Statement of purpose

A. It is the intention of R.S. 33:4061 through 33:4063 that a comprehensive sewerage system shall be established in East Baton Rouge Parish through the efforts and upon the findings and recommendations of a citizens' board. Such board shall be the commission authorized in R.S. 33:4061. The commission shall be empowered and authorized to: (1) Review economic, statistical, engineering, and other data related to such sewerage system. (2) Make ongoing surveys and studies of the maintenance and operation of sewerage collection, transmission, treatment, and disposal facilities within its jurisdiction. (3) Formulate a uniform schedule of sewerage service charges based on incremental units of cost to be applied equally within classifications of like character. (4) Publish public notices, hold public hearings, and receive input from all interested citizens in the discharge of the commission's duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to, determining rates, fees, and charges to be fixed. (5) Recommend by resolution the fees and charges to be levied by the council with respect to any sewer improvement area, sewerage system, or sewerage district created by the council, which area, system, or district has been made subject to the jurisdiction of the commission. B. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as divesting or altering the power of the council to fix and amend sewer service charges, or the power, authority and autonomy of the municipal governments of Baker and Zachary to levy and collect sewer service charges with respect to the municipal sewerage systems owned and operated by either of said municipalities.