SB485 Summary

• Creates water supply reservoir watershed management authorities as public corporations to protect and sustain water quality of reservoirs and their watersheds.

• Authorizes formation by petition of three or more residents to county commissions, with county commission approval based on demonstrated public need for such authority.

• Establishes governance by a board of directors with members appointed by county commissions, city councils of county seats, and water systems purchasing from the reservoir, with a cap on new director positions after December 31, 2016.

• Grants authorities powers including acquiring land, holding permits, constructing infrastructure, borrowing money, entering contracts, adopting watershed management plans, and conducting water quality monitoring.

• Allows authority employees to participate in the state employees' retirement system and health insurance program, and exempts authority property from state, county, and local taxation.