Letter Opinion 1970 No. 148

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                                                               November 17, 1970
 
 
 
Honorable Norman B. Ackley
State Representative, 31st District
9641 15th Avenue S.W.
Seattle, Washington
                                                                                                             Cite as:  AGLO 1970 No. 148
 
 
Dear Sir:
 
            We are in receipt of your recent letter requesting our opinion as to whether the state auditor has the power and/or the duty to audit and inspect the books of the Association of Washington Cities.
 
                                                                     ANALYSIS
 
            This question has previously been considered in a memorandum opinion to the state auditor, dated August 28, 1969, copy of which we are enclosing herewith.  See, in particular, pages 10 and 11 of this opinion ‑ and note the distinction drawn therein between those associations of municipalities which, themselves, constitute either state agencies (by statutory definition) or are to be regarded as extensions of the participating municipalities themselves, and those associations which are, essentially, private organizations to which the participating municipalities merely pay dues or contractual payments for services rendered.  Under the present statutes, we regard the Association of Washington Cities as falling within the second of these two categories; accordingly, the funds of this association are no longer public or municipal funds, within the meaning of RCW 43.09.050 (3), and it does not constitute either a state agency or a municipal corporation for the purposes of RCW 43.09.290-43.09.330 or RCW 43.09.260.
 
            It is hoped that the foregoing will be of assistance to you.
 
Very truly yours,
 
FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
 
 
Philip H. Austin
Assistant Attorney General