Rhode Island House Bill H5451

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/23
• Refer: 2/8/23

Caption

Sewer Authority

Impact

The key impact of H5451 is its provisions for the apportionment of sewer assessments among property owners. By allowing the sewer authority to determine 'just and equitable' rates for assessment and user charges, the legislation aims to provide a framework to ensure that the financial burden of sewer system upkeep is shared fairly among those connected to it. Additionally, the bill accommodates the deferral of assessments for certain undeveloped parcels or those with installed On-Site Treatment Systems (OWTS), thus providing a mechanism to manage the financial implications for owners of undeveloped land until they connect to the sewer system.

Summary

House Bill 5451 pertains to the Sewer Authority in the City of Warwick, Rhode Island. This legislation aims to revise existing statutes concerning the structure and authority of the Warwick Sewer Authority, especially related to how sewer assessments and user charges are determined and collected. The bill incorporates previous legislative provisions while introducing amendments designed to clarify the authority's ability to impose assessments on property owners whose parcels abut the city’s sewer infrastructure. Essentially, property owners will be held accountable for costs associated with sewer construction and maintenance operations, underpinning the fiscal operations of the sewage works for Warwick.

Contention

Notably, while H5451 seeks to streamline the financial aspects of sewer management in Warwick, there may be contention regarding how the authority determines the rates and assessments. Concerns could arise around fairness and transparency in the decision-making process for setting these charges and who ultimately bears the financial responsibility. Since the bill also allows excess interest charges for administrative costs, scrutiny may be directed towards how these funds are managed and the rationale behind any adjustments to rates, especially during economic fluctuations that impact construction costs.