GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2011

H                                                                                                                                                   2

HOUSE BILL 925

Committee Substitute Favorable 5/26/11

Short Title:        LRC Study Metropolitan Sewerage/Water System.	(Public)
Sponsors:
Referred to:

May 5, 2011

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT to Direct the legislative research commission to study whether the efficiency of providing water and sewer services can be improved by requiring large cities located entirely within a METROPOLITAN sewerage DISTRICT to convey their water system to that district which can then operate both water and sewer.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  The Legislative Research Commission shall study whether requiring large cities that have a municipal water system and that are located entirely within a Metropolitan Sewerage District to convey that water system to the district will improve the efficiency of providing public services. The Commission shall specifically examine House Bill 925, First Edition, 2011 Regular Session, and the following issues:

(1)        Financial stability of the current independent systems on a historic basis and the anticipated financial stability of a combined system.

(2)        Cost-benefit analysis of a combined system, including a review of assets and liabilities; personnel needs; equipment and infrastructure replacement schedules; facilities leased and owned; and fee schedules.

(3)        Debt obligation.

(4)        Taxpayer investments in the systems.

(5)        Audit of current financials.

(6)        Comparative analysis of the current system to existing public and private systems.

(7)        Conservation and water efficiency practices.

(8)        Best management practices.

(9)        The disposition of property in Article 12 of Chapter 160A of the General Statutes  as it relates to a conveyance of a water system.

(10)      The transfer of permits when a water system is conveyed.

(11)      Any local acts applicable to the city or metropolitan sewerage district.

(12)      Other items the Commission deems relevant to the study.

SECTION 2.  The Legislative Research Commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the 2012 Regular Session of the 2011 General Assembly prior to its convening.

SECTION 3.  The Legislative Services Officer shall allocate funds appropriated to the General Assembly for the expenditures of the Legislative Services Commission in conducting this study.

SECTION 4.  This act is effective when it becomes law.