Municipalities; extend repealer on authority to create program addressing delinquent customer water bills.
The changes brought forth by HB263 will positively affect municipalities’ capacity to handle water and sewer service discrepancies. By extending the statutory authority, cities will be able to implement programs that allow for more flexible payment options for customers experiencing financial hardship, including the potential for installment plans for overdue balances. This could enhance municipal revenue recovery while offering assistance to residents who may struggle with full payment amounts due to unforeseen circumstances.
House Bill 263, introduced by Representative Roberson, amends Section 21-27-77 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to extend the date of the repealer on the statute that grants authority to municipalities with populations of 150,000 or more to establish programs addressing disputed and delinquent water and sewer customer accounts. This amendment seeks to ensure that municipalities can continue to manage these accounts effectively without the looming deadline for the program's termination.
If implemented, this bill stands to offer municipalities operational continuity in managing delinquent water and sewer accounts, which could ultimately lead to improved customer relations and financial outcomes for local governments. The ongoing authority supports an essential aspect of local governance, ensuring that communities can tailor their approaches in a manner that aligns with their unique socio-economic landscapes.
As this bill primarily serves to extend existing provisions, it has generally met with less contention than entirely new legislative proposals. However, some discussions may arise regarding the implications of continued authority for municipalities to address billing failures and questionable collections. Critics could express concerns regarding how such leniency might affect the financial stability of municipal utilities and accountability standards for billing practices.