Relating to solid waste collection and disposal by establishing a maximum rate increase charged by governmental entities and creating a property tax rebate for service charges

_____ cities, and intergovernmental solid waste collection and disposal services. The bill sets the maximum increase of solid waste collection and disposal services rates and charges at percent more than the aggregate of rates and charges from the previous budget year or the 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 solid waste collection and disposal 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. Additionally, if the question fails, the rates and charges for solid waste collection and disposal services shall immediately be reduced to percent more than the aggregate of rates and charges from the previous budget year or the percentage increase of the consumer price index for the midwest region, whichever is lower. The bill also creates a property tax rebate for real property owners who opt out of solid waste collection and disposal services provided by a governmental entity if the governmental entity does not charge fees for solid waste services and provides relevant information concerning the application and the payment time frame. _____ property taxes were allocated to the costs of solid waste services. To obtain this rebate, the real property owner must submit an application to the relevant authority that provides information relating to its alternative solid waste collection and disposal service provider, along with other information deemed necessary by the department of revenue.