MS HB204

Amends Mississippi Code Section 19-5-92.1 to authorize county boards of supervisors to work on natural and man-made drainage structures, including conduits, in addition to existing authority over streams and water courses.

Allows counties to incur costs for labor, materials, and supplies to clean, clear, and maintain drainage ditches, creeks, channels, and conduits, and to prevent erosion of such structures.

Requires counties performing work on private property to make written findings that the work promotes public health and safety, provide written notice to affected property owners, obtain no written objections within a reasonable period, and provide culverts or bridges for landowner access unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Requires counties to reimburse landowners for all damages or injuries resulting from county-performed work under this section.

Allows counties to levy additional taxes for authorized drainage work only after adopting a resolution, publishing notice for three consecutive weeks, and obtaining approval from either the board or three-fifths of qualified county electors if 15% or 2,500 electors (whichever is less) petition against the levy.