MS SB2898

Extends the automatic repeal date from July 1, 2022 to July 1, 2023 for a program allowing municipalities with populations of 150,000 or more to address disputed or delinquent water and sewer customer accounts

Municipalities participating in the program may compromise debts in cases of municipal error (equipment failure, billing failure, extreme weather events) or when customer balances are reasonably judged uncollectible

Allows installment payment plans for customers with uncollectible debt, with remaining balances moved to a special accounting category for uncollectible accounts if the customer fulfills the plan terms

Requires participating utilities to report to state officials by January 1, 2022 on revenue collection, uncollectible accounts, installment plan participation, and plans to reduce future billing failures

Authorizes the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff to enter professional services contracts to support the program, with the municipal utility reimbursing up to $200,000 over the program's duration