Relating to sewer service by establishing a maximum rate increase charged by governmental entities

This bill creates a maximum yearly increase allowed for sewer rates charged by counties, cities, and intergovernmental sewer services. _____ percentage increase of the consumer price index for the midwest region, whichever is lower. The bill excludes increases to rates and charges planned prior to July 1, 2025, for repayment of debt incurred before July 1, 2025, from the increase limits. The bill provides that if rate and charge increases exceed the limits, the increased rate or charge shall be effective at the start of the budget year. The relevant authority shall direct the county commissioner of elections to submit to the registered voters of the jurisdiction at the next general election the question of whether to accept the increased rate or charge by the proposed amount. The result of the election shall take effect immediately upon certification. If the question fails, all rates and charges paid by customers for sewer services exceeding the limits required by the bill from the beginning of the current budget year until the certification of the general election shall be refunded by January following the general election.