reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 4 - Metropolitan Water Districts. › § 162A-55 - Submission of preliminary plans to planning groups; cooperation with planning agencies.

§ 162A-55. Submission of preliminary plans to planning groups; cooperation with planning agencies.
Prior to the time final plans are made for the location and construction of any water system or sewerage system or both, the district board shall present preliminary plans for such improvement to the county, municipal or regional planning board for their consideration, if such facility is to be located within the planning jurisdiction of any such county, municipal or regional planning group. The district board shall make every effort to cooperate with the planning agency, if any, in the location and construction of a proposed facility authorized under this Article. The district board created under the authority of this Article is hereby directed, wherever possible, to coordinate its plans for the construction of a water system or sewerage system or both, with the overall plans for the development of the planning area, if such district is located wholly or in part within a county, municipal or regional planning area; provided, however, that the approval of any such county, municipal or regional planning board as to any such plan of the district shall not be required. (1971, c. 815, s. 25.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 4 - Metropolitan Water Districts. › § 162A-56 - Advances by political subdivisions for preliminary expenses of districts.

§ 162A-56. Advances by political subdivisions for preliminary expenses of districts.
Any political subdivision is hereby authorized to make advances, from any moneys that may be available for such purpose, in connection with the creation of such district and to provide for the preliminary expenses of such district. Any such advances may be repaid to such political subdivision from the proceeds of bonds issued by said district or from other available funds of said district. (1971, c. 815, s. 26.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 4 - Metropolitan Water Districts. › § 162A-57 - Article regarded as supplemental.

§ 162A-57. Article regarded as supplemental.
This Article shall not be regarded as in derogation of or as repealing any powers now existing under any other law, either general, special or local; provided, however, that the issuance of bonds under the provisions of this Article need not comply with the requirements of any other law applicable to the issuance of bonds except as herein provided. (1971, c. 815, s. 27.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 4 - Metropolitan Water Districts. › § 162A-58 - Inconsistent laws declared inapplicable.

§ 162A-58. Inconsistent laws declared inapplicable.
All general, special or local laws, or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby declared to be inapplicable, unless otherwise specified, to the provisions of this Article. It is specifically provided that Chapter 399 of the 1933 Public-Local and Private Laws of North Carolina shall not be applicable to any metropolitan water district created pursuant to the provisions of this Article. (1971, c. 815, s. 28.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5 - Metropolitan Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-64 - Short title.

§ 162A-64. Short title.
This Article shall be known and may be cited as the "North Carolina Metropolitan Sewerage Districts Act." (1961, c. 795, s. 1; 1973, c. 822, s. 4.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5 - Metropolitan Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-66.5 - Approval of all political subdivisions required.

§ 162A-66.5. Approval of all political subdivisions required.
Prior to the adoption of a resolution under G.S. 162A-66 on or after April 1, 2013, the Environmental Management Commission shall receive a resolution supporting the establishment of a district board from (i) the board of commissioners of the county or counties lying wholly or partly within the boundaries of the proposed district and (ii) from the governing board of each political subdivision in the county or counties lying wholly or partly within the boundaries of the proposed district. If the Environmental Management Commission does not receive a resolution from each of those political subdivisions, the Environmental Management Commission may not adopt the resolution to create the district board. (2013-50, s. 5.5.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5 - Metropolitan Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-67.5 - Determination of population and representation.

§ 162A-67.5. Determination of population and representation.
(a) For purposes of determining district board representation of political subdivisions for any appointment under this Article, population shall be determined by reference to the most recent decennial census.
(b) For purposes of determining population for district board representation, only that portion of the population residing within the district boundary itself shall be included for each political subdivision and each unincorporated area having district board representation at the time such determination is made.
(c) In determining district board representation, no appointment shall be made by or in behalf of a political subdivision which does not own or operate a public system for the collection of wastewater at the time of such appointment. (2012-203, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5 - Metropolitan Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-70 - Bonds and notes authorized.

§ 162A-70. Bonds and notes authorized.
A metropolitan sewerage district shall have power from time to time to issue bonds and notes under the Local Government Finance Act. (1961, c. 795, s. 7; 1971, c. 780, s. 30; 1973, c. 822, s. 4.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5 - Metropolitan Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-71 - Determination of tax rate by district board; levy and collection of tax; remittance and deposit of funds.

§ 162A-71. Determination of tax rate by district board; levy and collection of tax; remittance and deposit of funds.
After each assessment for taxes following the creation of the district, the board or boards of commissioners shall file with the district board the valuation of assessable property within the district. The district board shall then determine the amount of funds to be raised by taxation for the ensuing year in excess of available funds to provide for the payment of interest on and the principal of all outstanding general obligation bonds as the same shall become due and payable, to pay the cost of maintaining, repairing and operating any sewerage system or systems, and to pay all obligations incurred by the district in the performance of its lawful undertakings and functions.
The district board shall determine the number of cents per one hundred dollars ($100.00) necessary to raise said amount and certify such rate to the board or boards of commissioners. The board or boards of commissioners shall include the number of cents per one hundred dollars ($100.00) certified by the district board in its next annual levy against all taxable property within the district, which tax shall be collected as other county taxes are collected, and every month the amount of tax so collected shall be remitted to the district board and deposited by the district board in a separate account in a bank in the State of North Carolina. Such levy may include an amount for reimbursing the county for the additional cost to the county of levying and collecting such taxes, pursuant to such formula as may be agreed upon by the district board and the board or boards of commissioners, to be deducted from the collections and stated with each remittance to the district board. The officer or officers having charge or custody of the funds of the district shall require said bank to furnish security for protection of such deposits as provided in G.S. 159-28 and, after June 30, 1973, G.S. 159-31. (1961, c. 795, s. 15; 1973, c. 512, s. 4; c. 822, s. 4.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5 - Metropolitan Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-72 - Rates and charges for services.

§ 162A-72. Rates and charges for services.
(a) The district board may fix, and may revise from time to time, rents, rates, fees and other charges for the use of and for the services furnished or to be furnished by any sewerage system. Such rents, rates, fees and charges shall not be subject to supervision or regulation by any bureau, board, commission, or other agency of the State or of any political subdivision. Any such rents, rates, fees and charges pledged to the payment of revenue bonds of the district shall be fixed and revised so that the revenues of the sewerage system, together with any other available funds, shall be sufficient at all times to pay the cost of maintaining, repairing and operating the sewerage system the revenues of which are pledged to the payment of such revenue bonds, including reserves for such purposes, and to pay the interest on and the principal of such revenue bonds as the same shall become due and payable and to provide reserves therefor. If any such rents, rates, fees and charges are pledged to the payment of any general obligation bonds issued under this Article, such rents, rates, fees and charges shall be fixed and revised so as to comply with the requirements of such pledge. The district board may provide methods for collection of such rents, rates, fees and charges and measures for enforcement of collection thereof, including penalties and the denial or discontinuance of service.
(b) The district board may require system development fees only in accordance with Article 8 of this Chapter. (1961, c. 795, s. 19; 1973, c. 822, s. 4; 2017-138, s. 7(b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5 - Metropolitan Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-73 - Authority of governing bodies of political subdivisions.

§ 162A-73. Authority of governing bodies of political subdivisions.
The governing body of any political subdivision is hereby authorized and empowered:
(1) Subject to the approval of the Local Government Commission, to transfer jurisdiction over, and to lease, lend, sell, grant or convey to a district, upon such terms and conditions as the governing body of such political subdivision may agree upon with the district board, the whole or any part of any existing sewerage system or systems or such real or personal property as may be necessary or useful in connection with the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, improvement, extension, enlargement, equipment, repair, maintenance or operation of any sewerage system by the district, including public roads and other property already devoted to public use;
(2) To make and enter into contracts or agreements with a district, upon such terms and conditions and for such periods as such governing body and the district board may determine:
a. For the collection, treatment or disposal of sewage;
b. For the collecting by such political subdivision or by the district of rents, rates, fees or charges for the services and facilities provided to or for such political subdivision or its inhabitants by any sewerage system, and for the enforcement of collection of such rents, rates, fees and charges; and
c. For the imposition of penalties, including the shutting off of the supply of water furnished by any water system owned or operated by such political subdivision, in the event that the owner, tenant or occupant of any premises utilizing such water shall fail to pay any such rents, rates, fees or charges;
(3) To fix, and revise from time to time, rents, rates, fees and other charges for the services furnished or to be furnished by a sewerage system under any contract between the district and such political subdivision, and to pledge all or any part of the proceeds of such rents, rates, fees and charges to the payment of any obligation of such political subdivision to the district under such contract;
(4) To pay any obligation of such political subdivision to the district under such contract from any available funds of the political subdivision and to levy and collect a tax ad valorem for the making of any such payment; and
(5) In its discretion or if required by law, to submit to its qualified electors under the election laws applicable to such political subdivision any contract or agreement which such governing body is authorized to make and enter into with the district under the provisions of this Article.
Any such election upon a contract or agreement may, at the discretion of the governing body, be called and held under the election laws applicable to the issuance of bonds by such political subdivision. (1961, c. 795, s. 23; 1973, c. 822, s. 4.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5 - Metropolitan Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-74 - Rights-of-way and easements in streets and highways.

§ 162A-74. Rights-of-way and easements in streets and highways.
A right-of-way or easement in, along, or across any State highway system, road, or street, and along or across any city or town street within a district is hereby granted to a district in case such right-of-way is found by the district board to be necessary or convenient for carrying out any of the work of the district. Any work done in, along, or across any State highway system, road, street, or property shall be done in accordance with the rules and regulations and any reasonable requirements of the Department of Transportation, and any work done in, along, or across any municipal street or property shall be done in accordance with any reasonable requirements of the municipal governing body. (1961, c. 795, s. 24; 1973, c. 507, s. 5; c. 822, s. 4; 1977, c. 464, s. 34.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5 - Metropolitan Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-75 - Submission of preliminary plans to planning groups; cooperation with planning agencies.

§ 162A-75. Submission of preliminary plans to planning groups; cooperation with planning agencies.
Prior to the time final plans are made for the location and construction of any sewerage system, the district board shall present preliminary plans for such improvement to the county, municipal or regional planning board for their consideration, if such facility is to be located within the planning jurisdiction of any such county, municipal or regional planning group. The district board shall make every effort to cooperate with the planning agency, if any, in the location and construction of a proposed facility authorized under this Article. Any district board created under the authority of this Article is hereby directed, wherever possible, to coordinate its plans for the construction of sewerage system improvements with the overall plans for the development of the planning area, if such district is located wholly or in part within a county, municipal or regional planning area; provided, however, that the approval of any such county, municipal or regional planning board as to any such plan of the district shall not be required. (1961, c. 795, s. 25; 1973, c. 822, s. 4.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5 - Metropolitan Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-76 - Water system acting as billing and collecting agent for district; furnishing meter readings.

§ 162A-76. Water system acting as billing and collecting agent for district; furnishing meter readings.
The owner or operator, including any political subdivision, of a water system supplying water to the owners, lessees or tenants of real property which is or will be served by any sewerage system owned or operated by a district is authorized to act as the billing and collecting agent of the district for any rents, rates, fees or charges imposed by the district for the services and facilities provided by such sewerage system, and such district is authorized to arrange with such owner or operator to act as the billing and collecting agent of the district for such purpose. Any such owner or operator shall, if requested by a district, furnish to the district copies of such regular periodic meter reading and water consumption records and other pertinent data as the district may require to do its own billing and collecting. The district shall pay to such owner or operator the reasonable additional expenses incurred by such owner or operator in rendering such services to the district. (1961, c. 795, s. 26; 1973, c. 822, s. 4.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5 - Metropolitan Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-77 - District may assume sewerage system indebtedness of political subdivision; approval of voters; actions founded upon invalidity of election; tax to pay assumed indebtedness.

§ 162A-77. District may assume sewerage system indebtedness of political subdivision; approval of voters; actions founded upon invalidity of election; tax to pay assumed indebtedness.
A district may assume all outstanding indebtedness of any political subdivision in the district lawfully incurred for paying all or any part of the cost of a sewerage system, subject to approval thereof by a majority of the qualified voters of the district voting at an election thereon. Any such election shall be called and held in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Finance Act, insofar as the same may be made applicable, and the returns of such election shall be canvassed and a statement of the result thereof prepared, recorded and published as provided in the Local Government Finance Act. No right of action or defense founded upon the invalidity of the election shall be asserted nor shall the validity of the election be open to question in any court upon any ground whatever, except in an action or proceeding commenced within 30 days after the publication of such statement of result. In the event that any such indebtedness of a political subdivision is assumed by the district, there shall be annually levied and collected a tax ad valorem upon all the taxable property in the district sufficient to pay such assumed indebtedness and the interest thereon as the same become due and payable; provided, however, that such tax may be reduced by the amount of other moneys actually available for such purpose. Such tax shall be determined, levied and collected in the manner provided by G.S. 162A-71 and subject to the provisions of said section.
Nothing herein shall prevent any political subdivision from levying taxes to provide for the payment of its debt service requirements as to indebtedness incurred for paying all or any part of the cost of a sewerage system if such debt service requirements shall not have been otherwise provided for. (1961, c. 795, s. 27; 1973, c. 512, s. 5; c. 822, s. 4.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5 - Metropolitan Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-78 - Advances by political subdivisions for preliminary expenses of districts.

§ 162A-78. Advances by political subdivisions for preliminary expenses of districts.
Any political subdivision is hereby authorized to make advances, from any moneys that may be available for such purpose, in connection with the creation of such district and to provide for the preliminary expenses of such district. Any such advances may be repaid to such political subdivision from the proceeds of bonds issued by such district or from other available funds of the district. (1961, c. 795, s. 28; 1973, c. 822, s. 4.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5 - Metropolitan Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-79 - Article regarded as supplemental.

§ 162A-79. Article regarded as supplemental.
This Article shall be deemed to provide an additional and alternative method for the doing of the things authorized hereby and shall be regarded as supplemental and additional to powers conferred by other laws, and shall not be regarded as in derogation of or as repealing any powers now existing under any other law, either general, special or local; provided, however, that the issuance of bonds under the provisions of this Article need not comply with the requirements of any other law applicable to the issuance of bonds except as herein provided. (1961, c. 795, s. 29; 1973, c. 822, s. 4.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5 - Metropolitan Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-80 - Inconsistent laws declared inapplicable.

§ 162A-80. Inconsistent laws declared inapplicable.
All general, special or local laws, or parts thereof, inconsistent herewith are hereby declared to be inapplicable, unless otherwise specified, to the provisions of this Article. (1961, c. 795, s. 30; 1973, c. 822, s. 4.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5 - Metropolitan Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-81 - Adoption and enforcement of ordinances.

§ 162A-81. Adoption and enforcement of ordinances.
(a) A district shall have the same power as a city under G.S. 160A-175 to assess civil fines and penalties for violation of its ordinances, and may secure injunctions to further insure compliance with its ordinances as provided by this section.
(b) An ordinance may provide that its violation shall subject the offender to a civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) to be recovered by the district in a civil action in the nature of debt if the offender does not pay the penalty within a prescribed period of time after he has been cited for violation of the ordinance. Any person assessed a civil penalty by the district shall be notified of the assessment by registered or certified mail, and the notice shall specify the reasons for the assessment. If the person assessed fails to pay the amount of the assessment to the district within 30 days after receipt of notice, or such longer period, not to exceed 180 days, as the district may specify, the district may institute a civil action in the General Court of Justice of the county in which the violation occurred or, in the discretion of the district, in the General Court of Justice of the county in which the person assessed has his or its principal place of business, to recover the amount of the assessment. The validity of the district's action may be appealed directly to General Court of Justice in the county in which the violation occurred, or may be raised at any time in the action to recover the assessment. Neither failure to contest the district's action directly nor failure to raise the issue of validity in the action to recover an assessment precludes the other.
(c) An ordinance may provide that it may be enforced by an appropriate equitable remedy issuing from court of competent jurisdiction. In such case, the General Court of Justice shall have jurisdiction to issue such orders as may be appropriate and it shall not be a defense to the application of the district for equitable relief that there is an adequate remedy at law.
(d) Subject to the express terms of an ordinance, a district ordinance may be enforced by any one, all, or a combination of the remedies authorized and prescribed by this section.
(e) An ordinance may provide, when appropriate, that each day's continuing violation shall be a separate and distinct offense. (1983, c. 333, s. 4.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5A - Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-85.1 - Definitions.

§ 162A-85.1. Definitions.
(a) Definitions. – As used in this Article, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) Board of commissioners. – The duly elected board of commissioners of the county or counties in which a metropolitan water and sewerage district shall be created under the provisions of this Article.
(2) City council or Council. – The duly elected city council of any municipality.
(3) Cost. – As defined in G.S. 162A-65.
(4) District. – A metropolitan water and sewerage district created under the provisions of this Article.
(5) District board. – A water and sewerage district board established under the provisions of this Article.
(6) General obligation bonds. – As defined in G.S. 162A-65.
(7) Governing body. – As defined in G.S. 162A-32.
(8) Person. – As defined in G.S. 162A-65.
(9) Political subdivision. – As defined in G.S. 162A-65.
(10) Revenue bonds. – Any bonds the principal of and the interest on which are payable solely from revenues of a water and sewerage system or systems.
(11) Revenues. – All moneys received by a district from, in connection with, or as a result of its ownership or operation of a water and sewerage system, including moneys received from the United States of America, or any agency thereof, pursuant to an agreement with the district board pertaining to the water and sewerage system, if deemed advisable by the district board.
(12) Sewage. – As defined in G.S. 162A-65.
(13) Sewage disposal system. – As defined in G.S. 162A-65.
(14) Sewerage system. – As defined in G.S. 162A-65.
(15) Sewers. – As defined in G.S. 162A-65.
(16) Water distribution system. – As defined in G.S. 162A-32.
(17) Water system. – As defined in G.S. 162A-32.
(18) Water treatment or purification plant. – As defined in G.S. 162A-32.
(b) Description of Boundaries. – Whenever this Article requires the boundaries of an area be described, it shall be sufficient if the boundaries are described in a manner which conveys an understanding of the location of the land and may be by any of the following:
(1) By reference to a clearly identified map recorded in the appropriate register of deeds office.
(2) By metes and bounds.
(3) By general description referring to natural boundaries, boundaries of political subdivisions, or boundaries of particular tracts or parcels of land.
(4) Any combination of the foregoing. (2013-50, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5A - Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-85.2 - Creation.

§ 162A-85.2. Creation.
(a) Except as provided by operation of law, the governing bodies of two or more political subdivisions may establish a metropolitan water and sewerage district if all of the political subdivisions adopt a resolution setting forth all of the following:
(1) The names of the appointees to the district board.
(2) The date on which the district board shall be established.
(3) The boundaries of the district board.
(b) Prior to the adoption of a resolution under subsection (a) of this section, the governing body shall hold at least two public hearings on the matter, held at least 30 days apart, after publication of the notices of public hearing in a newspaper of general circulation, published at least 10 days before each public hearing. (2013-50, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5A - Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-85.4 - Expansion of district board after creation.

§ 162A-85.4. Expansion of district board after creation.
(a) After creation pursuant to G.S. 162A-85.2, the district board may expand to include other political subdivisions if the district board and the political subdivision adopt identical resolutions indicating the political subdivision will become a participant in the district board.
(b) Prior to adopting the resolution under subsection (a) of this section, the district board and the political subdivision shall hold at least two public hearings on the matter, held at least 30 days apart, after publication of the notices of public hearing in a newspaper of general circulation, published at least 10 days before each public hearing.
(c) Upon adoption of the identical resolutions, the political subdivision shall appoint a district member in accordance with G.S. 162A-85.3(a), if that political subdivision is entitled to an appointment under that section. (2013-50, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5A - Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-85.5 - Powers generally.

§ 162A-85.5. Powers generally.
(a) Each district shall be deemed to be a public body and body politic and corporate exercising public and essential governmental functions to provide for the preservation and promotion of the public health and welfare, and each district is hereby authorized and empowered to do all of the following:
(1) To exercise any power of a Metropolitan Water District under G.S. 162A-36, except subdivision (9) of that section.
(2) To exercise any power of a Metropolitan Sewer District under G.S. 162A-69, except subdivision (9) of that section.
(3) To do all acts and things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers granted by this Article.
(b) Each district shall keep its accounts on the basis of a fiscal year commencing on the first day of July and ending on the 30th day of June of the following year. (2013-50, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5A - Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-85.7 - Bonds and notes authorized.

§ 162A-85.7. Bonds and notes authorized.
A metropolitan water and sewerage district shall have power from time to time to issue bonds and notes under the Local Government Finance Act. (2013-50, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5A - Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-85.13 - Rates and charges for services.

§ 162A-85.13. Rates and charges for services.
(a) The district board may fix, and may revise from time to time, rents, rates, fees, and other charges for the use of and for the services furnished or to be furnished by any water system or sewerage system. Such rents, rates, fees, and charges may not apply differing treatment within and outside the corporate limits of any city or county within the jurisdiction of the district board. Such rents, rates, fees, and charges shall not be subject to supervision or regulation by any bureau, board, commission, or other agency of the State or of any political subdivision.
(a1) The district board may require system development fees only in accordance with Article 8 of this Chapter.
(b) Any such rents, rates, fees, and charges pledged to the payment of revenue bonds of the district shall be fixed and revised so that the revenues of the water system or sewerage system, together with any other available funds, shall be sufficient at all times to pay the cost of maintaining, repairing, and operating the water system or sewerage system, the revenues of which are pledged to the payment of such revenue bonds, including reserves for such purposes, and to pay the interest on and the principal of such revenue bonds as the same shall become due and payable and to provide reserves therefor. If any such rents, rates, fees, and charges are pledged to the payment of any general obligation bonds issued under this Article, such rents, rates, fees, and charges shall be fixed and revised so as to comply with the requirements of such pledge.
(c) The district board may provide methods for collection of such rents, rates, fees, and charges and measures for enforcement of collection thereof, including penalties and the denial or discontinuance of service. (2013-50, s. 2; 2017-138, s. 8.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5A - Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-85.17 - Rights-of-way and easements.

§ 162A-85.17. Rights-of-way and easements.
A right-of-way or easement in, along, or across any State highway system, road, or street, and along or across any city or town street within a district is hereby granted to a district in case such right-of-way is found by the district board to be necessary or convenient for carrying out any of the work of the district. Any work done in, along, or across any State highway system, road, street, or property shall be done in accordance with the rules and regulations and any reasonable requirements of the Department of Transportation, and any work done in, along, or across any municipal street or property shall be done in accordance with any reasonable requirements of the municipal governing body. (2013-50, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5A - Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-85.21 - Submission of preliminary plans to planning groups; cooperation with planning agencies.

§ 162A-85.21. Submission of preliminary plans to planning groups; cooperation with planning agencies.
(a) Prior to the time final plans are made for the extension of any water system or sewerage system, the district board shall present preliminary plans for such improvement to the county or municipal governing board for their consideration if such facility is to be located within the jurisdiction of any such county or municipality. The district board shall make every effort to cooperate with the county or municipality in the location and construction of any new proposed facility authorized under this Article.
(b) Any district board created under the authority of this Article is hereby directed, wherever possible, to coordinate its plans for the construction of any new water system or sewerage system improvements with the overall plans for the development of the planning area if such district is located wholly or in part within a county or municipal planning area.
(c) This section shall not apply to renovations, repairs, or regular maintenance of water systems or sewer systems. (2013-50, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5A - Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-85.25 - Adoption and enforcement of ordinances.

§ 162A-85.25. Adoption and enforcement of ordinances.
(a) A district shall have the same power as a city under G.S. 160A-175 to assess civil fines and penalties for violation of its ordinances and may secure injunctions to further ensure compliance with its ordinances as provided by this section.
(b) An ordinance may provide that its violation shall subject the offender to a civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) to be recovered by the district in a civil action in the nature of debt if the offender does not pay the penalty within a prescribed period of time after he has been cited for violation of the ordinance. Any person assessed a civil penalty by the district shall be notified of the assessment by registered or certified mail, and the notice shall specify the reasons for the assessment. If the person assessed fails to pay the amount of the assessment to the district within 30 days after receipt of notice, or such longer period, not to exceed 180 days, as the district may specify, the district may institute a civil action in the General Court of Justice of the county in which the violation occurred or, in the discretion of the district, in the General Court of Justice of the county in which the person assessed has his or its principal place of business, to recover the amount of the assessment. The validity of the district's action may be appealed directly to General Court of Justice in the county in which the violation occurred or may be raised at any time in the action to recover the assessment. Neither failure to contest the district's action directly nor failure to raise the issue of validity in the action to recover an assessment precludes the other.
(c) An ordinance may provide that it may be enforced by an appropriate equitable remedy issuing from court of competent jurisdiction. In such case, the General Court of Justice shall have jurisdiction to issue such orders as may be appropriate, and it shall not be a defense to the application of the district for equitable relief that there is an adequate remedy at law.
(d) Subject to the express terms of an ordinance, a district ordinance may be enforced by any one, all, or a combination of the remedies authorized and prescribed by this section.
(e) An ordinance may provide, when appropriate, that each day's continuing violation shall be a separate and distinct offense. (2013-50, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 5A - Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Districts. › § 162A-85.29 - No privatization.

§ 162A-85.29. No privatization.
The district board may not in any way privatize the provision of water or sewer to the customers of the district unless related to administrative matters only. (2013-50, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 6 - County Water and Sewer Districts. › § 162A-86 - Formation of district; hearing.

§ 162A-86. Formation of district; hearing.
(a) The board of commissioners of any county may create a county water and sewer district.
(a1) The governing board of a consolidated city-county, as defined by G.S. 160B-2(1), may create a water and sewer district pursuant to this Article. For the purposes of this Article, the term "board of county commissioners" shall also mean the governing board of a consolidated city-county and the term "county water and sewer district" also means a water and sewer district created by the governing board of a consolidated city-county.
(b) Before creating such a district, the board of commissioners shall hold a public hearing. Notice of the hearing shall state the date, hour, and place of the hearing and its subject and shall set forth a description of the territory to be included within the proposed district. The notice shall be published once a week for three weeks in a newspaper that circulates in the proposed district and in addition shall be posted in at least three public places in the district. The notice shall be posted and published the first time not less than 20 days before the hearing.
(b1) Before creating such a district, the board of commissioners shall hold a public hearing. Notice of the hearing shall state the date, hour, and place of the hearing and its subject and shall set forth a description of the territory to be included within the proposed district. The notice shall be published once in a newspaper that circulates in the proposed district and in addition shall be posted in at least three public places in the district. The notice shall be posted and published not more than 30 nor less than 14 days before the hearing. The newspaper notice and the public hearing may cover more than one district covered by this subsection.
This subsection applies only when the local Health Director or the State Health Director has certified that there is a present or imminent serious public health hazard caused by the failure of a low-pressure pipe sewer system within the area of the proposed district, and in such case the board of commissioners may proceed either under subsection (a) of this section or under this subsection.
(c) At the public hearing, the commissioners shall hear all interested persons and may adjourn the hearing from time to time. (1977, c. 466, s. 1; 1979, c. 624, ss. 2, 3; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 696, s. 1; c. 714, s. 1; 1995, c. 461, s. 7.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 6 - County Water and Sewer Districts. › § 162A-87.1A - Initial boundaries of district.

§ 162A-87.1A. Initial boundaries of district.
(a) The initial boundaries of a district may exclude areas contained solely within the external boundaries of the district.
(b) The initial boundaries of a district may include noncontiguous portions, as long as the closest distance from a noncontiguous piece to the part of the district containing the greatest area does not exceed one mile.
(c) This section does not invalidate any district created prior to the effective date of this section. (1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 696, s. 3; c. 714, s. 3.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 6 - County Water and Sewer Districts. › § 162A-87.1B - Transfer of State-owned property from one district to another.

§ 162A-87.1B. Transfer of State-owned property from one district to another.
If any property owned by the State is located in a county water and sewer district, the board of commissioners of that county by resolution may transfer the property to another county water and sewer district in that county. This section only applies if the State acquired the property from the county. Any such resolution shall become effective on the date specified in the resolution, and a copy of the resolution shall be sent to the Department of Administration. (2005-127, s. 1; 2006-226, s. 29.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 6 - County Water and Sewer Districts. › § 162A-87.3 - Services outside the district.

§ 162A-87.3. Services outside the district.
(a) A county water and sewer district may provide water or sewer services, or both, to customers outside the district, but in no case shall the county water and sewer district be held liable for damages to those outside the district for failure to furnish such services.
(b) A county water and sewer district may provide a different schedule of rents, rates, fees, and charges for services provided outside the district.
(c) A county water and sewer district may not extend service to customers lying within the corporate limits of a city or sanitary district unless the governing body of a city or sanitary district agrees, by resolution, to the extension.
(d) A county water and sewer district may not extend service to customers lying within another county unless the board of commissioners of that county agrees, by resolution, to the extension. (1989, c. 726, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 6 - County Water and Sewer Districts. › § 162A-88 - District is a municipal corporation.

§ 162A-88. District is a municipal corporation.
(a) The inhabitants of a county water and sewer district created pursuant to this Article are a body corporate and politic by the name specified by the board of commissioners. Under that name they are vested with all the property and rights of property belonging to the corporation; have perpetual succession; may sue and be sued; may contract and be contracted with; may acquire and hold any property, real and personal, devised, sold, or in any manner conveyed, dedicated to, or otherwise acquired by them, and from time to time may hold, invest, sell, or dispose of the same; may have a common seal and alter and renew it at will; may establish, revise and collect rates, fees or other charges and penalties for the use of or the services furnished or to be furnished by any sanitary sewer system, water system or sanitary sewer and water system of the district; and may exercise those powers conferred on them by this Article.
(b) The district board may require system development fees only in accordance with Article 8 of this Chapter. (1977, c. 466, s. 1; 1979, c. 624, s. 5; 2011-284, s. 124; 2017-138, s. 9.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 6 - County Water and Sewer Districts. › § 162A-88.1 - Contracts with private entities.

§ 162A-88.1. Contracts with private entities.
A county water and sewer district may contract with and appropriate money to any person, association, or corporation, in order to carry out any public purpose that the county water and sewer district is authorized by law to engage in. (1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 696, s. 5; c. 714, s. 5.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 6 - County Water and Sewer Districts. › § 162A-89 - Governing body of district; powers.

§ 162A-89. Governing body of district; powers.
(a) The board of commissioners of the county in which a county water and sewer district is created is the governing body of the district.
(b) The governing board of a consolidated city-county in which a water and sewer district is created is the governing body of the district. (1977, c. 466, s. 1; 1995, c. 461, s. 8.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 6 - County Water and Sewer Districts. › § 162A-89.1 - Eminent domain power authorized.

§ 162A-89.1. Eminent domain power authorized.
A county water and sewer district shall have the power of eminent domain, to be exercised in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 40A of the General Statutes, over the acquisition of any improved or unimproved lands or rights in land, within or without the district. (1977, c. 466, s. 1; 1983, c. 735, s. 1.; 1987, c. 2, s. 2)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 6 - County Water and Sewer Districts. › § 162A-90 - Bonds and notes authorized.

§ 162A-90. Bonds and notes authorized.
A county water and sewer district may from time to time issue general obligation and revenue bonds and bond anticipation notes pursuant to the Local Government Finance Act, for the purposes of providing sanitary sewer systems or water systems or both.
A county water and sewer district may from time to time issue tax and revenue anticipation notes pursuant to Chapter 159, Article 9, Part 2. (1977, c. 466, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 6 - County Water and Sewer Districts. › § 162A-91 - Taxes authorized.

§ 162A-91. Taxes authorized.
The governing body of a county water and sewer district may levy property taxes within the district in order to finance the operation and maintenance of the district's water system or sewer system or both and in order to finance debt service on any general obligation bonds or notes issued by the district. No voter approval is necessary in order for such taxes to be levied. (1977, c. 466, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 162A - Water and Sewer Systems › Article 6 - County Water and Sewer Districts. › § 162A-92 - Special assessments authorized.

§ 162A-92. Special assessments authorized.
A county water and sewer district may make special assessments against benefited property within the district for all or part of the costs of:
(1) Constructing, reconstructing, extending, or otherwise building or improving water systems;
(2) Constructing, reconstructing, extending, or otherwise building or improving sewage disposal systems.
A district shall exercise the authority granted by this section according to the provisions of Chapter 153A, Article 9. For the purposes of this section references in that Article to the "county" and the "board of commissioners" are deemed to refer, respectively, to the "district" and the "governing body of the district." (1977, c. 466, s. 1.)