidate for a special district governing body, must be a qualified voter of the special district: PROVIDED, That the state, its agencies and political subdivisions, or their designees under RCW 85.38.010(3) shall not be eligible for election or appointment.
[ 2015 c 53 s 101; 1991 c 349 s 11; 1987 c 298 s 2; 1986 c 278 s 42; 1985 c 396 s 8. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
The members of the governing body may each receive up to ninety dollars per day or portion thereof spent in actual attendance at official meetings of the governing body or in performance of other official services or duties on behalf of the district. The governing body shall fix the compensation to be paid to the members, secretary, and all other agents and employees of the district. Compensation for the members shall not exceed eight thousand six hundred forty dollars in one calendar year. A member is entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses actually incurred in connection with such business, including subsistence and lodging, while away from the member's place of residence, and mileage for use of a privately owned vehicle in accordance with chapter 42.24 RCW.
Any member may waive all or any portion of his or her compensation payable under this section as to any month or months during his or her term of office, by a written waiver filed with the secretary as provided in this section. The waiver, to be effective, must be filed any time after the member's election and prior to the date on which the compensation would otherwise be paid. The waiver shall specify the month or period of months for which it is made.
The dollar thresholds established in this section must be adjusted for inflation by the office of financial management every five years, beginning January 1, 2024, based upon changes in the consumer price index during that time period. "Consumer price index" means, for any calendar year, that year's annual average consumer price index, for Washington state, for wage earners and clerical workers, all items, compiled by the bureau of labor and statistics, United States department of labor. If the bureau of labor and statistics develops more than one consumer price index for areas within the state, the index covering the greatest number of people, covering areas exclusively within the boundaries of the state, and including all items shall be used for the adjustments for inflation in this section. The office of financial management must calculate the new dollar threshold and transmit it to the office of the code reviser for publication in the Washington State Register at least one month before the new dollar threshold is to take effect.
A person holding office as commissioner for two or more special purpose districts shall receive only that per diem compensation authorized for one of his or her commissioner positions as compensation for attending an official meeting or conducting official services or duties while representing more than one of his or her districts. However, such commissioner may receive additional per diem compensation if approved by resolution of all boards of the affected commissions.
[ 2020 c 83 s 12; 2007 c 469 s 15; 1998 c 121 s 12. ]
Each member of a governing body of a special district, whether elected or appointed, shall enter into a bond, payable to the special district. The bond shall be in the sum of not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars, as determined by the county legislative authority of the county within which the special district, or the largest portion of the special district, is located. The bond shall be conditioned on the faithful performance of his or her duties as a member of the governing body of the special district and shall be filed with the county clerk of the county within which the special district, or the largest portion of the special district, is located.
[ 1987 c 298 s 3; 1985 c 396 s 9. ]
(1) Whenever the governing body of a special district has more than three members, the governing body shall be reduced to three members as of January 1, 1986, by eliminating the positions of those district governing body members with the shortest remaining terms of office. The remaining three governing body members shall have staggered terms with the one having the shortest remaining term having his or her position filled at the 1987 special district general election, the one with the next shortest remaining term having his or her position filled at the 1989 special district general election, and the one with the longest remaining term having his or her position filled at the 1992 special district general election. If any of these remaining three governing body members have identical remaining terms of office, the newly calculated remaining terms of these persons shall be determined by lot with the county auditor who assists the special district in its elections managing such lot procedure. The newly established terms shall be recorded by the county auditor.
(2) However, whenever five or more special districts have consolidated under chapter 85.36 RCW and the consolidated district has five members in its governing body on July 28, 1985, the consolidated district may adopt a resolution retaining a five-member governing body. At any time thereafter, such a district may adopt a resolution and reduce the size of the governing body to three members with the reduction occurring as provided in subsection (1) of this section, but the years of the effective dates shall be extended so that the reduction occurs at the next January 1st occurring after the date of the adoption of the resolution. Whenever a special district is so governed by a five-member governing body, two members shall be elected at each of two consecutive special district general elections, and one member shall be elected at the following special district general election, each to serve a six-year staggered term.
(3) Nothing in this section permits the governing body of a flood control district that is subject to RCW 85.38.290 to reduce the size of its governing body.
[ 2010 c 131 s 1; 1991 c 349 s 12; 1985 c 396 s 10. ]
General elections shall be held in each special district on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in February in each even-numbered year. The auditor of the county within which a special district, or the largest portion of a special district, is located may provide for special elections whenever necessary.
[ 1991 c 349 s 5; 1985 c 396 s 11. ]
(1) The owner of land located in a special district who is a qualified voter of the special district shall receive two votes at any election. This section does not apply to special flood control districts consisting of three or more counties.
(2) If multiple undivided interests, other than community property interests, exist in a lot or parcel and no person owns a majority undivided interest, the owners of undivided interests at least equal to a majority interest may designate in writing:
(a) Which owner is eligible to vote and may cast two votes; or
(b) Which two owners are eligible to vote and may cast one vote each.
(3) If land is owned as community property, each spouse is entitled to one vote if both spouses otherwise qualify to vote, unless one spouse designates in writing that the other spouse may cast both votes.
(4) A corporation, partnership, or governmental entity shall designate:
(a) A natural person to cast its two votes; or
(b) Two natural persons to each cast one of its votes.
(5) Except as provided in RCW 85.08.025 and 86.09.377, no owner of land may cast more than two votes or have more than two votes cast for him or her in a special district election.
[ 2009 c 144 s 1; 1991 c 349 s 2. ]
A list of presumed eligible voters shall be prepared and maintained by each special district. The list shall include the assessor's tax number for each lot or parcel in the district, the name or the names of the owners of such lots and parcels and their mailing address, the extent of the ownership interest of such persons, and if such persons are natural persons, whether they are known to be registered voters in the state of Washington. Whenever such a list is prepared, the district shall attempt to notify each owner of the requirements necessary to establish voting authority to vote. Whenever lots or parcels in the district are sold, the district shall attempt to notify the purchasers of the requirements necessary to establish voting authority. Each special district shall provide a copy of this list, and any revised list, to the auditor of the county within which all or the largest portion of the special district is located. The special district must compile the list of eligible voters and provide it to the county auditor by the first day of November preceding the special district general election. In the event the special district does not provide the county auditor with the list of qualified voters by this date, the county auditor shall compile the list and charge the special district for the costs required for its preparation. The county auditor shall not be held responsible for any errors in the list.
[ 1991 c 349 s 13; 1985 c 396 s 12. ]
No election shall be held to elect a member of a special district governing body, or to fill the remainder of an unexpired term which arose from a vacancy on the governing body, if no one or only one person files for the position.
If only one person files for the position, he or she shall be considered to have been elected to the position at the election that otherwise would have taken place for such position.
If no one files for the position and the upcoming election is one at which someone would have been elected to fill the expired term, the position shall be treated as vacant at the expiration of the term.
If no one files for the position and the upcoming election is one at which someone would have been elected to fill the remaining term of office, the person appointed to fill the vacancy shall be considered to have been elected to the position at the election and shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.
[ 1991 c 349 s 6. ]
The auditor of the county within which a special district, or the largest portion of a special district, is located shall assist such special district with its elections as provided in this section.
(1) The county auditor shall publish notice of an election to create a special district and notice of all special district elections not conducted by mail in a newspaper of general circulation in the special district at least once not more than ten nor less than three days before the election. The notices shall describe the election, give its date and times to be held, and indicate the election site or sites in the special district where ballots may be cast.
(2) If a special district has at least five hundred qualified voters, then the county auditor shall publish in a newspaper of general circulation in the special district a notice of the filing period and place for filing a declaration of candidacy to become a member of the governing body. This notice shall be published at least seven days prior to the closing of the filing period. If the special district has less than five hundred qualified voters, then the special district shall mail or deliver this notice to each qualified voter of the special district at least seven days prior to the closing of the filing period.
(3) All costs of the county auditor incurred related to such elections shall be reimbursed by the special district.
[ 1991 c 349 s 14; 1985 c 396 s 13. ]
(1) If a special district has less than five hundred qualified voters, then the special district must contract with the county auditor to conduct the special district elections.
(2) If a special district has at least five hundred qualified voters, the special district may contract with the county auditor to conduct the election. A special district with at least five hundred qualified voters may also choose to conduct its own elections. A special district that conducts its own elections must enter into an agreement with the county auditor that specifies the responsibilities of both parties.
[ 2011 c 10 s 83; 1991 c 349 s 15. ]
NOTES:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
All registered voters within a special flood control district consisting of three or more counties are qualified voters in special flood control district elections.
[ 2009 c 144 s 2. ]
For special district elections that are not conducted by mail, the governing body of each special district shall appoint three voters of the special district, who may be members of the governing body, to act as election officials, unless the special district contracts with the county auditor to staff the election site. The election officials shall distribute a ballot or ballots to each voter of the special district who arrives at the voting place during the hours for the election on the day of the election and requests a ballot. Ballots shall also be provided to those persons arriving at the polling place during the hours for the election on the day of the election who present documents or evidence sufficient to establish their eligibility to vote. A person arriving at the polling place at such times who demands a ballot, but who fails to present documents or evidence which in the opinion of the election officials is sufficient to establish eligibility to vote, shall be given a ballot clearly marked as "challenged" and shall be allowed to vote. Each challenged ballot shall be numbered consecutively and a list of such persons and their ballot numbers shall be made.
The governing body of each special district shall designate those hours from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. during which the election shall be held: PROVIDED, That at least six consecutive hours must be designated. When the election is over, the election officials shall secure the ballots and transport the ballots to the county auditor's office by noon of the day following the election. The auditor may, at his or her discretion, station a deputy auditor or auditors at the election site who shall observe the election and transport the ballots to the auditor's office. The auditor shall count the ballots and certify the count of votes for and against each measure and for each candidate appearing on the ballot. A separate count shall be made of any challenged ballots. A challenged ballot shall be counted as a normal ballot if documents or evidence are supplied to the auditor before 4:00 p.m. on the day after the election that, in the opinion of the auditor, are sufficient to establish the person's eligibility to vote.
Additionally, voting by absentee ballot shall be allowed in every special district. A request for an absentee ballot may be made by an eligible voter by mail or in person to the county auditor who supervises the special district elections. An absentee ballot shall be provided to each voter of a special district requesting such a ballot under this section. A person requesting such a ballot may present information establishing his or her eligibility to vote in such a special district. The auditor shall provide an absentee ballot to each person requesting an absentee ballot who is either included on the list of presumed eligible voters or who submits information which, in the auditor's opinion, establishes his or her eligibility to vote. The names of these persons so determined to be eligible to vote shall be added to the list of presumed eligible voters for the appropriate special district. The request for an absentee ballot must be made no more than forty-five days before the election. To be valid, absentee ballots must be postmarked on or before the day of the election and mailed to the county auditor.
[ 1991 c 349 s 16; 1985 c 396 s 14. ]
The process by which budgets are adopted, special assessments are measured and imposed, rates and charges are fixed, and assessment zones are established, as provided in RCW 85.38.140 through 85.38.170, shall constitute an alternative optional method of financing special districts. A special district in existence prior to July 28, 1985, may conform with RCW 85.38.140 through 85.38.170 when its governing body adopts a resolution indicating its intention to conform with such laws. Whenever such a resolution is adopted, or a new special district is created on or after July 28, 1985, RCW 85.38.140 through 85.38.170 shall be the exclusive method by which the special district measures and imposes special assessments and adopts its budget. The governing body of a special district that was created before July 28, 1985, and which operates under RCW 85.38.140 through 85.38.170, may adopt a resolution removing the special district from operating under RCW 85.38.140 through 85.38.170, and operate under alternative procedures available to the special district. A county may charge a special district for costs the county incurs in establishing a system or systems of assessment for the special district pursuant to RCW 85.38.140 through 85.38.170.
[ 1993 c 464 s 3; 1985 c 396 s 15. ]
Regardless of whether any special assessments have been or may be imposed on a particular parcel of real property pursuant to this chapter, in order to implement the authority granted under RCW 85.38.180(3), a special district may fix rates and charges payable by owners or occupiers of real estate within the special district. When fixing rates and charges, the district may consider the degree to which activities on a parcel of real property, including on-site septic systems, contribute to the problems that the special district is authorized to address under RCW 85.38.180(3).
[ 1993 c 464 s 4. ]
(1) Special district special assessments shall be imposed only on real property within the district that uses or will use the special district's facilities or receives or will receive special benefits from the special district's operations and facilities. Both privately owned and publicly owned real property, including real property owned by the state, is subject to these special assessments. Mobile homes located on real property within a special district shall be considered an improvement to the real property for purposes of imposing special assessments.
(2) Special assessments imposed upon real property, other than improvements, shall be a function of the dollar value of benefit or use per acre and the assessment zone in which the real property is located. Special assessments imposed upon an improvement shall be a function of the dollar value of benefit or use assigned to the type or class of improvements and the assessment zone in which the improvement is located.
(3) Assessment zones shall be established in which each zone reflects a different relative ratio of benefit or use that the real property within such a zone receives, or will receive, from the special district's operations and facilities. That real property receiving the greatest benefits, or which uses the special district's facilities to the greatest extent, shall be placed into class No. 1 and assigned a value of one hundred percent; that real property receiving the next greatest benefits, or which uses the special district's facilities to the next greatest extent, shall be placed into class No. 2 and assigned a lower percentage value; and so on, extending to the class of least benefits or use. That real property receiving no benefits or use shall be designated "nonbenefit." If all real property in the special district is found to have the same relative ratio of benefit or use, a single assessment zone may be established.
(4) Any one or more of the following criteria shall be used in measuring the manifest degrees or ratios of benefit or use: (a) Proximity to the special district's facilities; (b) height above or below dikes and levees; (c) easier accessibility; (d) facility of drainage; (e) minimization of flood or inundation damage; (f) actual flood protection; (g) use of the special district's facilities; and (h) any other criteria established by the county under RCW 85.38.160 that measure manifest degrees of benefit or use from the special district's facilities and operations.
(5) Special assessments may be imposed to pay for the construction, repair, and maintenance of special district facilities and for special district operations. Administrative and operational costs of the special district shall be proportionally included in these special assessments.
[ 1985 c 396 s 16. ]
(1) The county within which each special district is located shall establish a system or systems of assessment for the special district as provided in this section. A differing system of assessment shall be established for different classes of facilities that a special district provides or will provide, including a separate system of assessment for diking and drainage facilities if both classes of facilities are provided. Whenever a special district is located in more than one county, the county within which the largest portion of the special district is located shall establish the system or systems of assessment for the entire special district. A system of assessment shall include assessment zones, the acreage included in each assessment zone, a dollar value of benefit or use per acre, and various classes or types of improvements together with a dollar value of benefit or use for an improvement included in each of the classes or types of improvements. The county shall establish which improvements shall be subject to special assessments and shall establish one or more types or classes of such improvements.
(2) The engineer of the county shall prepare a preliminary system or systems of assessment for each special district. Each system of assessment that is prepared for a special district shall be designed to generate a total of one thousand dollars in revenue for the special district.
The preliminary system or systems of assessment shall be filed with the county legislative authority. A public hearing on the preliminary system or systems of assessment shall be held by the county legislative authority. Notice of the public hearing shall be published in a newspaper, in general circulation in the special district, for two consecutive weeks with the final notice being published not less than fourteen, nor more than twenty-one days, before the public hearing. Notice shall also be mailed to each owner or reputed owner, as shown on the assessor's tax rolls, of each lot or parcel subject to such assessments. The mailed notice shall indicate the amount of assessment on the lot or parcel that, together with all other assessments in the system of assessment, would raise one thousand dollars. The mailed notice shall indicate that this assessment amount is not being imposed, but is a hypothetical assessment that, if combined with all other hypothetical assessments in the system of assessment, would generate one thousand dollars, and that this hypothetical assessment is proposed to be used to establish a system or systems of assessment for the special district. Where a special district currently is imposing special assessments and a property owner's property is subject to these special assessments, the mailed notice to this property owner also shall use the hypothetical special assessment in conjunction with the total special assessments imposed by the special district in that year to provide a comparison special assessment value to the property owner. This notice shall indicate that the comparison special assessment value is not being imposed, and should be considered for comparative purposes only. Where a special district is not currently imposing special assessments, the mailed notice may include, if deemed appropriate by the county engineer and if such figures are available, an estimated special assessment value for the property owner's property using this hypothetical special assessment in conjunction with special district-wide level of special assessments that possibly would be imposed in the following year. Where a county is imposing rates and charges for stormwater or surface water control facilities pursuant to chapters 36.89 or 36.94 RCW, the county shall credit such rates and charges with assessments imposed under this section by a special district to fund drainage facilities and the maintenance of drainage facilities.
(3) The county legislative authority shall hold a public hearing on the preliminary system or systems of assessment on the day specified in the notices. Persons objecting to the preliminary system or systems of assessment may present their objections at this public hearing, which may be continued if necessary. The county legislative authority shall adopt an ordinance finalizing the system or systems of assessment after making any changes that in its discretion are necessary. The county legislative authority shall have broad discretion in establishing systems of assessment. The decision of the county legislative authority shall be final, except for appeals. Any person objecting to the system or systems of assessment must appeal such decision to the superior court of the county within which all, or the largest portion, of the special district is located within twenty days of the adoption of the ordinance.
(4) The system or systems of assessment of each special district shall be reviewed by the county engineer and finalized by the county legislative authority at least once every four years. A system or systems of assessment shall be finalized on or before the first of September in the year that it is finalized. The legislative authority of a county that is responsible for establishing a system or systems of assessment for more than one special district may, at its option, stagger the initial finalization of such systems of assessment for different special districts over a period of up to four years. Assessments shall be collected in special districts pursuant to the district's previous system of assessment until the system or systems of assessment under this chapter is finalized under this section.
(5) New improvements shall be noted by the special district as they are made and shall be subject to special assessments in the year after the improvement is made.
(6) The county legislative authority, upon request by a special district, may authorize the special district to impose and collect emergency assessments pursuant to the special district's system or systems of assessment whenever the emergent protection of life or property is necessary.
[ 1985 c 396 s 17. ]
(1) Every special district must use the assessed value applicable to forestland, farm and agricultural land, or open space land, under chapter 84.33 or 84.34 RCW, when the land has been designated as such and the assessed value is used as a component in determining the district assessment.
(2) If a district uses a fractional amount of assessed value as a component in determining the district assessment, then a fractional amount of the value applicable to forestland, farm and agricultural land, or open space land, under chapter 84.33 or 84.34 RCW, shall be used.
[ 2005 c 181 s 1. ]
Budgets for each special district shall be adopted, and special assessments imposed, annually for the succeeding calendar year. On or before December 1st of each year, the governing body of the special district shall adopt a resolution approving a budget for the succeeding year and special assessments sufficient to finance the budget. A copy of the resolution and the budget shall be forwarded immediately to the county legislative authority of the county or counties within which the special district is located and to the treasurer of the county or counties in which the special district is located. Special assessments necessary to generate funds for this budget shall be imposed pursuant to the system or systems of assessment established by the county. Special assessments shall be collected by the county treasurer or treasurers within which the special district is located. Notice of the special assessments due may be included on the notice of property taxes due, may be included on a separate notice that is mailed with the notice of property taxes due, or may be sent separately from the notice of property taxes due. Special assessments shall be due at the same time property taxes are due and shall constitute liens on the land or improvements upon which they are imposed. Delinquent special assessments shall be foreclosed in the same manner, and subject to the same time schedules, interest, and penalties as delinquent property taxes. County treasurers may impose a fee for collecting special assessments not to exceed one percent of the dollar value of special assessments collected.
[ 1985 c 396 s 18. ]
A special district may:
(1) Engage in flood control activities, and investigate, plan, construct, acquire, repair, maintain, and operate improvements, works, projects, and facilities necessary to prevent inundation or flooding from rivers, streams, tidal waters or other waters. Such facilities include dikes, levees, dams, banks, revetments, channels, canals, drainage ditches, tide gates, flood gates, and other works, appliances, machinery, and equipment.
(2) Engage in drainage control, stormwater control, and surface water control activities, and investigate, plan, construct, acquire, repair, maintain, and operate improvements, works, projects, and facilities necessary to control and treat stormwater, surface water, and flood water. Such facilities include drains, flood gates, drainage ditches, tide gates, ditches, canals, nonsanitary sewers, pumps, and other works, appliances, machinery, and equipment.
(3) Engage in lake or river restoration, aquatic plant control, and water quality enhancement activities.
(4) Take actions necessary to protect life and property from inundation or flow of flood waters, stormwaters, or surface waters.
(5) Acquire, purchase, condemn by power of eminent domain pursuant to chapters 8.08 and 8.25 RCW, or lease, in its own name, necessary property, property rights, facilities, and equipment.
(6) Sell or exchange surplus property, property rights, facilities, and equipment.
(7) Accept funds and property by loan, grant, gift, or otherwise from the United States, the state of Washington, or any other public or private source.
(8) Hire staff, employees, or services, or use voluntary labor.
(9) Sue and be sued.
(10) Cooperate with or join the United States, the state of Washington, or any other public or private entity or person for district purposes.
(11) Enter into contracts.
(12) Exercise any of the usual powers of a corporation for public purposes.
[ 2003 c 392 s 1; 1991 c 349 s 17; 1985 c 396 s 19. ]
Any proposed improvement or part thereof, not exceeding five thousand dollars in cost, may be constructed by district employees: PROVIDED, That this shall not restrict a special district from using volunteer labor and equipment on improvements, and providing reimbursement for actual expenses.
[ 1987 c 298 s 4; 1986 c 278 s 50. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
(1) Territory that is contiguously located to a special district may be annexed by the special district as provided in this section under the petition and election, resolution and election, or direct petition method of annexation.
(2) An annexation under the election method may be initiated by the filing of a petition requesting the action that is signed by at least ten owners of property in the area proposed to be annexed or the adoption of a resolution requesting such action by the governing body of the special district. The petitions shall be filed with the governing body of the special district that is requested to annex the territory. An election to authorize an annexation initiated under the petition and election method may be held only if the governing body approves the annexation. An annexation under either election method shall be authorized if the voters of the area proposed to be annexed approve a ballot proposition favoring the annexation by a simple majority vote. The annexation shall be effective when results of an election so favoring the annexation are certified by the county auditor or auditors. The election, notice of the election, and eligibility to vote at the election shall be as provided for the creation of a special district.
(3) An annexation under the direct petition method of annexation may be accomplished if the owners of a majority of the acreage proposed to be annexed sign a petition requesting the annexation, and the governing body of the special district approves the annexation. The petition shall be filed with the governing body of the special district. The annexation shall be effective when the governing body approves the annexation.
(4) Whenever a special district annexes territory under this section, the exclusive method by which the special district measures and imposes special assessments upon real property within the entire enlarged area shall be as set forth in RCW 85.38.150 through 85.38.170.
[ 1986 c 278 s 8. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
Two or more special districts that are contiguously located with each other, or which occupy all or part of the same territory, may consolidate as provided in this section. The consolidation shall result in the creation of a flood control district.
A consolidation may be initiated by: (1) The filing of a petition requesting the action that is signed by eligible voters of each special district who constitute at least ten percent of the eligible voters of the special district, or who own at least a majority of the acreage in the special district; or (2) the adoption of a resolution requesting such action by the governing body of each special district. The petitions shall be filed with, and the resolutions shall be submitted to, the county legislative authority of the county within which all or the largest portion of the special districts is located. The auditor of the county, or auditors of the counties, within which these districts are located shall authenticate the signatures on the petitions and certify the results. An election to authorize the consolidation shall be held not more than one hundred eighty days after the date of the filing of the resolutions, or the determination that sufficient valid signatures are included on the petition from the voters of each of the special districts.
The consolidation shall be authorized if voters in each of the special districts approve a ballot proposition favoring the consolidation by a simple majority vote. Members of the governing body of the consolidated special district shall be selected as provided in RCW 85.38.070 for a newly created special district and the consolidation shall be effective when these initial members of the governing body are so appointed.
All moneys, rights, property, assets and liabilities of the consolidating special districts shall vest in and become the obligation of the new consolidated special district, except that any indebtedness of a consolidating special district shall remain an indebtedness of the original consolidating special district and lands within the original consolidating special district. The governing body of the new consolidated special district shall impose special assessments on lands in the original consolidating special district to redeem this indebtedness. However, the new consolidated special district may issue funding or refunding bonds or notes and fund or refund such indebtedness. The new consolidated special district may continue imposing special assessments pursuant to the various systems of assessment used by the original consolidating special districts, or may establish a new system or systems of assessment in all or part of the new consolidated special district to finance its operations.
[ 1986 c 278 s 9. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
A special district may withdraw area from its boundaries that is located within the boundaries of a city or town, or area that includes area both within and adjacent to the boundaries of any city or town, under this section.
(1) The withdrawal of area is authorized upon the following conditions being met: (a) Adoption of a resolution by the special district requesting withdrawal of the area from the district; (b) adoption of a resolution by the city or town council approving the withdrawal of the special district from the area; (c) assumption by the city or town of full responsibility for the maintenance, improvements, and collection of payment for the operation of the system previously operated by the special district in the area; (d) transfer by the special district of all rights-of-way or easements in the area to the city or town by quit claim or deed; and (e) adoption of an interlocal agreement between the special district and the city or town that reimburses the special district for lost assessment revenue from the withdrawn area, that transfers any facilities or improvements owned by the special district to the city or town as agreed between the parties, and that requires the city or town to maintain existing water runoff and water quality levels in the area.
(2) Property in the territory withdrawn from the boundaries of a special district under this section shall remain liable for any special assessments of the special district from which it was withdrawn, if the special assessments are associated with bonds or notes used to finance facilities serving the property, to the same extent as if the withdrawal of property had not occurred.
[ 1993 c 464 s 2. ]
Territory that is located in one special district may be transferred from that special district to another special district as provided in this section, if a portion of this territory is coterminous with a portion of the boundaries of the special district to which it is transferred. Such a transfer shall be accomplished using the procedures in RCW 85.38.200 for annexing territory, except that the governing body of both special districts must approve the transfer and make findings that the transfer is in the public interest and that the special district to which the territory is transferred is better able to provide the activities and facilities serving the territory than the special district from which the territory is transferred.
Property in the territory so transferred shall remain liable for any special assessments of the special district from which it was transferred, if the special assessments are associated with bonds or notes used to finance facilities serving the property, to the same extent as if the transfer had not occurred.
A transfer of territory also may include the transfer of property, facilities, and improvements owned by one special district to the other special district, with or without consideration being paid.
[ 1987 c 298 s 1. ]
Any portion of a drainage district or drainage improvement district located within the boundaries of a first-class city operating a storm drain utility pursuant to RCW 35.67.030 may be removed from the drainage district or drainage improvement district by ordinance of the city. The removal of an area shall not result in the impairment of any contract nor remove the liability or obligation to finance district improvements that serve the area so removed as of the effective date of the ordinance. Residents of the district to be removed shall be given substantial notice of the impending action and the opportunity to respond to the action.
[ 1991 c 28 s 3. ]
Any special district may have its operations suspended as provided in this section. The process of suspending a special district's operations may be initiated by: (1) The adoption of a resolution proposing such action by the governing body of the special district; (2) the filing of a petition proposing such action with the county legislative authority of the county in which all or the largest portion of the special district is located, which petition is signed by voters of the special district who own at least ten percent of the acreage in the special district or is signed by ten or more voters of the special district; or (3) the adoption of a resolution proposing such action by the county legislative authority of the county in which all or the largest portion of the special district is located.
A public hearing on the proposed action shall be held by the county legislative authority at which it shall inquire into whether such action is in the public interest. Notice of the public hearing shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the special district, posted in at least four locations in the special district to attract the attention of the public, and mailed to the members of the governing body of the special district, if there are any. After the public hearing, the county legislative authority may adopt a resolution suspending the operations of the special district if it finds such suspension to be in the public interest, and shall provide a copy of the resolution to the county treasurer. When a special district is located in more than one county, the legislative authority of each of such counties must so act before the operations of the special district are suspended.
After holding a public hearing on the proposed reactivation of a special district that has had its operations suspended, the legislative authority or authorities of the county or counties in which the special district is located may reactivate the special district by adopting a resolution finding such action to be in the public interest. Notice of the public hearing shall be posted and published as provided for the public hearing on a proposed suspension of a special district's operations. The governing body of a reactivated special district shall be appointed as in a newly created special district.
No special district that owns drainage or flood control improvements may be suspended unless the legislative authority of a county accepts responsibility for operation and maintenance of the improvements during the suspension period.
[ 2001 c 299 s 20; 1986 c 278 s 10. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
As an alternative to this chapter a drainage district or drainage improvement district located within the boundaries of a county storm drainage and surface water management utility, and which is not currently imposing assessments, may be dissolved by ordinance of the county legislative authority. If the alternative dissolution procedure in this section is used the following shall apply:
(1) The county storm drainage and surface water management utility shall assume responsibility for payment or settlement of outstanding debts of the dissolved drainage district or drainage improvement district, and shall notify the county treasurer at such time of the assumption of responsibility.
(2) All assets, including money, funds, improvements, or property, real or personal, shall become assets of the county in which the dissolved drainage district or drainage improvement district was located.
(3) Notwithstanding RCW 85.38.220, the county storm drainage and surface water management utility may determine how to best manage, operate, maintain, improve, exchange, sell, or otherwise dispose of all property, real and personal, of the dissolved drainage district or drainage improvement district, and may determine to modify, cease the operation of, and/or remove any or all facilities or improvements to real property of the dissolved drainage district or drainage improvement district.
[ 2001 c 299 s 21; 1991 c 28 s 2. ]
A special district may issue special assessment bonds or notes to finance costs related to providing, improving, expanding, or enlarging improvements and facilities if the county legislative authority within which all or the major part of the special district is located authorizes the issuance of such bonds or notes. The decision of a county legislative authority authorizing or failing to authorize a proposed issue of special assessment bonds or notes constitutes a discretionary function, and shall not give rise to a cause of action against the county, county legislative authority, or any member of the county legislative authority.
[ 1986 c 278 s 18. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
(1) Special assessment bonds and notes issued by special districts shall be issued and sold in accordance with chapter 39.46 RCW, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. The maximum term of any special assessment bond issued by a special district shall be twenty years. The maximum term of any special assessment note issued by a special district shall be five years.
(2) The governing body of a special district issuing special assessment bonds or notes shall create a special fund or funds, or use an existing special fund or funds, from which, along with any special assessment bond guaranty fund the special district has created, the principal of and interest on the bonds or notes exclusively are payable.
(3) The governing body of a special district may provide such covenants as it may deem necessary to secure the payment of the principal of and interest on special assessment bonds or notes, and premiums on special assessment bonds or notes, if any. Such covenants may include, but are not limited to, depositing certain special assessments into a special fund or funds, and establishing, maintaining, and collecting special assessments which are to be placed into the special fund or funds. The special assessments covenanted to be placed into such a special fund or funds after June 11, 1986, only may include all or part of the new system of special assessments imposed for such purposes, pursuant to RCW 85.38.150 and 85.38.160. Special assessment bonds or notes issued after July 26, 1987, may not be payable from special assessments imposed under authorities other than those provided in chapter 85.38 RCW.
(4) A special assessment bond or note issued by a special district shall not constitute an indebtedness of the state, either general or special, nor of the county, either general or special, within which all or any part of the special district is located. A special assessment bond or note shall not constitute a general indebtedness of the special district issuing the bond or note, but is a special obligation of the special district and the interest on and principal of the bond or note shall be payable only from special assessments covenanted to be placed into the special fund or funds, and any special assessment bond guaranty fund the special district has created.
The owner of a special assessment bond or note, or the owner of an interest coupon, shall not have any claim for the payment thereof against the special district arising from the special assessment bond or note, or interest coupon, except for payment from the special fund or funds, the special assessments covenanted to be placed into the special fund or funds, and any special assessment bond guaranty fund the special district has created. The owner of a special assessment bond or note, or the owner of an interest coupon, issued by a special district shall not have any claim against the state, or any county within which all or part of the special district is located, arising from the special assessment bond, note, or interest coupon. The special district issuing the special assessment bond or note shall not be liable to the owner of any special assessment bond or note, or owner of any interest coupon, for any loss occurring in the lawful operation of its special assessment bond guaranty fund.
The substance of the limitations included in this subsection shall be plainly printed, written, engraved, or reproduced on: (a) Each special assessment bond or note that is a physical instrument; (b) the official notice of sale; and (c) each official statement associated with the bonds or notes.
[ 1987 c 298 s 5; 1986 c 278 s 19. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
The governing body of a special district issuing special assessment bonds or notes may create and pay money into a special assessment bond guaranty fund to guaranty special assessment bonds and notes issued by the special district. A portion of the special assessments collected by a special district may be placed into its special assessment bond guaranty fund.
[ 1986 c 278 s 20. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
A special district may issue funding or refunding special assessment bonds or notes to refund outstanding bonds or notes. Such funding or refunding bonds or notes shall be subject to the provisions of law governing other special assessment bonds or notes.
[ 1986 c 278 s 21. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
Special assessment bonds or notes issued by a special district prior to July 1, 1986, shall continue to be retired and be subject to the laws under which they were issued.
[ 1986 c 278 s 22. ]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW 36.01.010.
In addition to the authority provided throughout this title, diking, drainage, sewerage improvement, and similar districts organized pursuant to this title may participate in and expend revenue on cooperative watershed management actions, including watershed management partnerships under RCW 39.34.210 and other intergovernmental agreements, for purposes of water supply, water quality, and water resource and habitat protection and management.
[ 2003 c 327 s 17. ]
NOTES:
Finding—Intent—2003 c 327: See note following RCW 39.34.190.
The following provisions apply to the governing bodies of flood control districts that, upon creation, have territory in three or more counties:
(1) The governing body shall include one member from each county with territory in the district, and two additional members selected as provided by this section. No more than two governing members may be from the same county.
(2) The initial members of the governing body must be chosen by each county legislative authority within which the district resides, with each county choosing one member, and the two counties with the largest populations within the district choosing one additional member each. The initial governing body members shall serve until their successors are elected and qualified at the next special district general election.
(3) At this first election, the members receiving the two greatest number of votes shall serve six-year terms, the members receiving the third and fourth greatest number of votes shall serve four-year terms, and the remaining members shall serve two-year terms of office.
(4) The requirements for the filing period, method for filing declarations of candidacy, and the arrangement of candidate names on the ballot for all special district general elections conducted after the initial election in the district shall be the same as the requirements for the initial election in the district. No primary elections may be held for the governing body of a flood control district that, upon creation, has territory in three or more counties.
(5) A vacancy occurs upon the death, resignation, or incapacity of a governing body member, or whenever the governing body member ceases to be a registered voter of the district.
(6)(a) Whenever a vacancy occurs in the governing body, the legislative authority of the county within which the largest geographic portion of the district is located shall appoint a registered voter to serve until a person is elected, at the next special district general election occurring sixty or more days after the vacancy has occurred, to serve the remainder of the unexpired term. The person so elected shall take office immediately when qualified as defined in RCW 29A.04.133.
(b) If an election for the position that became vacant would otherwise have been held at this special district general election, only one election shall be held and the person elected to fill the succeeding term for that position shall take office immediately when qualified as defined in RCW 29A.04.133 and shall serve both the remainder of the unexpired term and the succeeding term.
(7) An elected or appointed member of the governing body, or a candidate for the governing body, must be a registered voter of the flood control district who has resided within the district for [a] period of not less than thirty days before the election. In accordance with RCW 85.38.127, land ownership is not a requirement for serving on the governing body of the district.
[ 2010 c 131 s 2. ]
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
[ 2009 c 521 s 196. ]
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