MS HB1227

Reconstitutes the Jackson County Utility Authority board from seven (7) to nine (9) directors effective July 1, 2016.

Appoints directors as follows: one each from City of Pascagoula (2-year term), City of Moss Point (2-year term), City of Ocean Springs (3-year term), City of Gautier (3-year term), and five (5) from the Board of Supervisors of Jackson County representing unincorporated areas (3-year terms).

Requires that any director removal must be approved by a vote of seven (7) of the nine (9) directors after providing the director an opportunity for a hearing, with the appointing authority having 15 days to replace the removed director.

Mandates that the Board of Supervisors of Jackson County must approve any budget implementation or changes to rates and fees before the authority may implement them.

Effective date is July 1, 2016.