Amendment 8 would allow the Public Service Commission to regulate private sewer systems in Shelby County
Voters go to the polls on Tuesday to consider several important constitutional changes to the state constitution. Among these is Alabama Amendment 8, which would give the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC) the authority to regulate privately owned and operated sewer systems in Shelby County. A “yes” vote of Amendment 8 would authorize having the state Public Service Commission regulate privately owned sewer systems and plants in Shelby County. This would also include giving the PSC authority over setting their rates and charges in Shelby County. A “no” vote on Amendment 8 would prevent the Public Service Commission from regulating privately owned sewer systems in Shelby County. The plants and systems could operate as they do now and would change nothing. If ratified by the voters of Alabama, the PSC would become responsible for implementing the change gradually. Until the PSC determines new rates and charges, the rates and charges would remain the most recent rate agreement or the utility’s most recent published rate. If a county, municipality, or a governmental utility service corporation (GUSC) in the county has a rate control agreement with a private facility, then the county, municipality, or GUSC could choose to opt-out of regulation by the PSC. The PSC is a three-member board that is elected statewide. They are tasked with regulating utility companies in the state. When the PSC has oversight over a wastewater service, the commission has the power to approve or reject rates and establish rules and regulations for their operation. Amendment 9 is very similar, but it applies to just the sewer system regulation in the town of Lakeview, which is in Tuscaloosa and Jefferson Counties. Amendment 8 will read, “Relating to Shelby County, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to bring certain privately owned sewer systems that use public rights-of-way of public roads under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission under certain conditions. (Proposed by Act 2021-199).” There are ten statewide amendments on Tuesday’s ballot. The Legislature is also asking the voters to ratify their recompiled version of the Alabama Constitution of 1901. There are also some local amendments and measures on the ballot in various jurisdictions across the state. At least two counties are also voting on raising property taxes. The St. Clair County School board is asking for parts of the county to approve property tax increases to fund school construction projects. In addition to the constitutional changes, Alabama voters will also vote for new elected leaders. These include Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, two of the three PSC members, Treasurer, Secretary of State, State Auditor, U.S. Senate, seven members of Congress, all 35 members of the Alabama State Senate, all 105 members of the Alabama House of Representatives, members of the state school board, as well as numerous county offices. Voters must vote at their assigned polling place. To participate in an Alabama election, the voter must bring a valid photo ID to the polls. Polls will open at 7:00 am and close at 7:00 pm. Voters without a valid photo ID may obtain a free voter ID from their local board of registrars or by contacting the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office. Alabama has no same-day registration, so if you have moved but have not updated your registration, you will need to vote at the polling place where you previously lived. If you are not already a registered voter in Alabama, you will not be able to participate in Tuesday’s election. There is no electronic voting in Alabama. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
