OH HB635

Creates a Water and Sewer Fund in the state treasury to provide advances to public entities for water and sewer line extensions on agricultural land where assessment collection is deferred or prohibited.

Establishes a seven-member Water and Sewer Commission attached to the Ohio Water Development Authority to administer the fund, consisting of state agency directors and three governor-appointed members representing industry, farming, and the public.

Allows county commissioners and other public entities to apply for advances from the fund to cover costs of water/sewer improvements when assessments cannot be collected from agricultural property owners, with repayment required when assessments are eventually collected.

Creates a 2% administrative fee on advances, paid into a separate Water and Sewer Administrative Fund to cover commission operating costs.

Prioritizes fund advances for industrial development, followed by commercial and residential development, with assessments on agricultural land deferred until property use changes or is withdrawn from agricultural districts.