MO HB143

Allows third-class cities with 19,001-21,000 residents in charter-form counties with 200,001-350,000 residents to create a utility board with authority to review and establish rates and fees for sanitary sewer, storm water, trash, and other utility services.

Utility board consists of 5-7 members appointed by the mayor and confirmed by city council, serving staggered five-year terms; members must be registered Missouri voters and city residents.

Utility board must hold at least one public hearing advertised in a newspaper not less than 15 days prior before establishing or amending any utility rates or fees.

Mayor, one city council member, and designated city staff may serve as nonvoting members of the utility board, with all city departments required to provide necessary information to the board.

City council may alternatively create a public nonprofit utility corporation with a board appointed under the same process, granted powers of sanitary sewer districts under chapters 204 and 249, with authority to hire staff, purchase equipment, and contract for services.