Session Laws

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

Chapter 466 of the acts of 1910 is hereby amended by striking out sections 15 and 16 and inserting in place thereof the following two sections:-

Section 15. Said town shall, after purchasing or taking the said franchise and corporate property, as provided in this act, at a legal meeting called for the purpose elect by ballot three persons to hold office, one until the expiration of three years, one until the expiration of two years and one until the expiration of one year from the next succeeding annual town meeting, to constitute a board of water and sewer commissioners; and at each annual town meeting thereafter one such commissioner shall be elected by ballot for the term of three years. All the authority granted to the said town by this act and not otherwise specifically provided for shall be vested in said water and sewer commissioners, who shall be subject however to such instructions, rules and regulations as the town may impose by its vote. A majority of said commissioners shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Any vacancy occurring in the board for any cause may be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by the town at any legal town meeting called for the purpose. Any such vacancy may be filled temporarily by a majority vote of the selectmen, and the person so appointed shall hold office until the town fills the vacancy in the manner provided herein.

Section 16. Said commissioners shall fix just and equitable prices and rates for the use of water and sewers, and shall prescribe the time and manner of payment. The income of the water works and the operation of the sewers shall be applied to defraying all operating expenses, interest charges and payments on the principal as they accrue upon any bonds, notes or scrip issued under authority of this act. If there should be a net surplus remaining after providing for the aforesaid charges it shall be used for such new construction as the water commissioners may determine upon, and in case a surplus should remain after payment for such new construction, the water rates shall be reduced proportionately. No money shall be expended in new construction by said commissioners except from the net surplus aforesaid, unless the town appropriates and provides money therefor. Said commissioners shall annually, and as often as the town may require, render a report upon the condition of the works under their charge, and an account of their doings, including an account of receipts and expenditures.