Rhode Island House Bill H7092

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/22
• Refer: 1/12/22

Caption

Sewer Authority

Impact

The proposed changes are designed to streamline the funding and maintenance of the sewer system by establishing a uniform method of assessment. Property owners whose parcels are connected to the sewage system will be subject to user charges that are assessed annually based on their water consumption. Additionally, the authority can also defer assessments for undeveloped properties under certain conditions, which aims to incentivize development while still collecting necessary funds through assessments at a later date.

Summary

House Bill H7092 relates to the authority governing sewage systems in the City of Warwick. The bill amends prior legislation governing the Warwick Sewer Authority, primarily focusing on the authority's power to charge sewer assessments and user fees for services rendered to property owners. It seeks to ensure that these costs are equitable and reflect the actual construction and operational expenses of the sewage system. This is achieved by allowing the authority to set rates based on various factors, including frontage along highways and water usage.

Conclusion

Overall, H7092 aims to reform the financial structure of the Warwick Sewer Authority. By clarifying the processes for charging assessments and user fees and adjusting the financial implications for local residents, the bill attempts to foster a more manageable and equitable sewer system funding model. The success of these reforms will depend on stakeholder engagement, transparency in decision-making, and the authority's ability to adapt to future changes in municipal needs.

Contention

One notable point of contention within the discussions surrounding H7092 is the proposed maximum rate for excess interest charges that can be applied. The bill reduces this rate from 1.25% to 0.5%, with the intention that any excess funds collected would only be used for administrative purposes. Some stakeholders may be concerned about the implications of these changes on property owners' financial responsibilities, particularly if there is a lack of transparency in how rates are determined or changes made.