MI HB5178

Municipal water or sewage systems serving more than 40% of the state's population must be audited annually by an independent auditor designated by the legislative auditor general.

Audit results must be made public in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act and submitted to each served city, village, township, and the legislature by December 1 of each year.

Systems must hold at least one public hearing at least 120 days before implementing a proposed rate increase, with notice published in daily newspapers and mailed to served municipalities at least 30 days prior.

A final vote on rate increases cannot occur until public hearings are concluded and results are considered by the city's governing body, except for rates necessary for debt retirement under bond obligations.

Systems must bill each customer on a regular basis as determined by the city, regardless of whether the customer's account is current or delinquent; bill takes effect 90 days after enactment.