A yearslong dispute over water fees North Miami Beach charges its neighbor, Miami Gardens, spilled into new territory this week, as county policymakers approved fresh oversight rules meant to address the issue.

Miami-Dade Commissioners OK’d an ordinance by Oliver Gilbert , Miami Gardens’ immediate past Mayor, to require any municipal water or sewer utility that serves customers beyond its borders to file copies of its service terms and conditions with the county’s Water and Sewer Department.

If the utility collects surcharges from those outside customers, it must prove each year that the extra money is used solely for water system operations and improvements. Cities that don’t comply could face $500 fines per violation and possible county intervention under Miami-Dade’s home rule a

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