71.715. Sewerage service charges may be imposed, how collected--use of proceeds.
Sewerage service charges may be imposed, how collected--use ofproceeds.
71.715. 1. The governing body of any municipality which hasprovided common sewers may by ordinance establish just andequitable charges or rents for the use of the sewers to be paidby persons who discharge sewage into the common sewers of themunicipality. Any ordinance adopted under this section shallbecome effective upon its approval by a majority of the votescast thereon.
2. Any municipality adopting an ordinance under this sectionmay fix the charges or rentals for sewerage services on the basisof the amount of water used by each consumer within themunicipality. If the municipality provides water to residentswithin the municipality the amount of the charges or rentals maybe collected by adding the amount thereof to the charges forwater. If the water is not supplied by the municipality, themunicipality may
(1) Impose upon any person providing water within themunicipality the duty of collecting and remitting to themunicipality the charges or rentals for sewerage service and mayprescribe penalties for the failure to make the collections andremittances; provided, however, that in such case the city shallreimburse the person for all expense (including, but not limitedto, overheads, use of equipment, personnel and office space)incurred in collecting and remitting the charges of rentals. Thereimbursements shall be made every three months, or
(2) Collect its own charges or rentals on the basis of theamount of water used by each consumer, in which case it is theduty of the person providing water within the municipality tofurnish the municipality such information as is necessary for itto calculate its charges for sewerage service.
3. All charges and rentals collected under any ordinanceadopted under this section shall be deposited by the municipalityinto a special fund and shall be used only for the purpose ofacquiring, constructing, improving, extending and maintainingmunicipal sewers and sewerage treatment plants with allappurtenances necessary, useful and convenient for thecollection, treatment, purification and disposal in a sanitarymanner of the liquid and solid waste, sewage and domestic andindustrial waste of the municipality. The rentals and charges inthe special fund may be permitted to accumulate until amountsnecessary for any sewer or sewerage treatment plant projectplanned by the municipality are available.
(L. 1961 p. 188 § 1, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971)