Mississippi House Bill HB1789

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/23
• Refer: 3/1/23
• Failed: 4/1/23

Caption

Tunica County Utility District; authorize to set its own rates for water and sewer services.

Impact

The mandate set forth by HB 1789 impacts state laws concerning regulatory authority over utility rates, particularly eliminating the need for the Utility District to abide by state commission regulations that could delay rate setting and adjustments. Supporters of the bill argue it will facilitate quicker, more responsive management of public utilities and could potentially lead to better service provisions. The bill includes provisions for the formation of water districts and fire protection districts in areas lacking sufficient services, laying the groundwork for comprehensive development in under-served areas.

Summary

House Bill 1789, introduced in the Mississippi Legislature, amends existing local and private laws to empower the Tunica County Utility District to set its own rates for water and sewer services without adhering to the regulatory oversight of the Public Service Commission. This bill is reflective of a significant shift towards local autonomy in setting utility rates, which proponents claim would enhance operational efficiencies and improve service delivery for residents in Tunica County. The ability to independently manage rates allows the Utility District to be more adaptive to local conditions and needs that state oversight may overlook.

Contention

Notably, the bill presents points of contention surrounding local governance and accountability. While proponents highlight the benefits of local decision-making, critics express concerns regarding the potential lack of consumer protections that typically accompany oversight from the Public Service Commission. There are fears that without these checks, residents may face unregulated price hikes or substandard service, especially in economically disadvantaged zones. Additionally, there are implications regarding the ability of the Board of Supervisors of Tunica County to tax or impose special assessments for funding related to water and sewer services, raising questions about equitable cost distribution among residents.