This bill aims to enhance the cost recovery mechanisms for county treasurers in Washington State by allowing them to recover costs associated with the billing, collection, and distribution of property taxes on behalf of various taxing districts. A new section is added to chapter 84.69 RCW, which permits county treasurers to establish a cost recovery fee based on prior year actual costs, with specific exclusions and limitations. The fee cannot exceed one percent for larger counties and two percent for smaller counties, and it must be credited to the county treasurer's cost recovery fund to support ongoing operations. Additionally, the bill outlines the definition of "cost recovery fee" and "recoverable costs," ensuring clarity in the application of these terms.

Furthermore, the bill amends RCW 84.69.180 to allow taxing districts to levy taxes to reimburse themselves for costs incurred due to the county treasurer's cost recovery efforts. This includes a new provision that specifically addresses the reimbursement for costs associated with the county treasurer's cost recovery as outlined in the new section. The amendments also standardize the time frame for tax-related actions from twelve months to 12 months, ensuring consistency in the language used throughout the statute. Overall, the bill seeks to provide a structured approach for county treasurers to recover costs while ensuring that taxing districts can manage their financial responsibilities effectively.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 84.69.180