(1) A city with a population of less than one thousand (1,000) based upon the most recent federal decennial census may, in an emergency situation, sell, lease, or otherwise transfer a utility system which it owns after obtaining the approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the utility’s customers by petition, as specified in this section, without holding an election under KRS § 96.540.
(2) The city legislative body shall enact an ordinance pursuant to 83A.060 which shall describe the terms of the proposed sale, lease, or other transfer of the city-owned utility system, declare an emergency, and set out the reasons why the proposed transaction is deemed to be an emergency. The ordinance also shall set a deadline for obtaining the necessary signatures, and specify who will certify the petition.

Terms Used In Kentucky Statutes 96.5405

  • City: includes town. See Kentucky Statutes 446.010
  • Federal: refers to the United States. See Kentucky Statutes 446.010
  • Lease: A contract transferring the use of property or occupancy of land, space, structures, or equipment in consideration of a payment (e.g., rent). Source: OCC

(3) At least two (2) public hearings shall be held to inform the public of the proposed sale, lease, or other transfer of the utility system, and to obtain public comment on the proposal. The hearings shall be publicized at a minimum, in accordance with KRS § 424.130(1)(d).
(4) The petition may consist of several separate units, and shall include a full address and the date with each signature. Unless the ordinance provides otherwise, only a person named on an account shall be a valid signer of the petition. The utility shall make available a list of the names and addresses of all current customers.
Effective: January 1, 2015
History: Amended 2014 Ky. Acts ch. 92, sec. 175, effective January 1, 2015. — Created
1990 Ky. Acts ch. 153, sec. 2, effective March 30, 1990.