Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 85.38.210 — Consolidation of contiguous districts — Procedures., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 85.38.210. Consolidation of contiguous districts — Procedures.
Two or more special districts that are contiguously located with each other, or which occupy all or part of the same territory, may consolidate as provided in this section. The consolidation shall result in the creation of a flood control district.
A consolidation may be initiated by: (1) The filing of a petition requesting the action that is signed by eligible voters of each special district who constitute at least ten percent of the eligible voters of the special district, or who own at least a majority of the acreage in the special district; or (2) the adoption of a resolution requesting such action by the governing body of each special district. The petitions shall be filed with, and the resolutions shall be submitted to, the county legislative authority of the county within which all or the largest portion of the special districts is located. The auditor of the county, or auditors of the counties, within which these districts are located shall authenticate the signatures on the petitions and certify the results. An election to authorize the consolidation shall be held not more than one hundred eighty days after the date of the filing of the resolutions, or the determination that sufficient valid signatures are included on the petition from the voters of each of the special districts.
The consolidation shall be authorized if voters in each of the special districts approve a ballot proposition favoring the consolidation by a simple majority vote. Members of the governing body of the consolidated special district shall be selected as provided in RCW
85.38.070 for a newly created special district and the consolidation shall be effective when these initial members of the governing body are so appointed.
All moneys, rights, property, assets and liabilities of the consolidating special districts shall vest in and become the obligation of the new consolidated special district, except that any indebtedness of a consolidating special district shall remain an indebtedness of the original consolidating special district and lands within the original consolidating special district. The governing body of the new consolidated special district shall impose special assessments on lands in the original consolidating special district to redeem this indebtedness. However, the new consolidated special district may issue funding or refunding bonds or notes and fund or refund such indebtedness. The new consolidated special district may continue imposing special assessments pursuant to the various systems of assessment used by the original consolidating special districts, or may establish a new system or systems of assessment in all or part of the new consolidated special district to finance its operations.
Notes
Severability—1986 c 278: See note following RCW
36.01.010.
Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 85.38.210
What does Revised Code of Washington § 85.38.210 cover?
Section 85.38.210 ("Consolidation of contiguous districts — Procedures.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Washington § 85.38.210?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 85.38.210" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Washington law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.
How does Washington § 85.38.210 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.
