Mississippi Senate Bill SB3180

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/22
• Refer: 3/3/22
• Failed: 4/5/22

Caption

City of Oxford; authorize expansion of water system within a certain distance outside corporate limits.

Impact

The bill modifies existing legislation by allowing the city to extend its water services beyond its corporate limits, which traditionally would have been restricted. This change acknowledges the growing needs of outlying communities that may lack adequate public utility services. Furthermore, customers outside the city limits cannot be charged more than twice the rate charged to residents within Oxford, ensuring some level of affordability for these services.

Summary

Senate Bill 3180 authorizes the governing authorities of the City of Oxford, Mississippi, to expand its water system up to eight miles outside the city limits. This expansion is specifically intended to serve the Punkin Water Association. The bill aims to improve access to water services for residents outside the municipality, thereby potentially increasing the quality of life and health standards in that area.

Contention

While proponents of SB3180 see the expansion as a necessary step to enhance community health and safety by providing reliable water services, there may be concerns regarding the financial implications for the City of Oxford. Critics could argue about the regulations governing water service rates and the potential burden on the city's resources as it extends services beyond its traditional jurisdiction. The bill does not exempt the city from existing regulations regarding water service provision, indicating that there are still checks on how this expansion should be managed.