MCA Chapter 27

in effect

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-1 No franchise or right to be exclusive, without compensation, or longer than 25 years.

No municipality shall have the power to grant to any person, firm or corporation any exclusive franchise or any exclusive right to use or occupy the streets, highways, bridges, or public places in such municipality for any purpose. No municipality shall grant, renew, or extend any such franchise, privilege or right, without compensation or for any longer period than twenty-five years. The provisions of this section shall be applicable to all municipalities of this state, whether operating under a code charter, special charter, or the commission form of government, except in cases of conflict between the provisions of this section and the provisions of the special charter of a municipality, or the law governing the commission form of government, in which cases of conflict the provisions of the special charter or the statutes relative to the commission form of government shall control.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-3 Poles, posts and wires.

The governing authorities of municipalities shall have the power to grant the right for the erection of telegraph, electric light, or telephone poles, posts and wires along and upon any of the streets, alleys, or ways of the municipality, and change, modify, and regulate the same. However, such privilege shall not be exclusive, and no such privilege shall be granted for a longer term than twenty-five years.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-5 Pipes, conduits and pipe lines.

The governing authorities of municipalities shall have the power to grant to any person, corporation, or association, on such terms and conditions as the governing authorities may prescribe, the use of the streets, alleys and other public grounds for the purpose of laying, constructing, repairing and maintaining gas, water, sewer, or steam pipes, or conduits for electric light, telegraph and telephone lines, and pipe lines for the purpose of transporting crude oil, crude petroleum, kerosene, gasoline, and other commodities transportable by pipe line. However, such franchise, right-of-way or privilege of any character whatsoever shall not be granted for a longer period than twenty-five years, and such privilege shall not be exclusive.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-7 Waterworks.

The governing authorities of municipalities shall have the power to erect, purchase, maintain and operate waterworks, and to regulate the same, to prescribe the rates at which water shall be supplied to the inhabitants, and to acquire by purchase, donation or condemnation, in the name of the municipality, suitable grounds, within or without the corporate limits, upon which to erect waterworks, and also the right-of-way to and from such works and the right-of-way for laying water pipes within the corporate limits, and from such waterworks to the municipality, and to extend such right-of-way from time to time. The governing authorities shall have the power to contract with any person for the maintenance and operation of waterworks. Said authorities shall have the power to contract with any person for the erection and maintenance of waterworks for a term not exceeding twenty-five (25) years, fixing water rates in the contract subject to municipal regulations. A contract for the erection or purchase of waterworks shall not, however, be entered into until submitted to a vote of the qualified electors and approved by a majority of those voting. A contract for maintenance under which the person who will perform such maintenance is wholly or partially responsible for fixing water rates shall not be entered into until submitted to a vote of the qualified electors and approved by a majority of those voting. It shall be unlawful for any municipally owned waterworks to supply water free of charge, or in any amount less than the fixed charges, to any person, firm or corporation, except as is expressly authorized by law.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-9 Testing of water, electric and gas meters; authority to prosecute persons for tampering with meters.

If, upon complaint of any citizen or citizens interested, the governing authorities of any municipality find that there is reasonable ground for believing that any meter or meters intended to measure or register the quantity of water, electric light or power, or gas supplied or furnished by any individual, company or corporation to the municipality or its inhabitants is or are measuring or registering incorrectly or excessively or is or are of a less candle power or degree of brilliancy than required by contract, such governing authorities may employ an expert, who shall examine and test said meter or meters, or said light or lights, as the case may be, and report back to said governing authorities, notice of the time and place of the proposed test or tests being first given to all parties interested. If such examination or test shall show the fact that said meter or meters measure or register incorrectly or excessively, or that said light or lights are of a less candle power or brilliancy than required by contract, then all expenses of such examination and test incurred by said municipal governing authorities shall be charged against and collected back from said individual, company or corporation supplying or furnishing such water, electric light or power, or gas, as the case may be, and such penalties may be imposed as the municipal ordinances may provide. The governing authorities of any municipality are authorized to prosecute any person tampering with electric, gas or water meters as provided in Section 97-25-3.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-11 Definitions.

Whenever used in Sections 21-27-11 through 21-27-69: The term “municipality” includes any incorporated city, town or village of the State of Mississippi, whether incorporated under a special charter or under the general laws of the State of Mississippi governing municipalities, and operating under any form of municipal government. However, for the purpose of establishing a motor vehicle transportation system for the transportation of passengers within the boundaries of the governmental unit or units concerned, and within three (3) miles thereof, the word “municipality” is defined to include counties and groups of municipalities and shall allow those governmental units to establish a commission as provided in Section 21-27-13 and exercise the powers granted in Sections 21-27-11 through 21-27-69. Each county or municipality joining together shall be allowed at least one (1) commissioner representing that governing authority. For the purpose of establishing a railroad transportation system for passengers and freight, the term “municipality” includes any county bordering the Mississippi River and in which Highways 49 and 61 intersect, and such county may exercise the powers granted in Sections 21-27-11 through 21-27-69; The term “system” includes waterworks system, water supply system, sewage system, sewage disposal system, or any combination thereof, including any combined waterworks and sewage system, consisting of an existing waterworks system or water supply system or both, combined with an existing sewage system or sewage disposal system or both, or consisting of an existing waterworks system or water supply system or both, combined with a sewage system or sewage disposal system or both, to be acquired, (as defined herein), or consisting of an existing sewage system or sewage disposal system or both, combined with a waterworks system or water supply system or both, to be acquired, (as defined herein), gas producing system, gas generating system, gas transmission system or gas distribution system, or any one (1) or all thereof, electric generating, transmission, or distribution system, garbage disposal system, rubbish disposal system, and incinerators, and all parts and appurtenances thereof. The term “system” also includes a motor vehicle transportation system for the transportation of passengers within the city limits and within three (3) miles thereof. The term “system” also includes a railroad transportation system of any municipality located within a county bordering the Mississippi River and in which Highways 49 and 61 intersect for the transportation of passengers and freight regardless of the amount of area outside the jurisdictional limits of such municipality for which the system provides service; the railroad transportation system may be located partially outside the boundaries of the county. The term “system” also includes a motor vehicle transportation system for the transportation of passengers of any municipality with a population of more than forty-five thousand (45,000) but less than forty-five thousand one hundred (45,100) according to the 1970 federal decennial census regardless of the amount of area outside the city limits of such municipality for which the system provides service. Wherever in Sections 21-27-11 through 21-27-69 any one or more of the systems authorized under this section are referred to, the same shall include motor vehicle transportation systems. The term “system” also includes any franchise held by the owner thereof and shall also include operations within the capabilities of any component facility within the system which reasonably utilize the public resources; The term “improvement” includes repair, betterment, enlargement, extension and other improvements to a system; The term “acquire” includes construct, purchase, gift, exercise of power of eminent domain and other methods by which a municipality may acquire a system; The term “improve” includes repair, better, enlarge, extend and other methods of improving a system; The term “ordinance” includes ordinance, resolution or other appropriate legislative enactment of the governing authorities of any municipality.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-13 Establishment of public utility commission; qualifications, appointment, terms of office, powers and duties, compensation and bonds of commissioners; exercise of powers when commission not established.

The governing authorities of any municipality which now owns and operates, or hereafter shall own and operate, any system or systems shall have the power and authority to create a commission to control, manage and operate such systems, or any one or more of them, which said commission shall consist of not less than three (3) nor more than five (5) commissioners, to be elected by the governing authorities of such municipality. In any municipality operating under the council-manager plan of government, such commissioners shall be selected by, and shall be under the control of, the mayor and councilmen of the municipality, and not the city or town manager. Such commissioners shall have the power, authority and duty to manage and control said system or systems and the supply of the facilities and services thereof, both within and without the limits of the municipality. Such commissioners shall be qualified electors of the municipality and shall not hold any other municipal office for honor or profit. Such commissioners shall receive such compensation as may be specified and provided by the governing authorities of said municipality; provided, however, that any commission formed for the purpose of establishing a motor vehicle transportation system for the transportation of passengers within the boundaries of the governmental unit or units concerned, and within three (3) miles thereof, may pay its commissioners from the operating budget of such commission per diem compensation in the amount provided by Section 25-3-69 for each day or fraction of a day engaged in attendance of meetings of the commission or engaged in other official duties of the commission, not to exceed forty-five (45) days in any one (1) year. The governing authorities of the municipality are hereby authorized and empowered to require such commissioners to furnish bonds for the faithful performance of their duties, in the amount as may be deemed proper, and to pay the premiums thereon from the municipal treasury or the available funds of the said system or systems. Where there are three (3) members of such commission, the term of office shall be for a period of three (3) years, and where there are four (4) members the term of office shall be for a period of four (4) years, and where there are five (5) members the term of office shall be for a period of five (5) years. However, in making the first appointment of commissioners, one (1) shall be appointed for a term of one (1) year, one (1) for a term of two (2) years, one (1) for a term of three (3) years and, where necessary, one (1) for a term of four (4) years, and one (1) for a term of five (5) years, so that thereafter the term of office of one (1) commissioner shall expire each year. Where the governing authorities of the municipality do not elect to create a commission as herein provided, then any system or systems owned and operated by the municipality shall be controlled and managed by the governing authorities of the municipality, who shall have all the power and authority conferred upon such commission.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-15 Governing authorities may remove any commissioner for cause, but may not abolish the commission.

The governing authorities of such municipality shall have the power to remove any member of said commission for inefficiency or incompetency or any other cause, but the governing authority of any municipality which has created a commission under the terms of Section 21-27-13, shall not have authority to abolish the commission, or to diminish its powers, except by a vote of a majority of the qualified electors of such municipality at a special election, duly called and held for that purpose. However, nothing herein shall limit, alter, impair or in any way change the procedure prescribed for the sale or lease of a public utility system under Section 21-27-33.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-17 Powers and duties of commission.

The commission provided for by Section 21-27-13 is authorized to make such bylaws for the holding and conduct of its meetings and such other regulations as it may deem necessary for the safe, economic and efficient management and protection of the system or systems, and such bylaws and regulations shall have the same validity as an ordinance duly passed by the governing authorities of any municipality. It is authorized to elect such officers and appoint such employees as may be necessary to operate the system or systems efficiently, and it shall have the entire control and management of such system or systems, together with all property connected or appertaining in any manner to such system or systems. The commission shall have the authority to employ a superintendent or manager of the systems, who shall have actual charge of the management and operation thereof and of the enforcement and execution of all the rules, regulations, programs, plans and decisions made and adopted by the commission in making purchases for materials and supplies to be used in the operation of the systems. In addition to any other purchasing authority granted by law, the commission may purchase electric transmission line materials, electric distribution system substation equipment, transformer equipment, and all other appliances, apparatus, machinery, equipment and appurtenances necessary for the sale of electricity, such as utility vehicles and fencing, from the surplus inventory of the Tennessee Valley Authority or any other similar agency of the federal government and electric power associations. These purchases shall be exempt from the public bid requirements prescribed in Sections 31-7-12 and 31-7-13. However, for all other purchases, the commission shall advertise for competitive bids in the manner and form as is required in accordance with Section 31-7-13. The superintendent or manager shall make and keep full and proper books and records of all purchases and shall submit them to the commission for its approval and ratification before payment thereof is authorized to be made. The commission may authorize the superintendent or manager to immediately refund to a customer of the municipally owned utility his or her deposit for municipal utility services after the superintendent or manager has determined that payment for all services and any other obligations which the customer may have incurred in regard to the municipal utility has been made. It shall have the right to fix the salaries and term of office of all employees and to direct them in the discharge of their duties. It shall have the right to require good and sufficient bonds from all officers and employees in such amounts as it may deem proper. It shall have the right to discharge employees when found inefficient or for other good cause. It shall have the power to make and collect rates for services and facilities, and appropriate funds for the maintenance and improvements of such systems. It is authorized to borrow from the Mississippi Development Bank in order to fund advance purchases of energy for gas producing, generating, transmission or distribution system or its electric generating, transmission or distribution system. It is authorized to insure all property used in the operation of such systems, including buildings, furniture, books and records, against loss by fire and tornado, and to carry sufficient amount of employers liability, steam boiler, plate glass and other miscellaneous casualty insurance, as in the discretion of the commission may be deemed proper, and to pay premiums therefor out of the funds derived from the operation of the systems. It shall report quarterly to the governing authorities of the municipality of all its doings and transactions of every kind whatsoever and shall make a complete statement of the financial condition of the systems at the end of each quarter, and shall annually make a detailed statement covering the entire management and operation of the systems, with any recommendations which it may have for the further development of the systems. At any time, the commission, by order or resolution, may authorize the expansion of activities of any component facility to include processing of materials on a custom basis or the processing and marketing of materials acquired to fully and efficiently utilize existing plant capacity. It shall also provide copies of all such quarterly and annual reports and statements to the Public Service Commission when so directed under Section 77-3-6. The commission provided for by Section 21-27-13 is also authorized to allow a municipally owned utility to prepay the utility’s bills to those electricity suppliers which offer early payment discounts to the municipally owned utility.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-19 Disposition of revenues by commission.

The commission shall devote all monies, derived from any source other than the issuance of bonds for purposes authorized by the laws of the State of Mississippi, to or for the payment of all operating expenses, including such items as are normally required of utilities for sales development; to or for the payment of all bonds and interest on outstanding revenue bonds, if any, of such systems; to or for the acquisition and improvement of the system contingencies; to or for the payment of all other obligations incurred in the operation and maintenance of the systems and the furnishing of service; to or for the creation and maintenance of a cash working fund or a surplus fund to be used for replacement, extension of systems, and emergencies. The balance of the revenues of said systems, if any, may be used for any other lawful municipal purpose and may be paid to the governing authorities of the municipality for distribution to the various municipal funds, or may be disbursed for said purpose by the said commission at the direction and request of the governing authorities of such municipality.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-21 Commission to keep records of service furnished municipality.

The commission shall keep an accurate account and record of power, current, water, or other services furnished to all departments of the municipality.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-23 General powers of municipality as to creation, maintenance, and operation of public utility systems.

Any municipality may: Borrow money and issue revenue bonds therefor solely for the purposes specified in this section and by the procedure provided in Sections 21-27-41 through 21-27-69. Money may be borrowed and bonds issued by any municipality of the State of Mississippi, as defined in Section 21-27-11, to acquire or improve any waterworks system, water supply system, sewerage system, sewage disposal system, garbage disposal system, rubbish disposal system or incinerators, gas producing system, gas generating system, gas transmission system, or gas distribution system, electric generating, transmission or distribution system, railroad transportation system for passengers and freight, or motor vehicle transportation system, including any combination of any or all of those systems into one (1) system, within or without the corporate limits thereof, for the purpose of supplying the municipality and the persons and corporations, both public and private, whether within or without its corporate limits, with the services and facilities afforded by the system, provided that water, electric energy, or gas afforded by any system or systems may be supplied to such ultimate consumers thereof by sale thereof to the owners or operators of a distribution system for resale to the public. Any municipality which shall borrow money and issue revenue bonds to provide funds with which to acquire a gas transmission system, if necessary in order to reach and obtain a source of supply of gas for the municipality, may extend or construct its gas transmission line into an adjoining state, and may use and expend part of the proceeds of such issue of revenue bonds for the purpose. To assume all indebtedness for any system or systems which may be acquired under the provisions of this section as all or part of the consideration for the acquisition of such system or systems and to issue its revenue bonds in exchange for the bonds or notes evidencing the indebtedness. To acquire or improve any system which it is authorized to borrow money and issue revenue bonds under subsection (a) of this section to acquire or improve; and to make contracts in furtherance thereof or in connection therewith. To own, operate and maintain any such system or combination of any and all of said systems into one (1) system. To establish, maintain and collect rates for the facilities and services offered by any such system; provided that if there is a combination of systems into one or more systems, the municipality establishing the same shall be and is empowered to establish, maintain and collect rates for any and all of the services or for any combination thereof, and the municipality may discontinue any or all of the services upon any failure to promptly pay the charges fixed for the services. The rates so fixed for services rendered by any system or combination thereof may be charged for all services rendered thereby, regardless of whether the services may have been previously rendered without rates or charges therefor by the previously existing waterworks system, water supply system, sewerage system, sewage disposal system, garbage disposal system, rubbish disposal system or incinerators, gas producing system, gas generating system, gas transmission system, or gas distribution system, electric generating, transmission or distribution system, which shall have been merged into the combined system. Any such municipality may pledge for the payment of any bonds issued to acquire or improve any such combined system, or to refund any bonds previously issued to acquire or improve any such combined system or to acquire or improve any system merged with such combined system, the revenues to be derived from the operation of such combined system, including the charges authorized to be imposed by this section. A municipality may authorize a municipally owned utility to make early payment of the utility’s bills to its electricity suppliers which offer early payment discounts to the municipally owned utility. The municipality may immediately refund to a customer of the municipally owned utility his or her deposit for municipal utility services after the municipal utility has determined that payment for all services and any other obligations which the customer may have incurred in regard to the municipal utility has been made. If the revenues of any previously existing system being merged into a combined system are subject to a prior lien, the revenues and the expenses of any previously existing system shall be accounted for separately to the extent necessary to satisfy the covenants relating to the prior lien for so long as the indebtedness secured by the revenues shall remain outstanding. Only surplus revenues remaining after the satisfaction of all covenants relating to the outstanding indebtedness may be pledged to the retirement of any indebtedness to be secured by the revenues of a combined system. The existence of the outstanding indebtedness shall not, in and of itself, prevent the combining of systems as herein provided, so long as the prior lien on the revenues of any previously existing system is fully satisfied from the revenues of the previously existing system. To acquire property, real or personal, which may be necessary to effectuate the powers conferred by this section. The municipality may purchase electric transmission line materials, electric distribution system substation equipment, transformer equipment, and all other appliances, apparatus, machinery, equipment and appurtenances necessary for the sale of electricity, such as utility vehicles and fencing, from the surplus inventory of the Tennessee Valley Authority or any other similar agency of the federal government and electric power associations. These purchases by the municipality shall be exempt from the public bid requirements prescribed in Sections 31-7-12 and 31-7-13. If the power of eminent domain is exercised, it shall be exercised in the manner provided by Sections 11-27-1 through 11-27-51. To enter into contract with the United States of America or any agency thereof, under the provisions of acts of the Congress of the United States, to aid or encourage public works and the regulations made in pursuance thereof, for the sale of bonds issued in accordance with the provisions of Sections 21-27-41 through 21-27-69 or for the acceptance of a grant to aid such municipality in acquiring or improving any such system; and the contracts may contain terms and conditions as may be agreed upon by and between the municipality and the United States of America or any agency thereof, or any purchaser of the bonds. To adopt the ordinances and resolutions and to do all things and perform all acts necessary, proper or desirable to effectuate the full intent and purpose of Sections 21-27-11 through 21-27-69, including processing, marketing, custom processing, sale and resale of materials processed through any facility under its jurisdiction. To borrow from the Mississippi Development Bank in order to fund the advance purchase of energy for its gas producing, generating, transmission or distribution system or its electric generating, transmission or distribution system. Enter into an interlocal agreement in accordance with Section 21-27-75.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-25 Borrowing money for improvement, extension, repair or stockpiling fuel of system.

Any municipality which owns or operates any system, shall have the power and authority through its utilities commission to borrow money and issue its negotiable notes or certificates of indebtedness therefor, in an amount not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the gross revenues of the system in the last preceding fiscal year, in any calendar year, for the purpose of improving, repairing or extending any such system, or of stockpiling fuel for any such system, or systems, without the necessity of calling and holding an election upon such question or otherwise obtaining the consent of the qualified electors of the municipality, or giving any notice thereof. However, the utilities commission shall secure approval of the governing authorities of the municipality. In all cases where money is borrowed under the provisions of this section, the same shall be repaid within three (3) years and at no time shall the amount of money borrowed under this section exceed thirty percent (30%) of the gross revenues of the system for the last preceding fiscal year.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-27 Free service.

No free service shall be furnished by any such system, or combined system, to any private person, firm, corporation, or association. The municipality may, however, furnish such service, free of charge, to the municipality or any agency or department thereof, to any public school, or to any hospital or benevolent institution located within such municipality, including county, city, and community fairs.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-29 Rates not to be supervised by state; no franchise required.

Rates charged for services furnished by any system or combined system purchased, constructed, improved, enlarged, extended or repaired under the provisions of Sections 21-27-11 through 21-27-69 shall not be subject to supervision or regulation by any state bureau, board, commission, or other like instrumentality or agency thereof. It shall not be necessary for any municipality operating under the provisions of said sections to obtain any franchise or other permit from any state bureau, board, commission or other instrumentality thereof, in order to construct, improve, enlarge, extend or repair any system or combined system. However, billing and service disputes between the system and its customers shall be subject to review and arbitration by the Public Service Commission as provided under Section 77-3-6.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-31 Keeping of books and accounts by municipality.

Any municipality issuing revenue bonds pursuant to the authority granted in Section 21-27-23 shall install and maintain proper books of record and account (separate entirely from other records and accounts of such municipality), in which correct entries shall be made of all dealings or transactions of or in relation to the properties, business and affairs of the system or combined system. The governing authorities of such municipality, not later than three months after the close of any calendar, operating or fiscal year, shall cause to be prepared a balance sheet and an income and operating and surplus account showing, respectively, in reasonable detail, the financial condition of the system or combined system at the close of such preceding calendar, operating or fiscal year, and the financial operations thereof during such year. Said balance sheet and the income and operating and surplus account shall at all times during the usual business hours be open to examination and inspection by any taxpayer, user of the services furnished by the system, or any holder of bonds issued pursuant to the authority granted in Section 21-27-23, or any one acting for or on behalf of such taxpayer, user of the services of the system, or bondholder.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-33 Municipality may dispose of public utility systems.

All municipalities of the state are hereby empowered and authorized, if they so desire, to sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of any or all electric, water, gas or other municipally-owned public utility systems or properties on such terms and conditions, and with such safeguards as will best promote and protect the public interest. Said municipal corporations are empowered and authorized to transfer title to said public utility properties by warranty deed, bill of sale, contract, or lease, in the manner provided by law. However, notice of intention to make such sale, lease, or disposition of any such system, setting out the price and other general terms and conditions of such proposed sale, lease, or disposition shall be given by publication, once a week for three consecutive weeks in a legal newspaper published in such municipality, and if no such newspaper be published in said municipality, then in some newspaper having a general circulation in such municipality. After ten days from the last publication of such notice, the system may be disposed of, unless within ten days after the last publication of such notice a petition signed by not less than twenty per centum of the qualified voters of such municipality be filed, objecting to and protesting against such sale, lease, or disposition, in which event the same shall not be made unless submitted to a special election ordered for the purpose of determining whether a majority of those voting in such election shall vote for or against such sale, lease, or other disposition. Such election shall be ordered to be held not less than forty days after the date of the last notice of the proposed sale, lease or disposition. Notice of such election, stating the purpose of election, shall be published once each week for three consecutive weeks next preceding the time set for holding said election in such newspaper as herein provided. The laws governing special municipal elections shall govern the ordering and conduct of said election. The ballots provided shall have plainly written or printed thereon the words “shall the waterworks, electric, or gas (as the case may be) system be sold, leased, or disposed of (as the case may be)” and below said words shall be suitably placed on separate lines, the words “yes” and “no,” so that the voter may indicate the way he desires to vote on the question submitted. If a majority of those voting in said election shall vote in favor of such sale, lease, or disposition, then the proper officer of the municipality may proceed to sell, lease or dispose of such system in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the notice of proposed intention to sell, lease or dispose of such system, as herein provided. If such election is determined against such sale, lease or disposition of such system, then such system shall not be sold, leased or disposed of, but shall remain the property of the municipality.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-35 Utilization of proceeds of sale of public utility system.

The governing authorities of any municipality which have sold or which may hereafter sell any utility system owned by such municipality, may use the proceeds of the sale of such system, or any part thereof, for the purpose of retiring and paying off any of the public debt of the municipality, and they may purchase the outstanding bonds or other obligations of the said municipality at such price, whether above or below par, as they may consider fair and reasonable. The said governing authorities may, in their discretion, invest the said funds, or any part thereof, derived from the sale of the said system or systems in any of the securities now eligible for purchase by public sinking funds of municipalities, at such price, whether above or below par, as they may determine to be fair and reasonable.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-37 Inspection of utility authorized; penalty for violation.

The governing authorities of every municipality shall have power to inspect or cause to be inspected the machinery, appliances and premises of all persons, copartnerships or corporations owning or operating any system within their corporate limits, in order to ascertain whether or not the said machinery, appliances and premises are kept in a sanitary condition and in condition to comply with the terms and requirements of the franchise or franchises under which the said system or systems are operated. If any person, copartnership or corporation, or any employee thereof, shall refuse to permit the municipal governing authorities to make such inspection immediately when requested so to do, they shall, for each such refusal, forfeit the sum of one thousand dollars, to be recovered in an action in the name of said municipality.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-39 Municipalities may furnish services to consumers outside corporate limits.

All municipalities owning or operating any system or systems may supply consumers residing outside of and within five (5) miles of the corporate limits of the municipality. In any county traversed by two (2) or more natural gas transmission lines and having therein two (2) or more natural gas compressor stations engaged in rendering service in interstate commerce, and wherein a natural gas transmission line of a municipality can be laid wholly in alluvial soil, where it is necessary for any municipality having a population of less than one thousand (1,000), according to the federal census of 1950, to construct a gas transmission line for a distance of more than five (5) miles but not more than eleven (11) miles from its corporate limits to the nearest point at which an adequate supply of natural gas can be obtained, and where there are not less than two hundred (200) prospective gas customers residing outside the corporate limits of such municipality but along and within one-half (1/2) mile of the gas transmission line so constructed by the municipality, then and in that event, the municipality may supply natural gas to such customers. Any municipality having its own natural gas transmission system in any county bordering the State of Alabama, in which U.S. Highway No. 78 and State Highway No. 25 intersect, and in which there is a publicly supported junior college, may extend its transmission lines and supply customers within the county for a distance of fifteen (15) miles from the corporate limits. Any municipality having a population of less than one thousand (1,000) people, according to the federal census of 1960, and being located in the county in which U.S. Highway 51 and U.S. Highway 82 intersect, and in the county where the main line of Illinois Central Railroad and Columbus and Greenville Railroad intersect, may construct a gas transmission line and supply customers within a four-county area for a distance of forty-five (45) miles from the corporate limits of the municipality. Any municipality having its own water distribution system, the construction or expansion of which has been financed in whole or in part by an agency of the United States government, and having a population of less than five hundred (500) persons, and located in a county in which Mississippi State Highways Number 12 and Number 429 intersect, may construct, expand and operate its water distribution system within the county or adjoining counties for a distance of fifteen (15) miles from the corporate limits. Any municipality having its own water distribution system, the construction or expansion of which has been financed in whole or in part by an agency of the United States government, and having a population of less than fifteen hundred (1500) persons, and located in a county in which Highway 15 and Highway 32 intersect and has a national forest, may construct, expand and operate its water distribution system within the county or adjoining counties for a distance of fifteen (15) miles from the corporate limits. Any municipality having its own water distribution system and located in a county having two (2) judicial districts, and in which Mississippi Highways 17 and 35 intersect, may construct, expand and operate its water distribution system within the county or adjoining counties for a distance of fifteen (15) miles from the corporate limits. Any municipality having its own water distribution system, wherein U.S. Highway 51 and Mississippi Highway 35 intersect, and located in a county in which U.S. Highway 82 and Mississippi Highway 17 intersect, may construct, expand and operate its water distribution system within the county or adjoining counties for a distance of fifteen (15) miles from the corporate limits. Whenever such service shall be furnished to any consumer residing outside the corporate limits thereof, such consumer may not be charged at a rate greater than twice the rate charged for such services within the municipality. Any municipality located within a county bordering the Mississippi River and in which Highways 49 and 61 intersect may acquire, construct, expand and operate its railroad transportation system for the transportation of passengers and freight for more than five (5) miles outside its corporate limits and outside the boundaries of the county in which it is located. Any municipality having a population of more than forty-five thousand (45,000) but less than forty-five thousand one hundred (45,100) according to the 1970 federal decennial census, may expand its motor vehicle transportation system for the transportation of passengers for more than five (5) miles outside its corporate limits. Any municipality having a population of less than five hundred (500) according to the 1980 federal decennial census, being located north of U.S. Highway 82 in a county in which is located a United States Air Force base and a state-supported institution of higher learning established primarily for women, which criteria the Legislature finds to be conducive to the expansion of natural gas service to support contiguous areas of such Air Force base, may construct, own and/or operate a public utility or natural gas system and supply customers within the county for a distance of eleven (11) miles from the corporate limits.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-40 Contract for extension of natural gas transmission lines into, and service with, natural gas district.

Any municipality having its own natural gas transmission system in any county bordering the State of Alabama in which U. S. Highway 78 and State Highway 25 intersect and in which there is a publicly supported junior college and which is authorized by Section 21-27-39, Mississippi Code of 1972, to extend its natural gas transmission lines may, in its discretion, enter into a contract for service with any natural gas district organized under the laws of this state, any part of which is located in said county. Such municipality may use such contract in determining the amount of funds available for the repayment of any bonds issued for this purpose in accordance with law. Said natural gas district may enter into a contract with said municipality to the extent of such municipality’s authorization under Section 21-27-39, Mississippi Code of 1972, for the construction of gas transmission lines within such district and for supplying the customers within such district.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-41 Ordinance to be enacted before bonds are issued.

Whenever the governing authorities of any municipality shall determine to issue bonds pursuant to the authority granted in Section 21-27-23 to acquire or improve a system, it shall cause an estimate to be made of the cost of such system or improvement, and the fact that such estimate has been made shall appear in the ordinance authorizing the issuance of such bonds, which ordinance shall set forth a brief description in general terms of the contemplated system or improvement, the estimated life thereof, the said estimated cost thereof, the amount, date, denominations, rate of interest, times and places of payment and other details in connection with the issuance of the bonds, and such covenants and restrictions as may be necessary or desirable to safeguard the interests of the holders of the bonds.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-43 Electorate to vote on issuance of bonds.

Except as hereinafter provided, no bonds shall be issued pursuant to the authority granted in Section 21-27-23 until and unless a majority of those qualified electors of the municipality, voting on a proposition stating in general terms the maximum amount and purposes of the bonds, have approved the issuance at a special election called thereon according to law. However, the requirement for an election to be held before the issuance of the bonds shall not apply to the issuance of the revenue bonds for the purpose of improving, repairing or extending any waterworks system, water supply system, sewage system, sewage disposal system (or the addition of a sewage disposal system to a sewage system), gas producing system, gas generating, transmission, or distribution system, electric generating, transmission, or distribution system, garbage disposal system, rubbish disposal or incinerator system, or motor vehicle transportation system, which is now, or hereafter, owned or operated by any municipality, or railroad transportation system owned or operated by any municipality located in a county bordering the Mississippi River and in which Highways 49 and 61 intersect. The revenue bonds may be issued for such purposes in the following manner: notice of intention to issue the revenue bonds, setting out the amount and other terms or conditions of the proposed issue, shall be given by publication once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a local newspaper published in the municipality, and if a newspaper is not published in the municipality, then in some newspaper having a general circulation in the municipality. After ten (10) days from the last publication of the notice, the bonds may be sold under the regular procedure for selling the bonds unless, within ten (10) days after the last publication of the notice, a petition signed by not less than twenty percent (20%) of the qualified voters of such municipality be filed objecting to and protesting against such revenue bond issue, in which event the same shall not be made unless submitted to a special election ordered for the purpose of determining whether or not a majority of those voting in the election shall vote for or against the revenue bond issue. The election shall be ordered to be held not later than forty (40) days after the date of the last notice of the proposed revenue bond issue. Notice of the election, stating the purpose of the election, shall be published once each week for three (3) consecutive weeks next preceding the time set for holding the election in the newspaper, provided in this section. The laws governing municipal elections shall govern the order and conduct of the election. However, nothing in this section shall prevent the governing authorities from calling an election, whether required by petition of twenty percent (20%) of the qualified voters or not. This section shall not have application to and it shall not affect the authority granted public utilities commissions under Section 21-27-25.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-45 Details of bonds; sale; fiscal advisor.

Such bonds as may be issued pursuant to the authority granted in Section 21-27-23 may be serial or term; redeemable, with or without premium, or nonredeemable; registered or coupon bonds with registration privileges as to either principal and interest, principal only or both. They shall bear interest at a rate to be determined pursuant to the sale of the bonds, and shall be payable at such time or times as shall be prescribed in the ordinance authorizing them. They shall mature at such time or times, not exceeding the said estimated life of the contemplated system or improvement, and in no event longer than thirty (30) years from their date, and at such place or places as shall be prescribed in the ordinance authorizing their issuance. Any provisions of the general laws to the contrary notwithstanding, any bonds and interest coupons issued pursuant to the authority granted in Section 21-27-23 shall possess all the qualities of negotiable instruments. The bonds and the interest coupons shall be executed in such manner and shall be substantially in the form prescribed in the authorizing ordinance. In case any of the officers whose signatures or countersignatures appear on the bonds or interest coupons shall cease to be such officers before delivery of such bonds, such signatures or countersignatures shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes the same as if they had remained in office until such delivery. No bond shall bear more than one (1) rate of interest. Each bond shall bear interest from its date to its stated maturity date at the interest rate specified in the bid. All bonds of the same maturity shall bear the same rate of interest from date to maturity. All interest accruing on such bonds so issued shall be payable semiannually or annually, except that the first interest coupon attached to any such bond may be for any period not exceeding one (1) year. No interest payment shall be evidenced by more than one (1) coupon and neither cancelled nor supplemental coupons shall be permitted. The lowest interest rate specified for any bonds issued shall not be less than seventy percent (70%) of the highest interest rate specified for the same bond issue. Such bonds shall be sold in such manner and upon such terms as the governing authorities of the municipality shall determine, provided that such bonds shall not bear a greater overall maximum interest rate to maturity than that allowed in Section 75-17-103, Mississippi Code of 1972, and the interest rate on any one (1) interest maturity shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowed on such bonds. Each interest rate specified in any bid must be in multiples of one-eighth of one percent (1/8 of 1%) or in multiples of one-tenth of one percent (1/10 of 1%). If serial bonds, such bonds shall mature annually, and the first maturity date thereof shall not be more than five (5) years from the date of such bonds. Such bonds shall be legal investments for trustees and other fiduciaries, and for savings banks, trust companies and insurance companies organized under the laws of the state of Mississippi. The bonds and interest coupons shall be exempt from all state, county, municipal and other taxation under the laws of the state of Mississippi. The principal of and interest upon such bonds shall be payable solely for the revenues derived from the operation of the system acquired or improved with proceeds of the sale of such bonds. No bond issued pursuant to the authority granted in Section 21-27-23 shall constitute an indebtedness of a municipality within the meaning of any statutory or charter restriction, limitation or provision. It shall be plainly stated on the face of each such bond in substance that the same has been issued pursuant to the authority granted in Section 21-27-23 and that the taxing power of the municipality issuing the same is not pledged to the payment of such bond or interest thereon, and that such bond and the interest thereon are payable solely from the revenues of the system to acquire or improve which such bond is issued. Such bonds shall be sold on sealed bids at public sale in the manner provided by Section 31-19-25. In the event the issuing municipality shall have received a commitment from any agency of the United States of America for the purchase of all or any portion of an issue of such bonds prior to the sale thereof or for financial assistance in providing debt service on such bonds, then, and in such event, said issue or any part thereof may be sold to the United States of America or any agency thereof at private sale. Provided, however, no bonds issued under the authority of Section 21-27-23 shall bear an overall maximum interest rate greater than that allowed in Section 75-17-103, Mississippi Code of 1972. It is specifically provided that any bond issue to be awarded and sold to the United States of America or any agency thereof shall mature at such time or times, not to exceed thirty-five (35) years, as shall be prescribed in the ordinance of the municipality authorizing their issuance. It is specifically provided that any bond issue to be awarded and sold to the United States of America or any agency thereof may be issued as one or more amortized bonds without coupons, may be dated the date of delivery thereof, and the purchase price for such bond or bonds may be delivered in multiple advances, with interest to accrue on the principal advanced form the date of each such advance. The amount of each such advance and the date thereof shall be registered on the reverse of each such bond and attested by the manual signature of the clerk of the municipality. On issues of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00) or more, the governing authorities of a municipality may retain the services of a fiscal advisor to assist in the sale of bonds hereunder and pay to such fiscal advisor a fee not to exceed the following amount: Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) plus one-quarter of one percent (1/4 of 1%) of the amount of the issue in excess of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00). No such fiscal advisor shall be eligible to bid for or participate in the underwriting of the bonds for which he acted as advisor. Before a person can qualify as a fiscal advisor under the terms of this section, he shall have been actively engaged in the business of fiscal counseling for municipalities, or the underwriting of municipal bonds, for a period of five (5) years prior to qualifying under this section. A partnership or corporation may become a fiscal advisor hereunder with the same qualifications. Such person, corporation, or partnership shall have had prior experience as a fiscal advisor or been involved in the underwriting or investing in bonds of the state of Mississippi, or one or more of the subdivisions thereof, and such person, partnership or corporation shall be recognized in the fiscal community as a reputable and qualified fiscal advisor.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-47 Utilization of revenues of system to pay off bonds.

Any municipality having outstanding bonds issued pursuant to the authority granted in Section 21-27-23 shall maintain rates for all the services and facilities afforded by any system, the revenues of which are pledged to the payment of such bonds, which rates shall be sufficient at all times to maintain an interest and bond redemption fund sufficient to pay the interest on and principal of such bonds as and when the same become due and payable and, if so provided in the ordinance authorizing such bonds, to accumulate a reserve in such fund, and to provide for the payment of such cost of operation and maintenance as may be necessary to keep such system at all times in good repair and working order. Such rates shall be fixed by separate ordinance precedent to or at the time of the issuance of such bonds and shall be revised from time to time so as to produce the amounts necessary to provide for the foregoing. Bonds issued pursuant to the authority granted in Section 21-27-23 to acquire or improve a system shall be secured by a pledge of an amount of the gross revenues of such system sufficient to maintain such an interest and bond redemption fund. However, if there are then outstanding bonds to the payment of which the revenues of a system have been previously pledged, then, until said outstanding bonds have been retired, bonds issued to improve such system shall be secured by a pledge of the revenues of the system in such an amount only after deductions have been made for servicing the said outstanding bonds and for maintaining and operating the system. Notwithstanding the above provisions, all revenue bonds issued for a specific utility may be issued on an equivalent basis, provided that each and every ordinance authorizing each and every bond issued shall clearly state the basis on which future revenue bond issues shall be provided for in order to place them on an equivalent basis with prior issues.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-49 Services of system may be used by municipality.

Whenever any municipality shall issue any bonds or other evidence of indebtedness which are payable solely from revenues to be derived from any system, the governing authorities of such municipality may, by appropriate provision in the ordinance or resolution authorizing the issuance of such bonds, or by separate resolution or ordinance passed at or prior to the actual sale of such bonds, bind and obligate such municipality to take, for a period not exceeding the full term of such bonds, at least a stated minimum of the services to be afforded by such system and to pay, out of its corporate funds, a least a stated minimum price therefor. Such provision, resolution or ordinance shall constitute a contract between such municipality and all the holders of such bonds. All such agreements heretofore entered into by any such municipality, whether such bonds have actually been delivered and paid for or not, are hereby ratified, approved and validated.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-51 Refunding bonds; consolidated bonds.

Any municipality which shall have issued bonds pursuant to the authority granted in Section 21-27-23, all or any portion of which shall at any time hereafter remain outstanding and unpaid, is hereby authorized, in connection with the issuance of additional bonds hereunder, to issue refunding bonds for the purpose of taking up, paying and redeeming all such outstanding and unpaid bonds. Such refunding bonds and such additional bonds may be authorized and issued separately or may be consolidated into one issue. Such outstanding and unpaid bonds may be refunded without notice and without an election thereon, and such additional bonds may be refunded without notice and without an election except as provided in Section 21-27-43. The proceeds of any such consolidated bonds shall be used to take up, pay and redeem all of such outstanding and unpaid bonds, at their redemption price, and the balance of such proceeds shall be used and expended for the purposes for which the additional bonds were authorized to be issued. In the event any such outstanding bonds, by the terms thereof, shall be redeemable prior to maturity at the option of such municipality, then such option of redemption shall be exercised in the manner provided in such bonds, and the refunding bonds shall not be issued or delivered more than two calendar months in advance of the date upon which such outstanding bonds shall have been called for redemption. In the event that such outstanding bonds, by the terms thereof, be not so redeemable prior to maturity, then the refunding bonds shall not be issued, except concurrently with the surrender and cancellation of a like amount of the bonds to be refunded thereby. All bonds issued under the provisions of this section shall have like incidents and shall be payable from the same source or sources and the payment thereof shall be secured in like manner as are bonds issued pursuant to the authority granted in Section 21-27-23. In lieu of selling such portion of such consolidated bonds, as may be required to provide for the redemption of such outstanding bonds, such consolidated bonds may be issued and delivered in exchange for and upon surrender and cancellation of a like amount of the bonds to be refunded thereby.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-53 Default on bonds.

The holder of any bond or any interest coupon issued pursuant to the authority granted in Sections 21-27-23 and 21-27-51 may, by suit, action, mandamus or other proceedings at law or in equity, enforce and compel performance by the appropriate official or officials of the municipality of any or all acts and duties to be performed by such municipality under the provisions of Sections 21-27-11 through 21-27-69 and the ordinance authorizing the issuance of such bond or interest coupon. If there be any default in the payment of the interest on and principal of any of said bonds, any court having jurisdiction in the proper action may, upon petition of the holder of any of such bonds, appoint a receiver to administer and operate the system with power to fix rates and collect charges sufficient to provide for the payment of all bonds outstanding to the payment of which the revenues of such system are pledged and to pay the expenses of operating and maintaining such system and to apply the revenues of such system, all in conformity with the provisions of Sections 21-27-11 through 21-27-69 and of the ordinance authorizing the issuance of such bonds.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-55 Bonds may be called.

The governing authorities of any municipality authorizing revenue bonds pursuant to the authority granted in Sections 21-27-23 and 21-27-51, may make provisions for any of such revenue bonds to be called for payment at any interest payment date before maturity, provided the municipality shall have on hand in its bond and interest fund sufficient moneys, not otherwise appropriated or pledged, in excess of the interest and principal requirements within the next two succeeding calendar, operating or fiscal years.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-57 Disposition of revenues.

In the authorizing order or ordinance, the governing authorities of the municipality shall set aside monthly and shall pledge the revenues of the system or combined system, in separate and special funds as follows: (1) operation and maintenance fund; (2) depreciation fund; (3) bond and interest fund; (4) contingent fund. A sufficient amount shall be set aside each year for the retirement of the bonds and interest. Any surplus revenue remaining shall be disposed of by the governing authorities of the municipality as they may determine from time to time for the best interest of the municipality. However, in the segregation into the several funds the governing authorities may prescribe a reasonable excess amount to be placed in the revenue bond and interest fund from time to time during the earlier years of maturity of such bonds so as to thereby provide and produce a cushion fund to meet any possible deficiencies therein in future years. In the event such excess amounts are provided in the earlier years, the same would be available for such purposes. Bonds pursuant to the authority granted in Sections 21-27-23 and 21-27-51, shall be payable solely from revenues of said project and out of the bond and interest fund.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-59 General revenues may be used for operation and maintenance of system.

Nothing in Sections 21-27-11 through 21-27-69 shall be construed to prohibit the municipality from appropriating and using any part of its available income or revenues derived from any source other than from the operation of such system or combined system in paying any immediate expenses of operation and/or maintenance of any such system or combined system. Nothing in Sections 21-27-11 through 21-27-69 shall be construed, however, to require the municipality to do so.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-61 Distribution of revenues and surplus; minutes of municipal governing authorities.

The governing authorities of any municipality shall devote all monies of the system derived from any source other than the issuance of bonds for purposes authorized by the laws of the State of Mississippi, to or for the payment of all operating expenses, including such items as are normally required of utilities for sales development; to or for the payment of all bonds and interest on outstanding revenue bonds, if any, of such system; to or for the acquisition and improvement of the system contingencies; to or for the payment of all other obligations incurred in the operation and maintenance of the system and the furnishing of service; and to or for the creation and maintenance of a cash working fund or a surplus fund to be used for replacement, extension of systems and emergencies. The balance of any monies, including but not limited to, any which have heretofore been classified as revenues or surplus of such system, if any, may be used for any lawful, municipal purpose and may be paid to the governing authorities of the municipality for distribution to the various municipal funds or may be disbursed for such purpose by the governing authorities at their direction. The purpose of any allocation or expenditure of money made pursuant to this section shall be spread upon the minutes of the municipal governing authorities.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-63 Contracts and liens not impaired.

Nothing in Sections 21-27-11 through 21-27-69 shall be construed as authorizing any municipality to impair or commit a breach of the obligation of any valid lien or contract created or entered into by it, the intention hereof being to authorize the pledging, setting aside and segregation of gross revenue only where consistent with outstanding obligations of such municipality.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-65 Penalty for failing to set aside trust funds.

If, after the governing authorities of any municipality have issued revenue bonds pursuant to the authority granted in Sections 21-27-23 and 21-27-51, said governing authorities fail or refuse to carry out their duties with reference to setting aside the trust funds, said officers shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon trial and conviction, shall be removed from office.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-67 Construction of sections.

Sections 21-27-11 through 21-27-69, being necessary for and to secure the public health, safety, convenience and welfare of the municipalities of the State of Mississippi, shall be liberally construed to effect the purposes hereof. The powers conferred by Sections 21-27-11 through 21-27-69 shall be in addition to the powers conferred by any other law, general, special or local, and such sections shall, without reference to any other statute or to any charter, be deemed full authority to purchase or improve and to own and operate the authorized revenue producing systems, to fix, maintain, and to collect rates for the facilities afforded by such systems, to issue and to sell the authorized bonds, and shall be construed as an additional and alternative method therefor, any provisions of the general laws of the state or of any charter to the contrary notwithstanding.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-69 Obligations under repealed laws remain valid.

The repeal heretofore of any law authorizing a municipality to borrow money and issue bonds to acquire or improve any system shall not affect the validity of any bonds issued or contracts entered into under the provisions of any such repealed laws.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-71 Issuance of bonds in municipalities of more than one hundred thousand population.

Whenever the governing authorities of any municipality of more than One Hundred Thousand (100,000) population shall determine to issue bonds under the provisions of Sections 21-27-11 through 21-27-69, to acquire or improve a system, it shall cause an estimate to be made of the cost of such system or improvement, and the fact that such estimate has been made shall appear in the ordinance authorizing the issuance of such bonds, which ordinance shall set forth a brief description in general terms of the contemplated system or improvement, the estimated life thereof, the said estimated cost thereof, the amount, date, denominations, rate of interest, times and places of payment and other details in connection with the issuance of the bonds, and such covenants and restrictions as may be necessary or desirable to safeguard the interest of the holders of the bonds. Such bonds may be serial or term; redeemable, with or without premium, or nonredeemable; registered or coupon bonds with registration privileges as to either principal and interest, principal only or both. They shall bear interest at a rate to be determined pursuant to the sale of the bonds, and shall be payable at such time or times as shall be prescribed in the ordinance authorizing them. They shall mature at such time or times, not exceeding the said estimated life of the contemplated system or improvement, and in no event exceeding thirty (30) years from their date, and at such place or places as shall be prescribed in the ordinance authorizing their issuance; provided, however, that any bond issue to be awarded and sold to the United States of America or any agency thereof shall mature at such time or times, not to exceed thirty-five (35) years, as shall be prescribed in the ordinance authorizing their issuance. Any provisions of the general laws to the contrary notwithstanding, any bonds and interest coupons issued pursuant to the authority of this section shall possess all the qualities of negotiable instruments. The bonds and the interest coupons shall be executed in such manner and shall be substantially in the form prescribed in the authorizing ordinance. In case any of the officers whose signatures or countersignatures appear on the bonds or interest coupons shall cease to be such officers before delivery of such bonds, such signatures or countersignatures shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes the same as if they had remained in office until such delivery. No bond shall bear more than one (1) rate of interest. Each bond shall bear interest from its date to its stated maturity date at the interest rate specified in the bid. All bonds of the same maturity shall bear the same rate of interest from date to maturity. All interest accruing on such bonds so issued shall be payable semiannually or annually, except that the first interest coupon attached to any such bond may be for any period not exceeding one (1) year. No interest payment shall be evidenced by more than one (1) coupon and neither cancelled nor supplemental coupons shall be permitted. The lowest interest rate specified for any bonds issued shall not be less than seventy percent (70%) of the highest interest rate specified for the same bond issue. Such bonds shall be sold in such manner and upon such terms as the governing authorities of the municipality shall determine, provided that such bonds shall not bear a greater overall maximum interest rate to maturity than that allowed in Section 75-17-103, Mississippi Code of 1972, and the interest rate on any one (1) interest maturity shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowed on such bonds. If serial bonds, such bonds shall mature annually, and the first maturity date thereof shall not be more than five (5) years from the date of such bonds. Such bonds shall be legal investments for trustees and other fiduciaries, and for savings banks, trust companies and insurance companies organized under the laws of the state of Mississippi. The bonds and interest coupons shall be exempt from all state, county, municipal and other taxation under the laws of the state of Mississippi. The principal of and interest upon such bonds shall be payable solely from the revenues derived from the operation of the system acquired or improved with proceeds of the sale of such bonds. No bond issued pursuant to this section shall constitute an indebtedness of a municipality within the meaning of any statutory or charter restriction, limitation or provision. It shall be plainly stated on the face of each such bond in substance that the same bond has been issued under the provisions of this section and that the taxing power of the municipality issuing the same is not pledged to the payment of such bond or interest thereon, and that such bond and interest thereon are payable solely from the revenues of the system to acquire or improve which such bond is issued. Such bonds shall be sold on sealed bids at public sale in the manner provided by Section 31-19-25. In the event the issuing municipality shall have received a commitment from any agency of the United States of America for the purchase of all or any portion of an issue of such bonds prior to the sale thereof or for financial assistance in providing debt service on such bonds, then, and in such event, said issue or any part thereof may be sold to the United States of America or any agency thereof at private sale. Bonds in the aggregate amount of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) for any project may be sold at private sale either to underwriters or investors. On issues of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00) or more, the governing authorities of a municipality may retain the services of a fiscal advisor to assist in the sale of the bonds hereunder and pay to such fiscal advisor a fee not to exceed the following amount: Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) plus one-quarter of one percent (1/4 of 1%) of the amount of the issue in excess of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00). No such fiscal advisor shall be eligible to bid for or participate in the underwriting of the bonds for which he acted as advisor. Before a person can qualify as a fiscal advisor under the terms of this section, he shall have been actively engaged in the banking business, or the business of fiscal counseling for municipalities, or the underwriting of municipal bonds, for a period of five (5) years prior to qualifying under this section. A partnership or corporation may become a fiscal advisor hereunder with the same qualifications. Such person, corporation, or partnership shall have had prior experience as a fiscal advisor or been involved in the underwriting or investing in bonds of the state of Mississippi, or one or more of the subdivisions thereof, and such person, partnership or corporation shall be recognized in the fiscal community as a reputable and qualified fiscal advisor.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-73 Contract for purchase of supply of natural gas from any public nonprofit corporation for up to 10 years.

The governing authority of any municipality that owns and operates a gas distribution system, as defined in Section 21-27-11(b), and the governing authority of any public natural gas district are authorized to contract for the purchase of the supply of natural gas for a term of up to ten (10) years with any public nonprofit corporation which is organized under the laws of this state or any other state.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-75 Authority to enter into interlocal agreement with rural water associations operating within corporate limits of municipality that requires associations to terminate water service of certain customers; agreement requirements.

The governing authoritiesof a municipality are authorized and empowered, in their discretion,to enter into an interlocal agreement with a rural water associationoperating within the corporate limits of the municipality that requiresthe association to terminate the water service of any of its customerswho are thirty (30) days or more delinquent in the payment of chargesfor sewer services provided by the municipality. Any agreement enteredinto under this section shall at a minimum: Require the municipalityto notify the association of any customer of the association who alsohas sewer service provided by the municipality who is thirty (30)days or more delinquent in the payment of sewer charges by a methodagreeable to the municipality and the association; Provide that upon receiptof a notification the association shall terminate the water serviceof the named customer; Provide that upon satisfactionof the delinquency and any fees connected with the delinquency andthe termination of water service, the association shall restart thewater service of the customer; Provide that the municipalityshall save and hold harmless the association against any and all claimsbased on the disconnection of water or sewer service and any otherdamages resulting from any action taken by the association under aninterlocal agreement entered into under this section. Upon entering into an interlocal agreementunder this section, the association is authorized to terminate thewater service of any customer delinquent in the payment of sewer chargesto the municipality pursuant to the terms of the interlocal agreement.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-91 Definitions.

Whenever used in Sections 21-27-91 through 21-27-103: The term “municipality” shall be defined as it is in subdivision (a) of Section 21-27-11; The term “system” shall be defined as including any waterworks system, water supply system, sewage system, sewage disposal system, or any combination thereof, including any combined waterworks and sewage system, consisting of an existing waterworks system or water supply system or both, combined with an existing sewage system or sewage disposal system or both, or consisting of an existing waterworks system or water supply system or both, combined with a sewage system or sewage disposal system or both, to be acquired, or consisting of an existing sewage system or sewage disposal system or both, combined with a waterworks system or water supply system or both, to be acquired, gas producing, generating, transmission or distribution system, or any one or all thereof, electric generating, transmission, or distribution system, garbage disposal system, rubbish disposal system, and incinerators, and all parts and appurtenances thereof.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-93 General grant of authority.

The governing authorities of any municipality which now owns and operates any system or systems, but which has not adopted and set up a public utility commission as provided in Section 21-27-13, and the public utility commission of such municipalities that have adopted and set up a public utility commission as provided in said section, are authorized and vested with the authority to microfilm, photograph, photostat, or otherwise reproduce records of the municipally-owned utilities of such municipality. However, the destruction or disposal of any books containing the minutes of any municipal board or of any municipal public utility commission, contracts in effect, real estate deeds, or records showing the date of acquisition, depreciation, or disposition of capital assets, is not hereby authorized.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-95 Reproduction of records.

Any municipality or public utility commission desiring to reproduce by microfilm, photograph, photostat or other process, the records of municipal system or systems under the authority granted in Section 21-27-93 are authorized and vested with the authority to purchase or acquire any equipment, materials and supplies necessary therefor, or to contract for the reproducing of said records in accordance with Section 31-7-1 et seq. Any such contract shall not exceed a period of twelve (12) months.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-97 Destruction of records; admissibility of reproductions, copies, facsimiles, etc.

Any reproduction or copy of any original record shall be deemed to be the original record for all purposes and shall be admissible as evidence in all courts or administrative agencies. A facsimile, exemplification or certified copy thereof shall, for all purposes set forth herein, be deemed to be a transcript, exemplification or certified copy of the original record.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-99 Reproductions to be confidential and privileged if original records are likewise.

When any of the records of which reproductions are made are declared by law, or are by their nature confidential and privileged records, then the reproduction thereof shall likewise be deemed to be confidential and privileged to the same extent as the original records.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-101 Expenses in reproduction of records.

The governing authorities of any municipality not operating with a public utility commission, is hereby authorized to pay all expenses incurred in reproducing such records and in making provision for the preservation, retention and storage of such reproductions from the general fund of such municipality. A municipal public utility commission shall pay for the same from the earnings of the municipally-owned utility or utilities.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-103 Repealed.

Repealed by Laws, 1995, ch. 447, § 15, eff from and after July 1, 1995. [Codes, 1942, § 3519-47; Laws, 1956, ch. 395, § 7]

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-121 General grant of authority.

The governing authorities of municipalities shall have the power to fix the rates and charges of persons operating vehicles for the transportation of persons for compensation within the limits of the municipality. The authority granted by this section shall not apply, however, to railroads operated within or through such municipality.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-131 Obtaining permit; appeal from refusal to grant permit.

No person may drive or operate motor vehicles for hire in any city or town in this state unless he shall first have been licensed so to do as follows: he shall make application to the mayor of such municipality in writing, accompanied by a statement of some reputable citizen thereof, that the applicant is over the age of eighteen (18) years, an experienced driver, of good moral character, and physically and mentally capacitated to drive and operate such motor vehicle. The mayor shall place such application before the board of aldermen, or other governing authorities, whereupon inquiry may be made by such governing authorities into the moral character and mental and physical fitness of the applicant. If the permit shall be granted the applicant shall receive a certificate of such permit, signed by the mayor, together with an identification badge, and the name of the municipality thereon, and which shall be worn so that the same will be displayed while engaged in or about such occupation. The governing authorities of the municipality may require the applicant to give a reasonable bond, of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), to guarantee the faithful observance of the law as well as the rules and regulations which may be prescribed by the said municipality, and they may also require a reasonable fee, for such permit and badge. In the event the governing authority of such municipality refuse to grant such permit to an applicant, an appeal may be taken to the circuit court, in the manner provided by law for appealing from other orders of the governing authorities of municipalities, and the questions to be tried upon appeal will be as to the age and experience and the moral, mental and physical fitness of the said applicant to pursue such vocation in such municipality.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-133 Owner or operator of motor vehicle for hire must carry liability insurance or bond; actions thereon.

No certificate or permit shall be issued by any municipality to the owner or operator of any motor vehicle owned or operated for hire in any city or town in this state, unless and until such owner or operator shall have filed with, and the same has been approved by, the governing authorities of the municipality, an insurance policy, or certificates of insurance in lieu thereof, issued by some insurance company authorized to transact business in this state, or bond or bonds, to be approved by the said governing authorities of the municipality, in an amount required by an ordinance of said municipality, conditioned to pay any final judgment against said owner or operator for personal injuries or property damages resulting from or arising out of the use, maintenance, or operation of the said motor vehicle. The amount of the insurance policy or bond required under this section on any motor vehicle of any such owner or operator shall in no case be less than ten thousand dollars for the death or injury to any one person, and subject to said limit for one person, twenty thousand dollars total public liability for any one accident and ten thousand dollars for property damage. The insurance policy or bond, filed with the municipality as required by this section, shall contain a provision or indorsement to the effect that the same shall not be cancelled for any cause by either party thereto unless and until ten days’ written notice thereof shall have been given to the said municipality. In any action, whether in law or in equity, against any owner or operator, operating under the provisions of this section, the insurer, insurance company, or obligor in the policy of insurance or bond given by such owner or operator in compliance with this section, shall not be joined as a party to such suit and shall not be a proper party thereto, except as hereinafter provided. The insurer, insurance company, or obligor, in any policy of insurance or bond filed in compliance with this section, shall be obligated to pay any final judgment obtained against such owner or operator as herein provided, regardless of the solvency, insolvency, bankruptcy, or receivership, of such owner or operator. In the event that the insured shall abandon his permit and leave the state, a claimant asserting his claim within the provisions of said insurance policy or bond may file suit against the insurer or insurance company or obligor issuing such insurance policy or executing such bond in a court of competent jurisdiction without the necessity of making the insured a party to said suit.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-135 Transfer of badge unlawful.

It shall be unlawful for any driver who secures such permit and badge to transfer such badge to any other driver, or for any person to use the badge of another person while driving or operating a motor vehicle for hire.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-137 Revocation or suspension of permit.

The governing authority of the municipality may revoke or suspend such permit and demand the return of such badge upon proof that the holder while driving, or while in charge of such motor vehicle: was intoxicated, or noticeably under the influence of intoxicating liquor; or, had disturbed the peace while so engaged; or, had recklessly disregarded the speed regulations prescribed by law; or, had been guilty of knowingly transporting intoxicating liquor; or, had carried concealed weapons in violation of law; or, had knowingly transported persons for the purpose of gaming or prostitution, or for the purpose of obtaining intoxicating liquor. The said authority may by ordinance prescribe other reasonable rules and regulations governing the use and operation of motor vehicles for hire within the municipality, and cause the same to be observed by such driver or operator, under penalty of revocation or suspension of such permit. Any person whose permit to drive or operate a motor vehicle for hire has been suspended or revoked may appeal to the circuit court from such order in the manner provided for appeals from orders of the governing authority of municipalities, but such appeal shall not operate as a supersedeas of said order.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-139 Vehicle to be registered and numbered.

The owner of any motor vehicle operated for hire in any city or town in this state, shall before causing the same to be operated, register the said vehicle with the clerk of such municipality, in the name of the owner, with the number of motor, and number of license tag for that year. The clerk shall keep said registration in a book kept for that purpose and give a number to such vehicle, which the owner shall cause to be painted or stenciled on two sides of the said vehicle. Such number shall not be required to be changed at subsequent registrations. Such vehicle shall be reregistered on or before the first day of February each year.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-141 Penalty for violations.

Any person or persons who may violate any of the provisions of Sections 21-27-131, 21-27-135, 21-27-137, or 21-27-139, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction shall be fined not more than $50.00 or thirty days in jail, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Failure of any owner or operator to comply with any of the requirements of Section 21-27-133 shall be cause for the revocation or suspension of his permit, or a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars, or both.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-151 Obtaining permit; appeal from refusal to grant permit.

No person may drive or operate any bus of a transportation system for the transportation of passengers within any city or town in this state, where the operation of such bus is subject to regulation by the authorities of such city or town under Section 21-27-121, unless he shall first have been licensed so to do as follows: he shall make application to the mayor of such municipality in writing, accompanied by a statement of some reputable citizen thereof, that the applicant is over the age of eighteen years, an experienced driver, of good moral character, and physically and mentally capacitated to drive and operate such motor vehicle. The mayor shall place such application before the board of aldermen, or other governing authorities, whereupon inquiry may be made by such governing authorities into the moral character and mental and physical fitness of the applicant. If the permit shall be granted the applicant shall receive a license, signed by the mayor, together with a metallic badge, which shall have a number and the name of the municipality thereon, and which shall be worn so that the same will be displayed while engaged in or about such occupation. The governing authorities of the municipality may require the applicant to give a reasonable bond, of not more than five hundred dollars, to guarantee the faithful observance of the law as well as the rules and regulations which may be prescribed by the said municipality, and they may also require a reasonable fee, not to exceed five dollars for such license, which said license fee shall be paid into the general fund of such municipality. In the event the governing authority of such municipality refuse to grant such license to an applicant, an appeal may be taken to the circuit court, in the manner provided by law for appealing from other orders of the governing authorities of municipalities, and the questions to be tried upon appeal will be as to the age and experience and the moral, mental and physical fitness of the said applicant to pursue such vocation in such municipality.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-153 Transfer of badge unlawful.

It shall be unlawful for any driver who secures such license and badge to transfer such license or badge to any other driver, or for any person to use the license or badge of another person while driving or operating such bus.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-155 Revocation or suspension of permit.

The governing authority of the municipality may revoke or suspend such license and demand the return of such badge upon proof that the holder while driving, or while in charge of such motor vehicle: was intoxicated, or noticeably under the influence of intoxicating liquor; or, had disturbed the peace while so engaged; or, had recklessly disregarded the speed regulations prescribed by law; or, had carried concealed weapons in violation of law. The said authority may by ordinance prescribe other reasonable rules and regulations governing the use and operation of such bus within the municipality, and cause the same to be observed by such driver or operator, under penalty of revocation or suspension of such license. Any person whose license to drive or operate such bus has been suspended or revoked may appeal to the circuit court from such order in the manner provided for appeals from orders of the governing authority of municipalities, but such appeal shall not operate as a supersedeas of said order.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-161 Declaration of purpose; short title.

Sections 21-27-161 through 21-27-191 are for the purpose of authorizing a cooperative effort by public agencies for the safe and economical construction and operation of systems for the collection, transportation, treatment and disposal of wastes, including sewerage systems and sewage disposal systems, in order to prevent and control the pollution of the waters in this state. Said sections may be cited as the “Metropolitan Area Waste Disposal Act.”

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-163 Definitions.

Words and phrases used in Sections 21-27-161 through 21-27-191 shall have meanings as follows: “Act” shall mean the Metropolitan Area Waste Disposal Act [Sections 21-27-161 through 21-27-191], as originally enacted or as hereafter amended. “Person” means and includes the State of Mississippi, a municipality as defined herein, any public agency as defined herein or any other city, town or political subdivision or governmental agency of the State of Mississippi or of the United States of America, or any individual, copartnership, association, firm, trust, estate or any other entity whatsoever. “Waterworks” means all works, plants or other facilities necessary for the purpose of collecting, storing, treating and transporting water for domestic, municipal, commercial, industrial, agricultural and manufacturing purposes, including open channels. “Water supply system” means pipelines, conduits, pumping stations and all other structures, devices and appliances appurtenant thereto, including land and right-of-way thereto, for use for transporting water to a point of ultimate use. “Waste” means sewage, industrial waste, municipal waste, recreational waste and agricultural waste, waste heat and any other waste that may cause impairment of the quality of the waters in the state. “Sewerage system” means pipelines or conduits, canals, pumping stations and force mains, and all other structures, devices, facilities and appliances appurtenant thereto, used for collecting or conducting waste to an ultimate point for treatment or disposal. “Treatment facilities” means any plant, disposal field, lagoon, pumping station, constructed drainage ditch or surface water intercepting ditch, canal, incinerator, area devoted to sanitary landfills or other works not specifically mentioned herein, installed for the purpose of treating, neutralizing, stabilizing or disposing of waste or facilities to provide cooling water to collect, control and dispose of waste heat. “Sewage disposal system” means a system for disposing of waste, including but not limited to sewerage systems and treatment facilities, as such terms are defined herein. The terms “pollution,” “waters” or “waters in the state” shall have meanings as set forth in the Mississippi Air and Water Pollution Control Law, as now or hereafter amended, appearing as Section 49-17-1 through Section 49-17-70, Mississippi Code of 1972. “Municipality” means any incorporated city having a population in excess of one hundred fifty thousand (150,000) according to the most recently completed federal decennial census, whether operating under general law or under special charter. “Metropolitan area” means all of the area or territory lying within the corporate limits of a municipality as herein defined, whether or not such area or territory be contiguous, and all area or territory lying not more than ten (10) miles from the outer boundary of any of the areas or territories comprising a municipality as herein defined, and all of an incorporated city or town, any part of which lies within the aforementioned ten-mile limit. “Public agency” means any incorporated city or town lying wholly or partially within a metropolitan area, any state board or commission owning or operating properties within a metropolitan area, a district created pursuant to Sections 51-9-101 through 51-9-163, or a political subdivision of the State of Mississippi lying wholly or partially within a metropolitan area and having the power to own and operate waterworks, water supply systems, sewerage systems, treatment facilities or sewage disposal systems or other facilities or systems for the collection, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste. “Metropolitan area plan” means a comprehensive plan for water quality management and the control and abatement of pollution within the metropolitan area, consistent with applicable water quality standards established pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. “Federal Water Pollution Control Act” shall mean the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, being 33 U.S.C.S. 1151 et seq. as now or hereafter amended, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, being P.L. 92-500, 86 Stat. 816 as now or hereafter amended.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-165 General powers of municipality as to waste collection, transportation, treatment, or disposal within metropolitan area.

A municipality is authorized and empowered to acquire, construct, improve, enlarge, extend, repair, operate and maintain one or more sewage disposal systems and make contracts with any person or any public agency, under the terms of which the municipality will, within or without the municipality but within its metropolitan area, collect, transport, treat or dispose of waste for such person or public agency. A municipality may also enter into contracts with any person to purchase or sell, by installments over such term as may be deemed desirable, or otherwise, any waste collection, transportation, treatment or sewage disposal facilities or systems. A municipality is also authorized to enter into operating agreements with any person, for such terms and upon such conditions as may be deemed desirable, for the operation of any waste collection, transportation, treatment or sewage disposal facilities or systems of any person by the municipality; and a municipality may lease to or from any person, for such term and upon such conditions as may be deemed desirable, any waste collection, transportation, treatment or sewage disposal facilities or systems.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-167 Acquisition of necessary property by municipality.

A municipality shall have the power and right to acquire and to own, maintain, use and operate any and all property of any kind, real, personal or mixed, or any interest therein within or without the boundaries of its metropolitan area necessary or convenient to the exercise of the purposes of and the powers granted by Sections 21-27-161 through 21-27-191. Within any unincorporated portion of its metropolitan area, a municipality may acquire such property by exercise of the power of eminent domain as provided in Chapter 27, Title 11, Mississippi Code of 1972. Prior to the exercise of the power of eminent domain within any unincorporated portion of its metropolitan area, a municipality shall seek and obtain a written agreement with the public agency or other person having local jurisdiction of such area for the acquisition of such property. The written agreement provided for herein for the exercise of the power of eminent domain shall be spread upon the minutes of said public agency or person as defined herein.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-169 Municipality may obtain federal assistance.

A municipality is authorized to make such applications and enter into such contracts for financial assistance in comprehensive planning as may be appropriate under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as now or hereafter amended; the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (P. L. 92-500); under Chapter 23 and Chapter 26, Title 33, United States Code; under Chapter 9, Title 40, United States Code and under any other relevant statutes.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-171 Contracts with municipalities.

A municipality may enter into contract with any person or public agency situated wholly or partly within its metropolitan area, whether or not lying wholly or partially within its boundaries, for any of the purposes authorized by Sections 21-27-161 through 21-27-191. Public agencies and other persons are hereby authorized to make contracts with a municipality under which the municipality will make a sewage disposal system available to a public agency or group of public agencies or to other persons and furnish waste collection, transportation, treatment and sewage disposal services by the municipality’s sewage disposal system. The contract may be upon such terms and for such period of time as the parties may agree and may provide that it will remain in effect until any bonds issued or to be issued by the municipality, and any bonds which may be issued to refund the same are paid; the contract may contain provisions to assure equitable treatment of persons or public agencies who contract with the municipality for waste collection, transportation, treatment and sewage disposal services from the same sewage disposal system; may contain provisions requiring any public agency or other person to regulate the quality and strength of waste to be handled by the sewage disposal system; shall provide the method of determining the amounts to be paid by a public agency or other person to the municipality; may provide for the sale or lease to or use of by the municipality of any sewage disposal system or any part thereof at the time owned or to be acquired by a public agency or other person; may provide that the municipality shall operate any sewage disposal system or part thereof at the time owned or to be acquired by a public agency or other person; may provide that a public agency shall have the right to continued performance of such services after the amortization of the municipality’s investment in the sewage disposal system during the useful life thereof upon payments of reasonable charges therefor, reduced to take into consideration such amortization; and may contain such other provisions and requirements as the municipality and a public agency or other person may determine to be appropriate or necessary. A municipality may also provide in its contract that the municipality shall have the right to use any streets, alleys and public ways and places within the jurisdiction of a public agency or other person during the term of the contract.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-173 Payments by public agency under contract.

Payments by a public agency to the municipality for waste collection, transportation, treatment and sewage disposal services and facilities may be made from the income of the public agency’s waterworks system or water supply system or its sewerage system, treatment facilities or sewage disposal system or of both such systems or of its combined waterworks, water supply, treatment facilities, sewerage and sewage disposal systems, as may be prescribed in the contract between the municipality and the public agency, or as otherwise authorized by law. Such payments shall constitute an operating expense of the system or systems whose revenues are thus to be applied. Payments to be made under the contract by the public agency from the income of its waterworks system, water supply system, treatment facility, sewerage system or sewage disposal system or both such systems or its combined waterworks, water supply, treatment facility, sewerage and sewage disposal systems shall be subordinate to amounts required to be paid from the net revenues of such systems for principal of and interest on bonds of the public agency which are outstanding at the time of the making of the contract and which are payable solely from such net revenues unless the ordinance or resolution authorizing such outstanding bonds of the public agency expressly reserves the right to accord such contract payments a priority over such public agency’s bond requirements. No provision of Sections 21-27-161 through 21-27-191 shall be construed to prohibit any public agency, otherwise permitted by law to issue bonds, from issuing bonds in the manner provided by law for the construction, renovation, repair or development of waste disposal facilities within the jurisdictional limits of the public agency. Except to the extent provided in Section 21-27-175, neither the municipality nor the holder of any bonds of the municipality shall have the right to demand payment of the public agency’s obligation out of any funds raised or to be raised by taxation, but such contracts shall constitute an obligation of the public agency and shall be binding upon such public agency according to its terms and shall continue in effect until all bonds specified therein and refunding bonds issued in lieu of such bonds and all other obligations thereunder shall have been paid. Payments made or to be made to a municipality by a public agency or other person pursuant to a contract for waste collection, transportation, treatment and sewage disposal services and facilities shall be determined by the method specified in the contract and shall not be subject to approval or review by the public service commission.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-175 Public agency may levy ad valorem tax.

Any public agency having taxing powers, other than a county or a municipality as herein defined, is authorized to levy a special ad valorem tax not to exceed four (4) mills upon all taxable property within its geographical limits to pay all or a portion of the payments to be made by that public agency under a contract between the public agency and a municipality and if the contract as authorized by the governing body of the public agency so provides, then the contract shall constitute an obligation against the taxing power of the public agency to the extent therein provided. The special ad valorem tax millage authorized by Sections 21-27-161 through 21-27-191 shall not be reimbursable by the state under the provisions otherwise made for reimbursements under the homestead exemption laws. The proceeds derived from two (2) mills of the levy authorized herein shall be included in the ten percent (10%) increase limitation under Section 27-39-321, and the proceeds derived from any additional millage levied hereunder in excess of two (2) mills shall be excluded from such limitation for the first year of such additional levy and shall be included within such limitation in any year thereafter.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-177 Public agency to make necessary adjustments of rates.

Whenever a public agency and a municipality shall have executed a contract under Sections 21-27-161 through 21-27-191 and the payments thereunder are to be made either wholly or partly from the revenues of the public agency’s waterworks system, water supply system, treatment facility, sewerage system or sewage disposal system or from both systems or a combination of both systems, the duty is hereby imposed on the public agency to establish and maintain and from time to time to adjust the rates charged by the public agency for the services of such system or systems, to the end that the revenues therefrom together with any taxes levied in support thereof will be sufficient at all times to pay: (a) the expense of operating and maintaining such system; (b) all of the public agency’s obligations to the municipality under the contract; and (c) all of the public agency’s obligations under and in connection with revenue bonds theretofore issued, or which may be issued thereafter secured by revenues of such system or systems. The contract may require the use of consulting engineers and financial experts to advise the public agency whether and when such rates are to be adjusted.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-179 Issuance of bonds by municipality.

For the purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving, enlarging, extending and repairing a sewage disposal system or sewage disposal systems, a municipality is authorized to issue bonds payable from and secured by a pledge of all or any part of revenues under any contract or contracts it enters into under Sections 21-27-161 through 21-27-191 and from all or any part of any revenues derived from the operation of the waterworks system, water supply system, treatment facility, sewerage system or sewage disposal system and pledged for such purpose by the municipality. Said bonds shall be in such form and denomination as prescribed by the governing body of the municipality. Such bonds may be serial or term; redeemable, with or without premium, or nonredeemable; registered or coupon bonds with registration privileges as to either principal and interest; principal only or both; shall bear interest at a rate or rates to be determined pursuant to the sale of the bonds; and shall be payable at such time or times and shall mature at such time or times not exceeding the said estimated life of the contemplated system or improvement, but in no event exceeding thirty (30) years from their date, and at such place or places as shall be prescribed in the bond resolution authorizing their issuance; provided, however, that any bond issue to be awarded and sold to the United States of America or any agency thereof shall mature at such time or times, not to exceed thirty-five (35) years, as shall be prescribed in the ordinance authorizing their issuance. Any provisions of the general laws to the contrary notwithstanding, any bonds and interest coupons issued pursuant to the authority of Sections 21-27-161 through 21-27-191 shall possess all the qualities of negotiable instruments. The bonds and the interest coupons shall be executed in such manner and shall be substantially in the form prescribed in the authorizing resolution. In case any of the officers whose signatures or countersignatures appear on the bonds or interest coupons shall cease to be such officers before delivery of such bonds, such signatures or countersignatures shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes the same as if they had remained in office until such delivery. No bond shall bear more than one (1) rate of interest; each bond shall bear interest from its date to its stated maturity date at the interest rate specified in the bid; all bonds of the same maturity shall bear the same rate of interest from date to maturity; all interest accruing on such bonds so issued shall be payable semiannually or annually, except that the first interest coupon attached to any such bond may be for any period not exceeding one (1) year. No interest payment shall be evidenced by more than one (1) coupon and neither cancelled nor supplemental coupons shall be permitted; the lowest interest rate specified for any bonds issued shall not be less than seventy percent (70%) of the highest rate specified for the same bond issue. Such bonds shall not bear a greater overall maximum interest rate to maturity than that allowed in Section 75-17-103, Mississippi Code of 1972. Each interest rate specified in any bid must be in multiples of one-eighth of one percent (1/8 of 1%) or in multiples of one-tenth of one percent (1/10 of 1%). If serial bonds, such bonds shall mature annually, and the first maturity date thereof shall not be more than five (5) years from the date of such bonds. Such bonds shall be legal investments for trustees and other fiduciaries, and for savings banks, trust companies and insurance companies organized under the laws of the state of Mississippi. The bonds and interest coupons shall be exempt from all state, county, municipal and other taxation under the laws of the state of Mississippi. No bond issued pursuant to Sections 21-27-161 through 21-27-191 shall constitute an indebtedness of a municipality within the meaning of any statutory or charter restriction or limitation upon indebtedness. Such bonds shall be sold on sealed bids at public sale in the manner provided by Section 31-19-25, as now or hereafter amended, upon such terms as the governing authorities of the municipality may determine, not inconsistent with the provisions of Sections 21-27-161 through 21-27-191, but no sale shall be made at a price so low as to require the payment of interest on the money received therefor at more than that allowed in Section 75-17-103, Mississippi Code of 1972, computed with relation to the absolute maturity of the bonds, in accordance with standard tables of bond values, excluding from such computation the amount of any premium to be paid on redemption of any bonds prior to maturity. Sections 21-27-161 through 21-27-191 shall be full and complete authority for the issuance of the bonds provided for herein, and no restriction or limitation otherwise prescribed by law shall apply herein, nor shall such bonds constitute an indebtedness of the municipality within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory limitation.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-181 Municipality to make necessary adjustments of rates.

While any such bonds are outstanding, it shall be the duty of the governing body of the municipality to fix, maintain and collect rates and charges for services furnished or made available by the sewage disposal system, adequate to pay maintenance and operation costs of the expenses allocable to the sewage disposal system, payment of principal of and interest on such bonds, and to provide and maintain the funds created by the resolution authorizing the bonds. Interest to accrue on the bonds and administrative expenses to estimated date when the sewage disposal system will become revenue producing and reserve funds created by the resolution authorizing the bonds may be set aside out of bond proceeds.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-183 Validation of bonds.

All bonds issued pursuant to Sections 21-27-161 through 21-27-191 shall be validated as now provided by law by Sections 31-13-1 through 31-13-11.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-185 Investment of bond proceeds.

Proceeds from the sale of bonds may be invested, pending their use, in such certificates of deposit as are specified in the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds or the trust indenture securing them, and the earnings on such investments applied as provided in such resolution or trust indenture.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-187 Bonds exempt from inclusion in debt-limitations; bonds are legal investments.

All bonds issued under Sections 21-27-161 through 21-27-191 shall be and are hereby exempt from inclusion in debts in determining whether additional bonds may be issued by such municipality and are declared to be legal and authorized investments for banks, savings banks, trust companies, building and loan associations, savings and loan associations, insurance companies, fiduciaries, trustees and for the sinking fund of municipalities, towns, villages, school districts or any other political corporation or subdivision of the State of Mississippi.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-189 Other powers and authority of municipality.

A municipality, as defined in Section 21-27-163, is authorized and empowered, in the discretion of its governmental authorities, to exercise the following powers and authority within the area and territories comprising the metropolitan area of which it is a part: To operate and manage sewerage systems, sewage treatment facilities and sewage disposal systems and related facilities serving the metropolitan area in conformance with the metropolitan area plan. To construct, operate and maintain sewerage systems, sewage treatment facilities and sewage disposal systems in the manner and to the extent required by the metropolitan area plan. To accept and utilize grants and other funds from any source for waste treatment management purposes. To establish and maintain rates and charges for the use of the services of such sewerage systems, sewage treatment facilities and sewage disposal systems within the metropolitan area, and from time to time to adjust such rates, to the end that the revenues therefrom will be sufficient at all times to pay the expenses of operating and maintaining such works, facilities and systems and all of the municipality’s obligations under any contract or bond resolution with respect thereto. To incur short and long-term indebtedness under the provisions of Sections 21-27-161 through 21-27-191 or other applicable statutes. To adopt rules and regulations necessary to carry out the implementation of the metropolitan area plan and to assure the payment of each participating person or public agency of its proportionate share of treatment costs. To refuse to receive any waste from any public agency or subdivision thereof or any other person which does not comply with the provisions of the metropolitan area plan applicable to the particular area within which such public agency or subdivision thereof or any other person is located. To accept industrial waste for treatment and to require the pretreatment of same when within the opinion of the municipality such pretreatment is necessary. To adopt all necessary and reasonable rules and regulations to carry out and effectuate any waste treatment plan adopted for the metropolitan area. To require by ordinance or by contract with a public agency or other person that all waste within the metropolitan area be disposed of through sewerage systems, treatment facilities and sewage disposal systems which comprise a part of the metropolitan area plan, to the extent that the same may be available, but no public agency shall be precluded from constructing, operating and maintaining its own sewerage system if the same be a part of the metropolitan area plan.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-191 Aforesaid sections are cumulative.

Sections 21-27-161 through 21-27-191 are cumulative of other statutes now or hereafter enacted relating to the issuance of bonds; the collection, transportation, treatment or disposal of wastes; and the design, construction, acquisition or approval of facilities for such purposes, and the municipality may exercise all presently held powers in the furtherance of said sections.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-201 Short title.

Sections 21-27-201 through 21-27-221 shall be known as the “Municipal and Domestic Water and Wastewater System and Nonhazardous Solid Waste Management Facilities Operator’s Certification Act of 1992.”

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-203 Definitions.

For purposes of Sections 21-27-201 through 21-27-221, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed herein, unless the context shall otherwise require: “Association” means the Mississippi Water and Pollution Control Operator’s Association, Inc. “Board” means the Mississippi State Board of Health. “Commission” means the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality. “Community water system” means a public water system serving piped water for human consumption to fifteen (15) or more individual service connections used by year-round consumers or regularly serving twenty-five (25) or more individual consumers year-round, including, but not limited to, any collection, pretreatment, treatment, storage and/or distribution facilities or equipment used primarily as part of, or in connection with, that system, regardless of whether or not the components are under the ownership or control of the operator of the system. “Commercial Class I rubbish site” means a permitted rubbish site which accepts for disposal Class I rubbish, as defined by the commission, for compensation or from more than one (1) generator. “Nontransient, noncommunity water system” means a public water system that is not a community water system and that regularly serves at least twenty-five (25) of the same persons over six (6) months per year. “Operator” means the person who directly supervises and is personally responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of a wastewater facility, community water system, nontransient, noncommunity water system or commercial nonhazardous solid waste management landfill. “Person” means the state or any agency or institution of the state, any municipality, political subdivision, public or private corporation, individual, partnership, association or other entity, including any officer or governing or managing body of any municipality, political subdivision, or public or private corporation, or the United States or any officer or employee of the United States. “Pollution” means contamination or other alteration of the physical, chemical or biological properties of any waters of the state, including change in temperature, taste, color, turbidity or odor of the waters, or the discharge of any liquid, gaseous, solid, radioactive or other substance or heat into any waters of the state. “Wastewater facilities” means pipelines or conduits, pumping stations, force mains, treatment plants, lagoons or any other structure, device, appurtenance or facility, whether operated individually or in any combination, used for collecting, treating and/or disposing of municipal or domestic wastewater, by either surface or underground methods, which is required to have a permit under Section 49-17-29. “Waters of the state” means all waters within the jurisdiction of this state, including all streams, lakes, ponds, impounding reservoirs, marshes, watercourses, waterways, wells, springs, irrigation systems, drainage systems and all other bodies or accumulations of water, surface and underground, natural or artificial, situated wholly or partly within or bordering upon the state, and such coastal waters as are within the jurisdiction of the state, except lakes, ponds or other surface waters which are wholly landlocked and privately owned.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-205 Classification of water systems and wastewater facilities; reciprocal arrangements for certification and training for operators of commercial nonhazardous solid waste landfills.

The board shall classify all municipal and domestic water collection, storage, treatment and/or distribution systems actually used or intended for use as community water systems or nontransient, noncommunity water systems according to size, type, character of water to be treated, number of service connections, and other physical conditions affecting the operation and maintenance of those systems, and also according to the degree of skill, knowledge, training and experience required of the operators of those systems to ensure competent, efficient operation and maintenance of such systems and protection of public health. The commission shall classify all municipal and domestic wastewater facilities according to size, type, character of wastewater to be treated, and other physical conditions affecting the operation and maintenance of the facilities, and also according to the degree of skill, knowledge, training and experience required of the operators of the facilities to ensure competent, efficient operation and maintenance of the facilities and prevention of pollution of waters of the state. The commission shall establish reciprocal certification arrangements with other states and private companies that establish training and certification programs for operators of commercial nonhazardous solid waste management landfills that meet or exceed the requirements of the commercial nonhazardous solid waste management landfill operator training and certification program established by the commission. The commission may establish reciprocal certification arrangements with other states and private companies that establish training and certification programs for operators of commercial Class I rubbish sites that meet or exceed the requirements of the commercial Class I rubbish site operator training and certification program established by the commission.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-207 Regulatory authority of Mississippi State Board of Health and Mississippi Commission on Natural Resources [Repealed effective July 1, 2020].

Both the board and commission may adopt, modify, repeal and promulgate, after due notice and hearing, and may make exceptions to and grant exemptions and variances from and may enforce those rules, regulations and procedures as are necessary or appropriate to effectuate the duties and responsibilities of these agencies arising under Sections 21-27-201 through 21-27-221. The rules, regulations and procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the following: criteria for classifying municipal and domestic community water systems, nontransient, noncommunity water systems and wastewater facilities; qualifications for operators of community water systems, nontransient, noncommunity water systems and wastewater facilities; certification of operators of commercial Class I rubbish sites; procedures for examining or testing applicants for operator certificates; procedures and fees for issuing, reissuing, modifying, revoking or terminating operator certificates; and reciprocal certification of operators certified in other states having certification requirements not less stringent than those established by the board and commission. Any increase in the fees charged by the board under this section shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 41-3-65.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-209 Repealed.

Repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 354, § 5, eff from and after July 1, 1988. [En Laws, 1986, ch. 354, § 5]

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-211 Requirement that operators hold certificates of competency; operation on interim basis.

It is unlawful to operate or cause to be operated any wastewater facility or community water system covered under Sections 21-27-201 through 21-27-221 unless the operator of that facility or system holds a current certificate of competency issued by the board or commission, as provided by Sections 21-27-201 through 21-27-221, in a classification corresponding to the classification of the facility or system. After July 1, 1998, it shall be unlawful to operate or cause to be operated any nontransient, noncommunity water system covered under Sections 21-27-201 through 21-27-221, unless the operator of that system holds a current certificate of competency issued by the board. If an operator is lost due to illness, death, resignation, discharge or other legitimate cause, the owner or president of the governing board of the facility or system shall immediately notify either the board or commission, as the case may be. The facility or system may continue to operate without a certified operator on an interim basis for a period not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days, except for good cause shown upon petition to the responsible agency. The board or the commission, as the case may be, may grant, upon petition of the facility or system, an extension of the interim operating period not to exceed an additional one hundred eighty (180) days for good cause shown. It is unlawful to operate or cause to be operated any commercial nonhazardous solid waste management landfill permitted under Section 49-17-29 unless the operator of that facility holds a current certificate of competency issued by the commission, as provided by Sections 21-27-201 through 21-27-221. However, in the event of the loss of an operator due to illness, death, resignation, discharge or other legitimate cause, notice shall be immediately given to the commission and the continued operation of the facility without a certified operator may proceed on an interim basis for a period not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days, except for good cause shown upon petition to the commission. After June 30, 2005, it is unlawful to operate or cause to be operated any commercial Class I rubbish site, unless the operator of that facility holds a certificate of competency issued by the commission under Sections 21-27-201 through 21-27-221. However, in the event of the loss of an operator due to illness, death, resignation, discharge or other legitimate cause, notice shall be immediately given to the commission and the continued operation of the facility without a certified operator may proceed on an interim basis for a period not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days, except for good cause shown upon petition to the commission.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-213 Certification of persons acting as operators.

Notwithstanding any provision of Sections 21-27-201 through 21-27-221 to the contrary, any person who is an operator of a municipal or domestic wastewater facility or community water system on July 1, 1986, may, on or before June 30, 1987, apply to the board or commission for, and shall be issued, an operator’s certificate without examination or proof of other qualifications, if the application is accompanied by an affidavit of the owner of the facility or system verifying the status of the applicant. Any certificate so issued shall be valid only for the particular facility being operated by the applicant, and then only so long as the facility remains in the same or a lower classification as at the time the application is filed. Notwithstanding any provision of Sections 21-27-201 through 21-27-221 to the contrary, any person who is an operator of a nontransient, noncommunity water system on July 1, 1997, may, before June 30, 1998, apply to the board for an operator’s certificate without examination. The application shall be accompanied by an affidavit of the owner of the system verifying the status of the applicant. The board shall consider the performance history of any system operated by the applicant in determining whether to issue a certificate under this subsection. Upon review of the performance history and the application, the board may grant or deny the issuance of a certificate under this subsection. Any certificate issued under this subsection shall be valid only for the particular facility being operated by the applicant.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-215 Certification of persons holding certificates of competency obtained through examination under voluntary certification program.

Notwithstanding any provision of Sections 21-27-201 through 21-27-221 to the contrary, holders of valid certificates of competency obtained through examination under the voluntary certification program sponsored by the association may, on or before June 30, 1987, apply to the board or commission for, and shall be issued, an operator’s certificate issued under the provisions of Sections 21-27-201 through 21-27-221 without further examination or proof of other qualifications, provided such state-issued certificate shall be valid only for the class of facility covered by the association certificate.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-217 Penalties; injunctive relief.

Any person found by the board or commission, as the case may be, or any duly designated hearing officer appointed thereby, violating any of the provisions of Sections 21-27-201 through 21-27-221, or any rule or regulation promulgated by the board or commission hereunder, or any order issued by the board or commission in the exercise of their authority and duties hereunder, shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), for each violation, such penalty to be levied and assessed by the board or commission or designated hearing officer. Appeals from such actions may be taken as provided hereinafter. Each day upon which a violation occurs shall be deemed a separate and additional violation. In determining the amount of any monetary penalty assessed hereunder, the board or commission or duly appointed hearing officer shall consider all factors bearing upon the violation, including but not limited to, any resulting actual or probable pollution of the lands and/or waters of the state and/or endangerment to public health, and the nature and extent thereof, any violation of the terms or conditions of permits issued by the board or commission for the affected facility, and any actual or probable damage to the affected facility caused by improper operation thereof. In lieu of, or in addition to, the penalty provided in subsection (1) of this section, the board and commission shall have power to institute and maintain in the name of the state any and all proceedings necessary or appropriate to enforce the provisions of Sections 21-27-201 through 21-27-221, rules and regulations in force pursuant hereto, and orders and operator certifications made and issued hereunder, in the appropriate circuit, chancery, county or justice court of the county in which venue may lie. The board and commission may obtain mandatory or prohibitory injunctive relief, either temporary or permanent. Any person found guilty of violating any provision of Sections 21-27-201 through 21-27-221, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) per day of violation.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-219 Complaints; conduct of hearings; notice; issuance of subpoenas.

Whenever the board or commission or an employee thereof has reason to believe that a violation of any provision of a regulation or of any order of the board or commission has occurred, the board or commission may cause a written complaint to be served upon the alleged violator or violators. The complaint shall specify the provisions of Sections 21-27-201 through 21-27-221 or regulation or order alleged to have been violated and the facts alleged to constitute a violation thereof, and shall require that the alleged violator appear before the board or commission, or any duly designated hearing officer appointed thereby, at a time and place specified in the notice and answer the charges complained of. The time of appearance before the board or commission or designated hearing officer shall be not less than thirty (30) days from the date of the service of the complaint. The board or commission or designated hearing officer shall afford an opportunity for a fair hearing to the alleged violator or violators at the time and place specified in the complaint. On the basis of the evidence produced at the hearing, the board or commission or designated hearing officer shall make findings of fact and conclusions of law and enter such order as in its opinion will best further the purposes of Sections 21-27-201 through 21-27-221 and shall give written notice of such order to the alleged violator, and the board or commission or designated hearing officer may assess such penalties as hereinbefore provided. Except as otherwise expressly provided, any notice or other instrument issued by or under authority of the board or commission or designated hearing officer may be served on any person affected thereby personally or by publication, and proof of such service may be made in like manner as in case of service of a summons in a civil action, such proof to be filed in the office of the board or commission; or such service may be made by mailing a copy of the notice, order or other instrument by certified mail, directed to the person affected at his last known post office address as shown by the files or records of the board or commission, and proof thereof may be made by the affidavit of the person who did the mailing, filed in the office of the board or commission. In conducting the hearings provided in this section, any member of the board or commission, or the chief administrative officer thereof, or the duly designated hearing officer, shall have the authority to issue subpoenas to appear and give testimony, to produce records, or both, and in case of contumacy or refusal to obey a notice of hearing or subpoena issued hereunder, the circuit court shall have jurisdiction upon application of the board or commission or its representative to issue an order requiring obedience to the hearing notice or subpoena of the board or commission or designated hearing officer. Any failure to obey such court order may be punished by such court as contempt thereof. Any member of the board or commission, or the chief administrative officer thereof, or the designated hearing officer, may administer oaths. A verbatim record of the hearing shall be made. Witnesses who are subpoenaed shall receive the same fees and mileage as in civil actions. Any person aggrieved by the decision of the board or commission to issue, deny, modify or revoke any operator certification hereunder shall be entitled to a full hearing before the board or commission or duly designated hearing officer appointed thereby in the same manner as provided hereinabove, and appeals from such actions shall be in the same manner as provided hereinafter.

Miss. Code Ann. § 21-27-221 Appeals.

Any person aggrieved by the final decision of any duly designated hearing officer appointed by the board or commission as a result of any hearing held under the provisions of Sections 21-27-201 through 21-27-221 may, within thirty (30) days of receipt of written notice of the action of the hearing officer, appeal such final decision to the full board or commission, as the case may be, by filing therewith a written notice of appeal. No cost bond or other security shall be required to perfect such appeal. The hearing officer shall forthwith prepare and submit to the board or commission the record made at the hearing, which shall thereupon become the record of the cause. Appeals to the board or commission shall be considered only upon the record made before the hearing officer. The board or commission shall review all findings of fact and conclusions of law of the hearing officer, together with any penalties levied, and may affirm, modify or reverse and remand the decision of the hearing officer, as may be determined to be necessary or appropriate. Appeals from the final decision of the board or commission shall be perfected as hereinafter provided. Any person aggrieved by the final decision of the board or commission as a result of any hearing held under the provisions of Sections 21-27-201 through 21-27-221, including hearings requested incidental to the issuance, denial, modification or revocation of any operator certification issued hereunder, may, within thirty (30) days of receipt of written notice of the action of the board or commission, appeal such final decision to the chancery court of the county of the situs in whole or in part of the subject matter by giving a cost bond with sufficient sureties, payable to the state in the sum of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), to be fixed by the board or commission and to be filed with and approved by the chief administrative officer of the appropriate agency, who shall forthwith certify the same together with a certified copy of the record made before the board or commission or designated hearing officer in the matter to the chancery court to which the appeal is taken, which shall thereupon become the record of the cause. An appeal to the chancery court as provided herein shall not stay the decision of the board or commission. The aggrieved party may, within such thirty (30) days, petition the said chancery court for an appeal with supersedeas and the chancellor shall grant a hearing on said petition and upon good cause shown may grant such appeal with supersedeas; the appellant shall be required to post a supersedeas bond with sufficient sureties according to law in an amount to be determined by the chancellor. Appeals shall be considered only upon the record as made before the board or commission. The chancery court shall always be deemed open for hearing of such appeals and the chancellor may hear the same in termtime or in vacation at any place in his district, and the same shall have precedence over all civil cases, except election contests. The chancery court shall review all questions of law and of fact. If no prejudicial error be found, the matter shall be affirmed. If prejudicial error be found, the same shall be reversed, and the chancery court shall remand the matter to the board or commission for appropriate action as may be indicated or necessary under the circumstances. Appeals may be taken from the chancery court to the Supreme Court in the manner as now required by law, except that if a supersedeas is desired by the party appealing to the chancery court, he may apply therefor to the chancellor thereof, who shall award a writ of supersedeas, without additional bond, if in his judgment material damage is not likely to result thereby; but otherwise, he shall require such supersedeas bond as he deems proper, which shall be payable to the state for damage.