IMMEDIATE ADOPTION
Number
151555
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. HAMILTON, MURPHY AND BAUMAN
Title
Resolution directing the Department of Administration - Intergovernmental Relations Division to oppose Wisconsin Assembly Bill 554/Senate Bill 432, relating to the sale of municipal water or sewer utilities to out-of-state, investor-owned entities.
Analysis
Under current state law, a Wisconsin municipality may sell or lease a water or sewer utility to an in-state investor-owned entity, another municipality or a regional government entity only after the municipality passes an ordinance or resolution authorizing the sale, submits a proposal to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission, and holds a referendum.
Wisconsin Assembly Bill 554/Senate Bill 432 would curtail the referendum requirement if the sale or lease of a municipal water or sewer utility is to an investor-owned entity and would allow the sale or lease of a water or sewer utility to an out-of-state company.
This resolution directs the Intergovernmental Relations Division of the Department of Administration to actively oppose passage of this legislation.
Body
Whereas, Under current state law, a Wisconsin municipality may sell or lease their water or sewer utility to an in-state investor-owned company, another municipality or a regional government entity only after the municipality passes an ordinance or resolution authorizing the sale and submits a proposal to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC); and
Whereas, Currently, regardless of the purchaser, a referendum is required to be held on the proposed sale or lease of a municipal water utility; and
Whereas, Currently, a referendum may only occur after the PSC has determined that the interests of the municipality and its residents would be best served by the sale or lease, and has fixed the price and other terms of the transaction; and
Whereas, Under Wisconsin Assembly Bill 554/Senate Bill 432, the sale or lease of a municip...
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