County special districts to get new rules
by JEFF SCHMERKER - Ravalli Republic
New state rules regarding the operations of special improvement districts could mean some operational changes for county boards.
Last year’s Senate Bill 57 streamlined protocol and procedures for a variety of special districts - like those created to finance and maintain cemeteries, sidewalks, swimming pools, fire hydrants and other projects.
Over the years, said Karen Mahar, the county’s deputy attorney, various special districts were approved by the state, each with varying rules and protocol. The new rules bring all similar districts under the same body of rules, though they make exemptions for a large number of boards, including conservation, water and sewer, planning and zoning, hospital, library, parking, fire and others.
For now, county special districts will remain as they are. Most new rules go into effect once boundaries or revenue collection tactics change.
New rules spell out districts’ creation, administration and dissolution.
For the county, the main changes will be that districts now must have their budgets approved by county commissioners.
About 10 districts will be affected by the new rules. They include cemetery districts for Corvallis, Grantsdale, Lone Rock, Sula and Victor, and parks districts for Florence, Lone Rock, Ravalli County District Two, Stevensville West and Victor. There are about 15 exempted districts in the county.
Mahar said her office fields several questions a month from special districts, usually relating to bylaws and operating rules.
“These changes are good,” Mahar said, “because it tells them how to operate.”
Commissioners on Wednesday, after being briefed by Mahar, said implementation of the new rules would allow districts to look over their bylaws and operational procedures.
“This will add to transparency,” said Commission Chairman Greg Chilcott. “I think it’s a good management exercise to find out what’s out there.” He added: “We have had a very distant relationship with (the boards) until this point.”
County officials will contact the boards to let them know of the new state rules and may meet with board representatives at an upcoming meeting.
Reach reporter Jeff Schmerker at 363-3300 or at jeff.schmerker@ravallirepublic.com.
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