Connecticut Senate Bill SB00764

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/11
• Refer: 1/25/11
• Refer: 3/23/11
• Report Pass: 3/25/11
• Refer: 4/7/11
• Report Pass: 4/13/11
• Refer: 4/21/11
• Report Pass: 4/27/11
• Refer: 5/5/11
• Report Pass: 5/10/11
• Report Pass: 5/11/11
• Engrossed: 6/2/11
• Report Pass: 6/3/11
• Chaptered: 6/28/11
• Enrolled: 6/30/11
• Passed: 7/13/11

Caption

An Act Concerning The Mattabassett District.

Impact

The bill introduces significant changes in how the Mattabassett District operates financially, particularly in relation to bond issuance. It allows the district to issue bonds secured by the full faith and credit of the involved municipalities, making it easier to finance sewerage system projects. Additionally, it enumerates how service charges from sewerage systems will be structured and used, which could influence local tax revenues and financial responsibilities. This restructuring is intended to enhance the operational efficiency of the sewerage system while also promoting responsible fiscal management within the district.

Summary

Senate Bill 764, also known as the Act Concerning The Mattabassett District, aims to amend several provisions related to the governance and financial operations of the Mattabassett District, which comprises the cities and towns of New Britain, Berlin, Cromwell, and Middletown. This bill facilitates the admission of additional municipalities into the district, specifically outlining the financial obligations required for their entry. It also details how the board of directors should be structured in terms of representation based on the population of each municipality, thereby ensuring adequate and equitable representation for the constituents involved.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 764 appears to be generally positive, with supporters emphasizing its proactive approach to ensuring effective governance and financial support for the sewerage system and its users. However, there may be concerns among residents about potential increases in service charges, as well as the implications of adding new members to the district and how that affects existing municipalities. The focus on structured representation aims to alleviate these concerns by promoting local input within the governance of the district.

Contention

One noteworthy point of contention is the financial obligation imposed on new municipalities wishing to join the Mattabassett District, outlined as a capital payment of 13 million dollars. Critics may argue this steep requirement could deter smaller or financially strapped municipalities from joining, thus limiting the ability of the district to expand and collaborate on regional sewerage management. Furthermore, the representation formula based on population raises questions about the political dynamics within the board of directors, potentially leading to debates over equity among municipalities.