May. 16, 2016
HARRISBURG – Taxpayers would have a say in the potential sale or lease of municipal-owned sewer or water systems under legislation passed by the House today, said Rep. Kate Harper (R-Montgomery).
House Bill 1956 would require municipalities to host public meetings when officials are considering selling or leasing a sewer or water system.
“There are often good reasons for a municipality to sell a water or sewer system, but there can be negative impacts for the consumers,” Harper said. “Since this generally involves quite a bit of money and is a significant asset of a local government, I think the people affected by the decision should have notice of an impending sale and the opportunity to ask questions and give their opinions.”
To ensure people have that opportunity, Harper’s bill requires local government entities to hold at least one public meeting to discuss the potential sale or lease of a sewer or water system. Notice of this meeting must be published once a week for two consecutive weeks before the meeting is held in every municipality served by the sewer and water system. The notice also must be posted not more than 60 days nor fewer than seven days prior to agreeing to the sale or lease of the water or sewer system.
The requirement would apply to all types of local governments, including cities, counties, townships, boroughs, incorporated towns, home rule municipalities, optional plan municipalities or optional charter municipalities.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Representative Kate Harper
61st District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rep. Harper’s Blue Bell Office
610.277.3230
KateHarper.net /
Facebook.com/RepKateHarper
kharper@pahousegop.com