7-2-4736. Preservation of existing garbage or solid waste service in the event of annexation. - Montana Statutes

     7-2-4736. Preservation of existing garbage or solid waste service in the event of annexation. (1) A municipality that annexes or incorporates additional area receiving garbage and solid waste disposal service by a motor carrier authorized by the public service commission to conduct such service may not provide competitive or similar garbage and solid waste disposal service to any person or business located in the area for 5 years following annexation except:
     (a) upon a proper showing to the public service commission that the existing carrier is unable or refuses to provide adequate service to the annexed or incorporated area; or
     (b) after the expiration of 5 years, if a majority of the residents of the annexed or incorporated area sign a petition requesting the municipality to provide the service.
     (2) If a proper showing is made that the existing carrier is unable or refuses to provide adequate service to the annexed or incorporated area or, after the expiration of 5 years, if a majority of the residents sign a petition requesting service from the municipality, the municipality may provide garbage and solid waste disposal service to the entire annexed or incorporated area.
     (3) For the purposes of determining whether an existing motor carrier provides adequate service, those services provided by the carrier prior to annexation are considered adequate services.

     History: En. 11-526 by Sec. 1, Ch. 131, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 11-526; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 434, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 381, L. 1987.