HB 5457 Summary

• Replaces the Representative Advisory Board with the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments, which assumes all previous board responsibilities and serves as the appointing authority for the Southeastern Connecticut Water Authority.

• Increases Council oversight by requiring it to meet biannually to review authority activities and quarterly to review financial conditions, and grants it authority to select the certified public accountant for annual audits.

• Allows Council members to serve on the Water Authority board and requires Water Authority members to be appointed by majority vote of the Council with two-thirds attendance quorum for three-year terms.

• Requires Council approval for Water Authority contracts exceeding $100,000, bond issuances, rate-setting decisions, cooperative agreements, and grant acceptance.

• Appropriates $100,000 to the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments for administrative costs, legal services, and organizational purposes upon the act's effective date.