The bill amends RCW 52.14.010 to adjust the per diem compensation for fire district commissioners. Each commissioner will receive $104 per day for attending official meetings or performing duties on behalf of the district, with a cap of $9,984 per year. However, for districts with an operating budget of $10,000,000 or more, commissioners may receive up to $144 per day, with the rate adjusted for inflation. Additionally, the bill allows commissioners to waive their compensation for specific months and outlines that they are entitled to necessary expenses and insurance benefits, with the exception of liability insurance premiums, which must be paid by the commissioners themselves.
The bill also includes provisions for adjusting the dollar thresholds for compensation every five years based on the consumer price index, ensuring that the compensation remains relevant to inflation. Furthermore, it stipulates that commissioners serving in multiple districts or as ex officio members can only receive per diem compensation for one position unless additional compensation is approved by the relevant boards. This legislation aims to provide fair compensation for fire district commissioners while maintaining fiscal responsibility.