Whereas, the Town of Raymond recently joined the Portland Water District through legislation that became effective May 25, 2001; and

Whereas, the new legislation requires the Town of Raymond to participate in the election of a water district trustee scheduled to take place on June 11, 2001, which is insufficient time for the town to provide proper public notice under the State's election laws; and

Whereas, there is a risk that the Town of Raymond will be in violation of the terms of the water district's charter if legislation does not become effective prior to the June 11, 2001 election date; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. Town of Raymond not required to hold special election. Notwithstanding Private and Special Law 2001, chapter 25, section 6, the Town of Raymond is not required to hold a special town meeting in June of 2001 to participate in the election of a trustee to the board of the Portland Water District representing the Town of Falmouth, the Town of Cumberland, the Town of Windham and the Town of Raymond.

Sec. 2. Authorized to provide water service. Notwithstanding the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 22, section 2653, the Portland Water District is authorized to provide water service, as provided in its charter, to the Town of Raymond without the need for either the water district or the town to conduct a vote under Title 22, section 2653.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill corrects an inconsistency between the State's election laws that require a certain notice period before holding a special town meeting and the recently adopted amendment to the