Title
PUBLIC HEARING - ASSUME 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 City Council pursuant to Ordinance No. 3334, effective January 19, 2017. On January 26, 2017, the TBD and the City authorized an interlocal agreement for the City to provide all administrative and technical support necessary for the TBD to function, with the TBD reimbursing the City for all costs incurred providing that support, except for certain overhead and higher level management support.
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 with support provided 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 TBD business.
- Eliminate need for separate insurance for the TBD.
Disadvantages
- City must assume and pay all debts of the district, including outstanding general obligation bonds and revenue bonds.
- District bonds and debt count against the City’s overall debt capacity.
On February 23, 2017, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2208 declaring the City’s intent to conduct a public hearing to consider assuming the TBD and setting the March 2...
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