HB 1684 Summary

• Creates the Lafayette County Utility Authority as a public body corporate with power to acquire, construct, operate and maintain natural gas, solid waste, storm water, water and wastewater systems throughout Lafayette County.

• Establishes a 7-member board of directors appointed by the Mayor of Oxford (1), Chancellor of University of Mississippi (1), and Board of Supervisors (5), with directors serving 5-year terms after initial staggered terms and receiving per diem but no salary.

• Authorizes the authority to enter into contracts with public agencies and private entities for utility services, lease or purchase systems, establish rates and fees, and acquire property through eminent domain (except systems under Mississippi Public Service Commission certificates).

• Grants the authority power to issue revenue bonds and interim notes up to 40-year terms, payable from pledged revenues, without constituting state debt and exempt from Public Service Commission rate jurisdiction.

• Permits existing utility operators holding Public Service Commission certificates to transfer their powers, duties and assets to the authority through joint petition and commission approval, subject to finding such transfer is in the public interest.