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Senate advances bill allowing Department of Health fee increases up to 33.333% over three years
Summary
House Bill 814 authorizes the Mississippi Department of Health to raise fees for wastewater programs, water supplies and food establishments incrementally over three years not to exceed a total of 33.333%. Senators questioned which entities would bear the costs and whether those regulated supported the change; the bill passed after a recorded roll call.
The Mississippi Senate advanced House Bill 814, a measure authorizing the Department of Health to increase selected fees for wastewater programs, water supplies and food establishments incrementally over the next three fiscal years. Sponsor Senator Bridal said the total increase would not exceed 33.333 percent and framed the bill as a revenue measure aimed at ensuring the department has sufficient funds to maintain inspection programs.
"There will be increased 3 times over the next 3 years, not to exceed a total of 33.333 percent," Senator Bridal said during floor discussion. He said current fees are not covering inspection costs and that affected businesses and operators supported increasing fees so the Department can fund ongoing inspections.
Senator Dupree pressed for specifics about which ratepayers would be affected and whether municipalities or individual on-site wastewater systems were included. "And so are they saying then that they don't have, the department didn't have enough revenue to do what sufficiently what they need to do as far as Department is not getting sufficient general fund revenue?" Dupree asked.
Senator Bridal responded that some on-site wastewater disposal systems and private operators would be affected and that the existing fees "are not covering the cost of this service and is having to be supplemented by general funds." The sponsor said shifting more of the inspection cost to fee payers could free up general funds for other priorities.
The Senate used a morning roll call at the sponsor's request. The clerk recorded a number of "no" votes; the clerk announced that although 12 senators voted "no," the bill still passed under the chamber's requirements. No amendments were adopted on the floor during the exchange.
The bill now moves forward under the calendar; officials and stakeholders who backed the measure said it would allow the Department of Health to sustain inspection programs without increasing reliance on general fund appropriations.
