Rates and Charges: What they are, how they work, and process for developing them

In October 2019, the Thurston BOCC approved our proposal for a system of Rates and Charges to be in effect for 5 years (2020-2024).

2019 Rates & Charges Process Timeline

Thurston CD Process to Proposal system of Rates & Charges Complete

Task Status
Public Hearing on the proposed system of Rates & Charges √ Completed – June 20, 2019
Briefing with Thurston BOCC to discuss intent to propose system of Rates & Charges √ Completed – June 27, 2019
Adoption of Rates & Charges resolution and process for landowner appeals √ Completed – July 2, 2019
Resolution #2019-11-passed
Resolution #2019-12-passed
Submitted Rates & Charges proposal to Thurston County √ Completed – July 19, 2019
Second briefing with Thurston BOCC to discuss submitted Rates & Charges proposal √ Completed – July 22, 2019

Thurston CD process to propose system of Rates & Charges complete

Thurston County hold Public Hearing on the submitted system of Rates & Charges √ Completed – September 24, 2019 at 5:30pm

Background & Authorizations
In 2012 the Washington State Legislature approved a second local option for funding the work of conservation districts. RCW 89.08.405  allows districts to develop a system of rates and charges for passage or modification by their county legislative authority.  It may be used instead of assessments authorized by RCW 89.08.400.

How do rates and charges work?
The principle: Different land uses have differing conservation needs, receive differing benefits, and therefore should be charged at differing rates. A key difference between assessments and rates and charges is this:  Assessments are traditionally connected with public improvements and sometimes, services. Direct special benefit to assessed properties is required for assessments.  An agency using a rate or charge is not required to show a direct special benefit to any parcel. The rates and charges statute recognizes there are many indirect benefits received by citizens in each conservation district as a result of conservation work.

Building a unique system of Rates & Charges
A system of rates and charges may include either an annual per acre amount, per parcel amount, or per parcel amount plus an annual per acre amount.  Per acre amounts may not exceed 10-cents.  Per parcel amounts may not exceed $5.00 except in counties over 1.5 million in population where it may not exceed $10.00.  While it is exactly the same public process as approving an assessment, rates and charges requires an extra level of analysis to create an equitable and fair rate structure that is unique to each district.

When proposing a system of rates and charges for adoption by your county commission or council, conservation districts may take these things into consideration:

  • District services furnished or available;
  • Benefits received, to be received, or available to the property;
  • Character and use of the land;
  • Nonprofit public benefit status in RCW 24.03.490;
  • Income level of those served or benefiting including seniors and the disabled; or
  • Any other matters that present a reasonable difference as grounds for distinction.

Want to know more about how we utilize this funding? Check out some of the highlights and accomplishments of Thurston CD through the years via our Annual Reports.

View & Download Supporting Documents


Interested in learning more about Rates and Charges?

 

Sarah Moorehead
Executive Director
smoorehead@thurstoncd.com
360-754-3588, ext. 114

You can also use our contact form.