MS HB1039

Allows county boards of supervisors to consolidate rural utility districts for administrative purposes after conducting a public hearing to determine public interest.

Consolidated districts dissolve their individual boards of commissioners and transfer all records, debts, liabilities, and obligations to a new consolidated board consisting of at least five members with equal representation from each supervisor district.

Consolidated utility district commissioners must meet eligibility requirements under Section 19-5-171, and general powers and duties from Sections 19-5-151 through 19-5-207 apply to the entire consolidated area.

Expands existing consolidation authority for fire protection districts (already in Section 19-5-167) to now apply to all rural utility districts, including water, sewer, and garbage/waste collection systems.

Effective July 1, 2018.