Bill > H2238

This bill requires the Massachusetts State Auditor to conduct comprehensive audits of cities and towns that include certain costs in their water and sewer service assessments, with these audits to be performed at least every three years. The audits will have a broad scope, examining not only the financial charges and expenses related to water and sewer services, but also conducting a detailed staffing analysis to verify that the majority of employees' time is genuinely spent on water and sewer services rather than unrelated municipal work. The legislation appears aimed at ensuring rate fairness and transparency by providing oversight of how municipalities calculate and charge for water and sewer services, potentially protecting ratepayers from being billed for costs not directly associated with these essential utility services. The bill amends an existing law from 1984 that was previously modified in 1993, adding a new section to provide this additional layer of financial scrutiny and accountability for local water and sewer service assessments.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2238