Modifies requirements for a dissolution of a public water supply district
Impact
The new process requires that a petition for dissolution must be accompanied by a plan for settling any existing debts and obligations. This provision is crucial as it ensures fiscal responsibility in the dissolution process. Moreover, the proposed law specifies that the petition must be signed by at least one-fifth of registered voters from each subdistrict or fifty registered voters, whichever is less. The requirement of community involvement emphasizes a democratic approach to decisions affecting local governance.
Summary
Senate Bill 365 modifies the procedures for dissolving public water supply districts in Missouri. The bill repeals the existing provisions under section 247.220 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri and enacts a new section that standardizes the dissolution process. It outlines specific requirements for filing a petition for dissolution, including necessary signatories, a detailed plan for debt payment, and a cash deposit to advance costs. This change aims to streamline the process and ensure that districts can be dissolved when it is deemed in the best interest of the residents.
Conclusion
Overall, SB365 represents a significant alteration in the legal framework governing public water supply districts in Missouri. It introduces new procedural requirements and voter engagement, facilitating the evaluation and potential dissolution of these districts. This bill reflects ongoing discussions about local autonomy and effective management of public resources, positioning communities to make major decisions about their public services.
Contention
One notable point of contention revolves around the threshold for voter approval of dissolution. The bill changes the required majority for approving the dissolution from two-thirds to four-sevenths of the voters in the district. Some stakeholders may argue that this could make it easier to dissolve a district, potentially impacting water service availability. Opponents might express concerns about the implications for governance and local control in areas where residents might prefer to manage their own water supply.
A bill for an act relating to school districts, including by modifying provisions related to school district dissolution proposals and election dates for school district mergers, consolidations, or dissolutions.
Relating to elimination of the authority of certain county school districts to impose ad valorem taxes and to a procedure under which those districts may be abolished.