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Posts for Special Districts

A Primer on Local Government Funds

May 7, 2025  by  Cheryl Grant
Category:  Special Districts ,  Facilities ,  Programs ,  Special Districts ,  Special Districts

Does your local government need a special fund for an investment trust? How about for capital projects, enterprise, or debt service? The number and types of funds a local agency's budget includes should be tailored to that agency's needs and circumstances.

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How Did Local Ballot Measures Fare in the November 2024 General Election?

December 9, 2024  by  Steve Hawley
Category:  Parks, Recreation, and Culture ,  Transportation ,  Emergency Medical Services ,  Elections ,  Fire Protection ,  Revenues ,  Minimum Wage ,  Water Resources ,  Law Enforcement ,  Special Districts

Tax-related initiatives struggled to gain voter approval in the 2024 November general election, and it was a mixed bag for other local ballot measures across the state. 

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A black leather office chair with a sign stating vacancy taped to it

Vacancies in Local Elected Office: Understanding the New Rules for Special Purpose Districts

January 3, 2024  by  Oskar Rey
Category:  Legislative Body ,  Special Districts

Adopted by the legislature in 2023, SSB 5437 created new requirements for certain special purpose districts that need to appoint a candidate to fill a vacant position on their governing body. 

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Salary Increases Coming in 2024 for Many Special Purpose District Officials

December 18, 2023  by  Cheryl Grant
Category:  Compensation ,  Special Districts

Every five years elected commissioners, board members, supervisors, and directors of special purpose districts receive increases in compensation as established by the Washington State Office of Financial Management. The next increases take effect January 1, 2024.

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Ballot Measure Highlights from the August 2023 Primary Election

August 21, 2023  by  Steve Hawley
Category:  Annexation ,  Facilities ,  Elections ,  Special Districts ,  Property Taxes

Primary elections generally see some ballot measures succeed and some fail across the state. This past August, libraries, rec centers, and fire districts fared well, but public hospital districts saw mixed success. And, as always,  levy lid lift measures achieved mixed results.

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