Drafter
Clerk 10/16/2006
Title
AN ORDINANCE regarding the King County noxious weed control program; revising King County noxious weed control program assessments; confirming the exception for Federally and tribally owned lands and amending Ordinance 14263, Section 2, and K.C.C. 4.94.010.
Body
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
1. On November 19, 2001, the King County council adopted Ordinance 14263 at the request of the King County noxious weed board to raise the noxious weed control program assessment in order to expand noxious weed control services as authorized in RCW 17.10.240.
2. Since November 19, 2001 the costs of providing noxious weed control services have risen, making an increase in the noxious weed control assessment warranted.
3. An increase in the noxious weed control program assessment on all property not classified as forest land from $1.50 to $1.95 per parcel, with no increase in the per acre fee; and for property classified as forest land an increase from $0.15 to $0.19 per parcel, with no increase in the per acre fee, is needed to meet the rising costs of providing necessary noxious weed control services.
4. Lands owned by the Federal government or by Federally recognized tribes or members of such tribes that are located within the historical boundaries of a reservation shall not be assessed for the noxious weed control program.
5. It is in the public interest, and is necessary for the protection of health, safety and welfare for the residents of King County that the necessary costs of providing noxious weed control program services continue to be paid, and that such costs continue to be charged against those parcels benefiting from these services.
6. The King County noxious weed control board has determined, and the King County council concurs with this determination, that the noxious weed control program assessment must be increased to provide the services necessary to educate the public and to identify and control both terrestrial and aquatic noxious weed infestations. Therefore, the King County noxious weed control board has petitioned the King County council to increase the noxious weed control program assessment, and the King County council finds that the requested increase in assessment is necessary and justified.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:
SECTION. 1. Ordinance 14263, Section 2, and K.C.C. 4.94.010 are each hereby amended to read as follows:
Assessment. A. An assessment for the King County Noxious Weed Control Program of $((1.50)) 1.95 per parcel and $ 0.09 per acre on all property not classified as forest land shall be imposed annually. Property classified as forest land, as defined in RCW 84.33.035, which is used solely for the planting, growing or harvesting of trees and which is typified by canopies so dense as to prohibit the growth of an understory shall be assessed at the rate of $((0.15)) 0.19 per parcel and $ 0.009 per acre.
B. Lands owned by the Federal government or lands owned by Federally recognized tribes or members of such tribes that are located within the historical
boundaries of a reservation shall not be assessed for the Noxious Weed Control Program.
SECTION 2. This ordinance takes effect January 1, 2007.
ad requirements
10 days prior. Official paper.
Publish: Wed. Oct. 25