SENATE BILL 496

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2011

INTRODUCED BY

Bernadette M. Sanchez

AN ACT

RELATING TO MUNICIPALITIES; AMENDING A SECTION OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROVIDE FOR PAYMENTS IN ADVANCE FOR CERTAIN WATER UTILITIES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. Section 3-23-1 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1965, Chapter 300, Section 14-22-1, as amended) is amended to read:

     "3-23-1. MUNICIPAL UTILITY--SERVICE CHARGES--DEPOSITS--DISCONTINUANCE OF WATER SERVICE FOR NONPAYMENT OF CHARGES--SUPPLEMENTAL METHOD.--

          A. A municipality, including an entity established pursuant to Section 72-1-10 NMSA 1978, may require a reasonable payment in advance or a reasonable deposit for water, electricity, gas, sewer service, geothermal energy, refuse collection service or street maintenance.

          B. If payment of any price, rent, fee or other charge for water, sewer service, refuse collection or street maintenance is not made within thirty days from the date the payment is due, the water service may be discontinued and shall not be again supplied to the person liable for the payment until the arrears with interest and penalties have been fully paid.

          C. The provisions of this section are intended to afford an additional method of enforcing payment of charges for water, sewer service, refuse collection or street maintenance furnished by the municipality."

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