Title
CONSIDER ASSUMING LONGVIEW TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT DISTRICT
COUNCIL INITIATIVE ADDRESSED:
Improve transportation systems
Continue effective financial management
CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: N/A
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The Longview Transportation Benefit District (TBD) was formed on December 15, 2016, by the Longview City Council pursuant to City of Longview Ordinance No. 3334, effective January 19, 2017. Formation of the TBD also included adoption of the TBD’s initial Transportation Improvements Plan (TBD Plan).
On January 26, 2017, the TBD Board held its first meeting, elected its officers, approved an interlocal agreement with the City of Longview to provide administrative and technical support to the District, approved its operating bylaws, and set a public hearing for February 9, 2017, to consider establishing a vehicle license fee to provide funding to complete projects identified in the TBD Plan.
Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 36.74 authorizes a city that formed a transportation benefit district with the same boundaries as the city to abolish the governing board of the district and assume all rights, powers, immunities, functions, and obligations of the district. Approximately one-half of all transportation benefit districts formed by cities have been assumed by their city.
Because the TBD is a separate legal entity supported by City elected officials and staff, it would be more efficient and reduce costs for the City to assume the TBD. Some of the benefits and disadvantages are as follows:
Benefits
- Eliminate additional meetings for City elected officials and staff.
- Eliminate advertising and record keeping related to the separate meetings.
- Reduce staff time spent on separate district business.
- Eliminate need for separate insurance for the district.
Disadvantages
- City must assume and pay all debts of the district, including outstanding general obligation bonds and revenue bonds. This disadvantage would be minimal if the City a...
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