Relates to the fixing and collecting of rates and charges by the Cayuga county water and sewer authority

2 Co-sponsors

• Gary Finch
• Robert Oaks

BILL NUMBER:A9466A

Title of bill

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to the fixing and collecting of rates and charges by the Cayuga county water and sewer authority

Purpose

To allow the Cayuga County Water and Sewer Authority (CCWSA) to place a lien on the real property of individuals who are in arrears on their water and/or sewerage payments..

Summary of provisions

This bill stipulates that no rates or charges shall be changed until a public hearing is held with no less than 14 days notice to customers either by mail or publication in a newspaper having general circulation within the bounds of the authority. Notice will include date, time and place of hearing and also a brief description of matters to be considered at meeting. A copy of the notice shall be available for inspection by the public. At the hearing, interested persons shall have an opportunity to be heard concerning matters under consideration. Any decisions by the authority regarding matters discussed at the hearing shall be in writing and available for public inspection during regular business hours,

A lien shall be placed upon the real property for, any unpaid rates, fees or other charges for the facilities, services or commodities provided by the Authority. Any such lien shall take precedence over all other liens or encumbrances, except taxes or assessments. The treasurer of the Authority shall prepare a list of those properties in arrears. The County Legislature shall publish the list in a separate column in the annual tax rolls of the county under the heading "water charge" or "sewer disposal charge". When collected, the amount due. will be paid to the treasurer of the Authority; penalties and interest will become part of the general funds of the county.

Justification

Unpaid water and sewer charges for districts can be relevied on the tax bill. Currently, the CCW&SA has no power to relevy. This creates collection problems when water and sewer systems are transferred from a district to CCW&SA. It is particularly acute for sewer since there is no practical way to temporarily shut off sewer services to a non-paying customer. Shutting off sewer service can render a building uninhabitable. Not all sewer customers are else CCW&SA water customers, so shutting off water is not sufficient.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Immediately.