HB483 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

David StandridgeRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Water works boards, serving counties other than co., where organized, additional board members, term, compensation, coverage by Ethics Law, notice and hearing regarding rate increases

Summary

HB483 would add an extra board member to certain municipal water boards serving four or more counties, set term and pay limits, require ethics and open meetings compliance, and introduce rate-change notice and water-withdrawal fees.

What This Bill Does

It applies to municipal water boards that serve four or more counties beyond the main county. It creates an additional board seat appointed by the county where the authorizing municipality is located, plus one additional seat from each other county served, with residency and customer requirements. It limits terms to two full terms, caps compensation at $500 per month, makes board members subject to the State Ethics Law, and requires notice and a public hearing before any rate increase. It also makes the board follow the Open Meetings Act and imposes a withdrawal fee payable to counties when large amounts of water are taken from the system.

Who It Affects

• Municipal water works boards that serve customers in four or more counties (the board composition and governance rules would change).
• County commissions in counties where the board operates (they would appoint additional board members).
• Board members and their staff (subject to term limits, compensation limits, and ethics/open meetings rules).
• Water customers in areas served by the board (rate increases would require advance notice and a public hearing).
• Counties receiving water withdrawals (counties would receive a withdrawal fee from the board).

Key Provisions

• Applies to municipal water works boards serving four or more counties beyond the principal county.
• Adds one board member appointed by the county where the authorizing municipality is located; this member cannot be a resident of that municipality.
• Adds one additional board member from each other county served; must be a resident and a water customer in the service area; serves a four-year term.
• All board members may serve at most two full terms; vacancies fill remaining term.
• Board compensation and expenses are capped at $500 per month; no other compensation combinations allowed.
• Board members and employees are subject to the State Ethics Law.
• Rate increases require at least 30 days' notice and a public hearing before voting on the increase.
• Board is subject to the Alabama Open Meetings Act.
• If more than 25 million gallons per day are withdrawn, the board must pay a withdrawal fee to the counties at 5 cents per 1,000 gallons.
• Conflicting laws repealed; act becomes effective immediately after passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Water and Sewer Systems