Senate Bill 2707, also known as House Bill 2643, amends Chapter 34 of the Private Acts of 2019 concerning the governance of public utilities in the City of Winchester, Tennessee. The bill establishes a new administrative body called the Board of Public Utilities, which will consist of five members, including the Mayor as a standing member. The remaining four members will serve four-year terms, with a rotating system for term expirations. The City Council will have the authority to appoint members, remove them for cause, and set their compensation. The Board will be responsible for reviewing and approving utility rates and service charges, preparing an annual budget, and ensuring that revenues from these utilities are used solely for their operation and maintenance.

Additionally, the bill outlines the financial management of the utilities, specifying that revenues must cover operational costs, bond payments, and improvements, while allowing for a tax equivalent payment to the City’s general fund. The City Council can also assign the Board the responsibility of billing and collecting additional fees for services. An amendment to the bill removes a specific provision regarding surplus funds at the end of the fiscal year. The act will take effect upon a two-thirds approval vote from the City Council, with certain provisions becoming effective immediately for public welfare purposes.