upr000103 20

Report On Legislation Affecting District ffifch 36',' T937 - j>age two---------------- Commissioners governing body) of Clark County as a so-styled “ Board of Review" over District affairs. However, the provisions of this substitute measure actually conferred upon the Clark County governing body even greater power and control over the District than if it had been subjected to Public Service Commission jurisdiction. Consequently, this substitute measure also met with strenuous opposition from water district officials, the bond underwriting group and investment bankers generally. Disposition: Despite concerted opposition from all sides, the measure identified above as AB *\302(c) was passed by the lower house of the Legislature, but upon reaching the Senate it was summarily re­jected and defeated. O UTLAW IN G METERS AB *302 (d): This amendment sought to prohibit the District from installing, operating or otherwise using for any purpose whatsoever any mechanical water meter or other mechanical device to measure the quantity of water delivered to water users. Disposition: The assembly committee to which this bill was referred following initial introduction yielded to District and other widespread opposition from water consumers and deleted this amendment before the main bill was sent to the floor for action. M UNICIPALITIES CO U LD DIRECT OPERATIONS ASSEMBLY BILL ^402: This bill was sponsored by municipal authorities who stated that its sole purpose was to more clearly define the extent of existing statutory regulations pertaining to the use, opening and restoration of streets and alleys. However, as originally introduced in the Assembly, this bill re­quired the District to comply with any and all laws and ordinances of any incorporated city or town within the boundaries of the District. District officials, acting under the advice of counsel, immediately protested this measure on the ground that it would empower present and future municipalities to direct District operations in a manner that would prevent compliance with the bond covenants, and raise constitutional problems. In its original form, this bill was seen as the most dangerous and potentially damaging to the District and its bond­holders of all the legislative measure actually introduced or threatened. Disposition: As a result of the strenuous opposition which developed when the far reaching implications and potentially detrimental effects of such an amendment were fully realized, the sponsoring municipal officials agreed to a complete revision. After all of the objectionable features had been eliniated a bill entirely acceptable to the District and its general and bond counsel, was finally passed by both branches of the Legislature. C H A N G IN G DISTRICT’ S RATE F IX IN G POWERS ASSEMBLY BILL ^477: Introduced as an emergency measure during the closing days of the session, the purpose of this amendment was to compel the District to deliver water to public agencies at reduced rates, in direct violation of Covenant 6 of the District's Resolution of Issuance covering the outstanding $8,700,000 Waterworks Bonds. Disposition: The Assembly passed this b ill, but due to the strong protests which were immediately registered by the District and the bond underwriters, the Senate declined to consider this last minute piece of legislation and refused to take action on it.