HB 313

Relating to Jefferson County; to levy additional stormwater fees, and to provide that the proceeds from the additional stormwater fees shall be used to retire bonds previously issued for the financing of the county sewer system, and upon retirement of the bonded debt, the funds shall be used to maintain the county sewer system.

Section 1

(a)(1) In Jefferson County, the county commission shall collect an additional stormwater fee of one dollar ($1) from or against owners of residential real property, and a fee of one half of one cent ($0.005) per square foot of commercial space on or within the real property provided that, regardless of the actual square footage of commercial space on or within the real property, the annual fee, charge, or assessment may not exceed three thousand dollars ($3,000). (2) Real property owned by the State of Alabama, a unit of state government, the county, a municipality, or a certified volunteer fire department that is used for public purposes may not be assessed the additional fees provided under this section. (3) The fees levied by this section, except as otherwise provided, shall be due and payable to the director of revenue or any other county officer or employee charged with the duty of collecting county ad valorem taxes. Any unpaid portion of the additional stormwater fee shall be a lien upon the real property for which it is imposed and shall have the same priority as a lien imposed for nonpayment of ad valorem taxes. (b) The proceeds from the additional stormwater fees shall be used to retire bonds previously issued for the financing of the county sewer system, and upon the retirement of the bonded debt, the funds shall be used to maintain the county sewer system. (c) The county commission shall provide for an audit of the proceeds received from the additional fee two years after the effective date of this act, and the sewer rate shall be reduced commensurate with the percentage increase of the proceeds received from the additional stormwater fees.

Section 2

This act shall become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.