A bill pending before the state Legislature would make the free-standing King County Ferry District a part of county government.

County Councilmember Joe McDermott, who chairs the ferry district’s board, said he supports the move. “It’s more efficient to have it part of the county,” he said.

The move could save $200,000 a year, he said, funds that would go toward expanding service. The property tax currently earmarked for the ferry district — one-third of one cents per $1,000 of assessed value — would remain in place under the legislation, he added.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon and seven other House members, stands a strong chance of passing, McDermott said. Similar legislation was attempted last year.

“I expect it to progress well,” McDermott said.