ORDINANCE NO. ______, SERIES 2026
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AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 50.24 OF THE LOUISVILLE METRO CODE OF ORDINANCES (“LMCO”) TO AMEND THE DEBT SERVICE ADJUSTMENT (AMENDMENT BY SUBSTITUTION).
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SPONSORED BY: COUNCIL MEMBERS REED AND PIAGENTINI
WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 76 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes, the Louisville and Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District (hereinafter “the District” or “MSD”) has been created and organized as a public body corporate, and is a valid political subdivision in good standing under the law of the Commonwealth of Kentucky;
WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 76 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes, the District is empowered: to have jurisdiction, control, possession, and supervision of the existing sewer and drainage system of the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government; to maintain, operate, reconstruct and improve the sewer and drainage system; and to make additions, betterments and improvements to the sewer and drainage system, with the power and authority to set its rates, rentals and charges for wastewater and drainage services;
WHEREAS, while rate increases can pay for needed infrastructure and maintenance, rate increases also have an impact on the citizens of Metro; and
WHEREAS, the Legislative Council of Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government (the “Council”) would like to require reporting to Council of any rate increase, rather than rate increases in excess of four percent, to provide for better transparency and understanding of said rate increases.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT (THE “COUNCIL”) AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I. LMCO Section 50.24 is hereby amended as follows:
§ 50.24 DEBT SERVICE ADJUSTMENTS
(A) Whenever the Metropolitan Sewer District’s (MSD’s) net revenues are less than 1.10 times the debt service on MSD’s outstanding revenue bonds for any consecutive six-month period, by order of the Board of MSD, the schedule of wastewater and stormwater service charges shall be amended in order to maintain a 1.10 debt service coverage required by MSD’s 1971 bond authorizing resolution which was approved by the City of Louisville Ordinance Number 86, Series 1971, and by Ordinance No. 25, Series 1979 as amended by Ordinance No. 32, Series 1986, and Ordinance No. 152, Series 1979 as amended by Ordinance No. 388, Series 1986, provided that the aggregate of such adjustments for any 12-month period shall not generate additional revenue from wastewater services in excess of 7%. An explanation of any proposed rate increases in excess of 4% shall be delivered to the Metro Council at least 60 days prior to MSD Board approval. If requested by the Government Oversight/Audits & Appointments Committee, or a subsequent committee with similar oversight (such subsequent committee as determined by the Council President), the Executive Director and a board member shall make an appearance before that committee to answer questions and discuss the contents of the explanation.
(B) The term NET REVENUES is defined as gross revenue from wastewater service charges less operating expenses and debt payments other than debt service payments on MSD’s outstanding revenue bonds.
SECTION II. That this Ordinance shall take effect upon its passage and approval, or otherwise becoming law.
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_______________________________ Sonya Harward Metro Council Clerk |
_____________________________ Brent Ackerson President of the Council |
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_______________________________ Craig Greenberg Mayor |
_____________________________ Approval Date |
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
Michael J. O’Connell
Jefferson County Attorney
BY: ____________________________
O-161-26 MSD Amend LMCO 50.24 Debt Service Adjustment (ABS) 08-17-26 (lf)