West Virginia Senate Bill SB662

West Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/22
• Refer: 2/17/22
• Engrossed: 3/1/22
• Refer: 3/2/22
• Enrolled: 3/11/22
• Passed: 3/12/22
• Chaptered: 4/20/22

Caption

Relating to creation, expansion, and authority of resort area district

Impact

The enactment of SB662 will modernize and streamline the processes involved in establishing resort area districts, impacting local governance and economic development. The bill enables districts to implement service assessments for specific projects, which can cover a broad range of community services from road maintenance to recreational facilities. It clarifies conditions under which property owners can petition for new districts or expansions of existing ones, essentially empowering communities to better manage local development while providing necessary services funded through assessments.

Summary

Senate Bill 662 proposes significant modifications to the Code of West Virginia concerning resort area districts. The bill focuses on allowing for the creation and expansion of these districts, which are geographic areas that derive a major portion of their economy from tourism and recreation. Key amendments include updated definitions, refined petition procedures for the creation and expansion of districts, and provisions for the governance of resort area boards. The legislation also allows board members to receive reasonable compensation for their service, fostering a more structured governance approach.

Sentiment

While supporters of the bill argue that it will enhance local economic viability by providing a clear framework for managing resort areas, some critics express concern that it may shift too much control from local governments to district boards. The sentiment is mixed, with proponents emphasizing the need for functional management of resort areas and detractors cautioning against potential overreach in district governance, particularly regarding financial assessments imposed on property owners.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention around SB662 involves the provisions for service assessments, which allow districts to charge property owners for infrastructure and services. Critics worry that this may lead to increased financial burdens on local residents, particularly those who are already financially vulnerable. Additionally, the governance structure with board appointments raises concerns about transparency and the inclusiveness of diverse local interests in decision-making. The balance between enhancing local governance through the formation of districts and protecting property owners' rights remains a central theme of the discussions surrounding this bill.