Should SB 589 be enacted, it would amend existing state regulations governing public utilities, specifically those applicable to wastewater services. By allowing municipalities to charge additional fees to customers outside their borders, the bill facilitates inter-municipal agreements that can help in funding the improvement and maintenance of sewer systems. This financial flexibility is particularly important as cities work to upgrade aging infrastructure and meet modern environmental standards.
Summary
Senate Bill 589, titled 'Relative to wastewater surcharges', introduces provisions for the collection of a limited surcharge on wastewater services. This bill aims to allow municipalities to impose a surcharge on customers outside their municipal boundaries for sewer services, which may be up to 15% higher than the rate charged to in-municipality customers. The intent is to provide municipalities with a means to enhance their sewer systems and address funding needs without overburdening local taxpayers.
Contention
While supporters argue that this bill empowers local governments to generate necessary funding for essential services, critics may raise concerns about the fairness of imposing higher costs on out-of-town customers. There might also be unease regarding the potential inequity among residents who live in close proximity to municipal boundaries versus those who are further away, as well as how these charges might affect low-income households outside city limits. Depending on how surcharges are implemented and communicated, there could be contention over transparency and accountability in how these funds are utilized.
Relative to least cost integrated resource plans of utilities; municipal hosts for purposes of limited electrical energy producers; the cost of compliance with disclosure of electric renewable portfolio standards; repealing the energy efficiency and sustainable energy board; and procedures for energy facility siting by the site evaluation committee.
Relative to a report by the department of energy on the effectiveness of the system benefits charge and relative to surface water setbacks for landfills and relative to water quality.