MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Ways and Means

By: Representative Endt

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 51-15-118, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT ANY COUNTY THAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PAT HARRISON WATERWAY DISTRICT, THAT DOES NOT RECEIVE ANY BENEFIT FROM EXISTING FACILITIES AND THAT DOES NOT EXPECT TO RECEIVE ANY BENEFIT IN THE FUTURE MAY WITHDRAW FROM THE DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 51-15-123, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DELETE THE PROHIBITION ON THE PAT HARRISON WATERWAY DISTRICT EXPENDING, ON PUBLIC PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES, MONIES WHICH WERE REQUIRED FROM MEMBER COUNTIES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 51-15-118, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

51-15-118. From and after July 1, 1999, the board of supervisors of any county that is included in the Pat Harrison Waterway District, that does not receive any benefit from existing district facilities and that does not expect to receive any benefit in the future may elect to withdraw such county from the district. The withdrawing county shall be responsible for paying its portion of any district bonds, contractual obligations, and any other indebtedness and liabilities of the district that are outstanding on the date of such county's withdrawal from the district. The withdrawing county's portion of such liabilities, obligations and indebtedness shall be determined through an independent audit conducted by a certified public accountant. The board of supervisors of the withdrawing county shall provide the sum that is required by this section either by appropriation from any available funds of the county or by levy. Such board of supervisors may borrow funds as needed to satisfy the withdrawing county's portion of the liabilities, obligations and indebtedness of the district as required herein.

SECTION 2. Section 51-15-123, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

51-15-123.  * * * The Pat Harrison Waterway District is authorized to establish or otherwise provide for public parks and recreation facilities and for the preservation of fish and wildlife, and to acquire land otherwise than by condemnation except as provided in subsection (e) of Section 51-15-119 for such purposes, within the project area.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.