CHAPTER 1023. EASTLAND MEMORIAL HOSPITAL DISTRICT

SPECIAL DISTRICT LOCAL LAWS CODE

TITLE 3. HEALTH

SUBTITLE A. HOSPITAL DISTRICTS

CHAPTER 1023. EASTLAND MEMORIAL HOSPITAL DISTRICT

SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 1023.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:

(1) "Board" means the board of directors of the district.

(2) "Director" means a member of the board.

(3) "District" means the Eastland Memorial Hospital District.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.002. AUTHORITY FOR OPERATION. The district operates

and is financed as provided by Section 9, Article IX, Texas

Constitution, and by this chapter.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.003. ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FUNCTION. The district is a

public entity performing an essential public function.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.004. DISTRICT TERRITORY. The district is composed of

the territory described by Section 1.03, Chapter 221, Acts of the

71st Legislature, Regular Session, 1989.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.005. DISTRICT SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE NOT STATE

OBLIGATION. The state may not be obligated for the support or

maintenance of the district.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.006. RESTRICTION ON STATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. The

legislature may not make a direct appropriation for the

construction, maintenance, or improvement of a district facility.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

SUBCHAPTER B. DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

Sec. 1023.051. BOARD ELECTION; TERMS. (a) The district is

governed by a board of nine directors elected from the district

at large.

(b) Unless four-year terms are established under Section

285.081, Health and Safety Code:

(1) directors serve staggered two-year terms; and

(2) an election shall be held on the uniform election date in

May of each year to elect the appropriate number of directors.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.052. NOTICE OF ELECTION. Not earlier than 30 days or

later than 10 days before the date of an election of directors,

notice of the election shall be published one time in a newspaper

with general circulation in the district.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.053. QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE. To be eligible to be

a candidate for or to serve as a director, a person must be:

(1) a district resident; and

(2) a qualified voter.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.054. BOARD VACANCY. (a) A vacancy in the office of

director shall be filled for the unexpired term at the next

regular election.

(b) If at least five director positions become vacant, the

remaining directors may call a special election to fill the

vacancies for the unexpired terms.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.055. OFFICERS. (a) The board shall elect a president

and a vice president from among its members.

(b) The board shall appoint a secretary.

(c) Each officer of the board serves for a term of one year.

(d) The board shall fill a vacancy in a board office for the

unexpired term.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.056. COMPENSATION; EXPENSES. A director or officer

serves without compensation but may be reimbursed for actual

expenses incurred in the performance of official duties. The

expenses must be:

(1) reported in the district's records; and

(2) approved by the board.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.057. VOTING REQUIREMENT. A concurrence of a majority

of the directors voting is necessary in any matter relating to

district business.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.058. DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR. (a) The board may

appoint a qualified person as district administrator.

(b) The district administrator serves at the will of the board

and is entitled to compensation determined by the board.

(c) Before assuming the duties of district administrator, the

board may require the administrator to execute a bond in an

amount determined by the board of not less than $5,000 that is:

(1) payable to the district; and

(2) conditioned on the faithful performance of the

administrator's duties under this chapter.

(d) The board may pay for the bond with district money.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.059. GENERAL DUTIES OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR.

Subject to the limitations prescribed by the board, the district

administrator shall:

(1) supervise the work and activities of the district; and

(2) direct the general affairs of the district.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.060. ASSISTANT DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR; ATTORNEY. (a)

The board may appoint qualified persons as:

(1) the assistant district administrator; and

(2) the attorney for the district.

(b) The assistant district administrator and attorney for the

district serve at the will of the board and are entitled to the

compensation determined by the board.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.061. EMPLOYEES; APPOINTMENT AND RECRUITMENT OF STAFF.

(a) The district may employ technicians, nurses, fiscal agents,

accountants, architects, additional attorneys, and other

necessary employees.

(b) The board may appoint to the staff any doctors the board

considers necessary for the efficient operation of the district

and may make temporary appointments as necessary.

(c) The board may delegate to the district administrator the

authority to employ persons for the district.

(d) The board may recruit physicians and other health care

professionals or persons.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.062. PERSONNEL CONTRACTS. (a) The board may contract

to provide administrative or other personnel for the operation of

the hospital facilities.

(b) The term of the contract may not exceed 25 years.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.063. RETIREMENT BENEFITS. The board may provide

retirement benefits for district employees by:

(1) establishing or administering a retirement program; or

(2) participating in:

(A) the Texas County and District Retirement System; or

(B) another statewide retirement system in which the district is

eligible to participate.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

SUBCHAPTER C. POWERS AND DUTIES

Sec. 1023.101. DISTRICT RESPONSIBILITY. The district has full

responsibility for:

(1) operating hospital facilities; and

(2) providing medical and hospital care for the district's needy

inhabitants.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.102. RESTRICTION ON COUNTY TAXATION AND DEBT.

Eastland County may not impose a tax or issue bonds or other

obligations to provide hospital or medical care for district

residents.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.103. MANAGEMENT, CONTROL, AND ADMINISTRATION. The

board shall manage, control, and administer the hospital system

and the district's money and resources.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.104. RULES. The board may adopt rules governing:

(1) the operation of the hospital and hospital system; and

(2) the duties, functions, and responsibilities of district

staff and employees.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.105. PURCHASING AND ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES. The board

may prescribe:

(1) the method of making purchases and expenditures by and for

the district; and

(2) accounting and control procedures for the district.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.106. DISTRICT PROPERTY, FACILITIES, AND EQUIPMENT.

(a) The board shall determine:

(1) the type, number, and location of buildings required to

maintain an adequate hospital system; and

(2) the type of equipment necessary for hospital care.

(b) The board may:

(1) acquire property, including facilities and equipment, for

the district for use in the hospital system; and

(2) mortgage or pledge the property as security for payment of

the purchase price.

(c) The board may lease hospital facilities for the district to

individuals, corporations, or other legal entities.

(d) The board may sell or otherwise dispose of property,

including facilities or equipment, for the district. The board

shall give notice of intent to sell land or buildings by

publishing a notice of intent in a newspaper with general

circulation in Eastland County not later than the 30th day before

the date of sale.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.107. EMINENT DOMAIN. (a) The district may exercise

the power of eminent domain to acquire a fee simple or other

interest in property located in district territory if the

interest is necessary for the district to exercise a right or

authority conferred by this chapter.

(b) The district must exercise the power of eminent domain in

the manner provided by Chapter 21, Property Code, except that the

district is not required to deposit in the trial court money or a

bond as provided by Section 21.021(a), Property Code.

(c) In a condemnation proceeding brought by the district, the

district is not required to:

(1) pay in advance or provide a bond or other security for costs

in the trial court;

(2) provide a bond for the issuance of a temporary restraining

order or a temporary injunction; or

(3) provide a bond for costs or a supersedeas bond on an appeal

or writ of error.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.108. COST OF RELOCATING OR ALTERING PROPERTY. In

exercising the power of eminent domain, if the board requires

relocating, raising, lowering, rerouting, changing the grade of,

or altering the construction of any railroad, highway, pipeline,

or electric transmission and electric distribution, telegraph, or

telephone line, conduit, pole, or facility, the district shall

pay the actual cost of relocating, raising, lowering, rerouting,

changing the grade of, or altering the construction to provide

comparable replacement, without enhancement of facilities, after

deducting the net salvage value derived from the old facility.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.109. GIFTS AND ENDOWMENTS. The board may accept for

the district a gift or endowment to be held in trust for any

purpose and under any direction, limitation, or other provision

prescribed in writing by the donor that is consistent with the

proper management of the district.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.110. CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS. (a) The board may enter

into construction contracts for the district.

(b) The board may enter into a construction contract that

involves the expenditure of more than the amount provided by

Section 271.024, Local Government Code, only after competitive

bidding as provided by Subchapter B, Chapter 271, Local

Government Code.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.111. OPERATING AND MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS. The board

may enter into an operating or management contract relating to a

hospital facility for the district.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.112. CONTRACTS WITH GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES FOR

SERVICES. The board may contract with a political subdivision of

the state or a state or federal agency for the district to:

(1) furnish a mobile emergency medical service; or

(2) provide for the investigatory or welfare needs of district

inhabitants.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.113. PROVISION OF CERTAIN HEALTH SERVICES. The

district may:

(1) operate or provide for the operation of a mobile emergency

medical service; and

(2) establish and operate a home health service.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.114. PAYMENT FOR TREATMENT; PROCEDURES. (a) When a

patient who resides in the district is admitted to a district

facility, the district administrator may have an inquiry made

into the financial circumstances of:

(1) the patient; and

(2) a relative of the patient who is legally responsible for the

patient's support.

(b) The district without charge shall provide to a patient who

resides in the district the care and treatment that the patient

or a relative of the patient who is legally responsible for the

patient's support cannot pay.

(c) On determining that the patient or a relative legally

responsible for the patient's support can pay for all or part of

the care and treatment provided by the district, the district

administrator shall report that determination to the board, and

the board shall issue an order directing the patient or the

relative to pay the district a specified amount each week. The

amount must be based on the individual's ability to pay.

(d) The district administrator may collect money owed to the

district from the patient's estate or from that of a relative who

was legally responsible for the patient's support in the manner

provided by law for the collection of expenses in the last

illness of a deceased person.

(e) If there is a dispute relating to an individual's ability to

pay or if the district administrator has any doubt concerning an

individual's ability to pay, the board shall:

(1) call witnesses;

(2) hear and resolve the question; and

(3) issue a final order.

(f) A final order of the board may be appealed to a district

court in Eastland County. The substantial evidence rule applies

to the appeal.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.115. REIMBURSEMENT FOR SERVICES. (a) The board shall

require a county, municipality, or public hospital located

outside the district to reimburse the district for the district's

care and treatment of a sick or injured person of that county,

municipality, or hospital, as provided by Chapter 61, Health and

Safety Code.

(b) The board shall require the sheriff of Eastland County or

the police chief of the City of Eastland to reimburse the

district for the district's care and treatment of a person who is

confined in a jail facility of Eastland County or the City of

Eastland and is not a district resident.

(c) On behalf of the district, the board may contract with the

state or federal government for that government to reimburse the

district for treatment of a sick or injured person.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.116. AUTHORITY TO SUE AND BE SUED. The board may sue

and be sued on behalf of the district.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

SUBCHAPTER D. GENERAL FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 1023.151. BUDGET. (a) The district administrator shall

prepare a proposed annual budget for the district.

(b) The proposed budget must contain a complete financial

statement, including a statement of:

(1) the outstanding obligations of the district;

(2) the amount of cash on hand in each district fund;

(3) the amount of money received by the district from all

sources during the previous year;

(4) the amount of money available to the district from all

sources during the ensuing year;

(5) the amount of the balances expected at the end of the year

in which the budget is being prepared;

(6) the estimated amount of revenue and balances available to

cover the proposed budget; and

(7) the estimated tax rate required.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.152. NOTICE; HEARING; ADOPTION OF BUDGET. (a) The

board shall hold a public hearing on the proposed annual budget.

(b) The board shall publish notice of the hearing in a newspaper

with general circulation in the district not later than the 10th

day before the date of the hearing.

(c) Any district resident is entitled to be present and

participate at the hearing.

(d) At the conclusion of the hearing, the board shall adopt a

budget by acting on the budget proposed by the district

administrator. The board may make any changes in the proposed

budget that the board judges to be in the interests of the

taxpayers.

(e) The budget is effective only after adoption by the board.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.153. AMENDMENTS TO BUDGET. After adoption, the annual

budget may be amended on the board's approval.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.154. RESTRICTION ON EXPENDITURES. Money may be spent

only for an expense included in the budget or an amendment to the

budget.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.155. FISCAL YEAR. (a) The district operates on the

fiscal year established by the board.

(b) The fiscal year may not be changed:

(1) when revenue bonds of the district are outstanding; or

(2) more than once in a 24-month period.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.156. ANNUAL AUDIT. The board annually shall have an

audit made of the district's financial condition.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.157. INSPECTION OF ANNUAL AUDIT AND DISTRICT RECORDS.

The annual audit and other district records are open to

inspection during regular business hours at the district's

principal office.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.158. FINANCIAL REPORT. As soon as practicable after

the close of the fiscal year, the district administrator shall

prepare for the board:

(1) a sworn statement of the amount of district money; and

(2) an account of the disbursements of that money.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.159. DEPOSITORY. (a) The board shall select at least

one bank to serve as a depository for district money.

(b) District money, other than money invested as provided by

Section 1023.160(b) and money transmitted to a bank for payment

of bonds or obligations issued or assumed by the district, shall

be deposited as received with the depository bank and shall

remain on deposit. This subsection does not limit the power of

the board to place a portion of district money on time deposit or

to purchase certificates of deposit.

(c) The district may not deposit money with a bank in an amount

that exceeds the maximum amount secured by the Federal Deposit

Insurance Corporation unless the bank first executes a bond or

other security in an amount sufficient to secure from loss the

district money that exceeds the amount secured by the Federal

Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.160. SPENDING AND INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS. (a)

Except as provided by Sections 1023.110, 1023.161, 1023.162,

1023.201, 1023.204, and 1023.205, the district may not incur a

debt payable from district revenue other than revenue on hand or

to be on hand in the current and immediately following district

fiscal years.

(b) The board may invest operating, depreciation, or building

reserves only in funds or securities specified by Chapter 2256,

Government Code.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.161. GENERAL AUTHORITY TO BORROW MONEY; SECURITY. (a)

The board may borrow money at a rate of interest not to exceed

the maximum annual percentage rate allowed by law for district

obligations at the time the loan is made.

(b) To secure a loan, the board may pledge:

(1) district revenue that is not pledged to pay the district's

bonded indebtedness;

(2) tax revenue to be collected by the district in the next

12-month period that is not pledged to pay the principal of or

interest on district bonds; or

(3) district bonds that have been authorized but not sold.

(c) A loan for which tax revenue or bonds are pledged must

mature not later than the first anniversary of the date the loan

is made. A loan for which other district revenue is pledged must

mature not later than the fifth anniversary of the date the loan

is made.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.162. AUTHORITY TO BORROW MONEY IN EMERGENCY; SECURITY.

(a) The board may borrow money at a rate not to exceed the

maximum annual percentage rate allowed by law for district

obligations at the time the loan is made if the board determines

that:

(1) money is not available to meet lawful obligations of the

district; and

(2) an emergency exists.

(b) To secure a loan, the board may pledge:

(1) district revenue that is not pledged to pay the district's

bonded indebtedness;

(2) tax revenue to be collected by the district in the next

12-month period that is not pledged to pay the principal of or

interest on district bonds; or

(3) district bonds that have been authorized but not sold.

(c) A loan for which tax revenue or bonds are pledged must

mature not later than the first anniversary of the date the loan

is made. A loan for which other district revenue is pledged must

mature not later than the fifth anniversary of the date the loan

is made.

(d) The board may not spend money obtained from a loan under

this section for any purpose other than:

(1) the purpose for which the board declared an emergency; and

(2) if district tax revenue or bonds are pledged to pay the

loan, the purpose for which the pledged taxes were imposed or the

pledged bonds were authorized.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

SUBCHAPTER E. BONDS

Sec. 1023.201. GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS. The board may issue

and sell general obligation bonds authorized by an election in

the name and on the faith and credit of the district to:

(1) purchase, construct, acquire, repair, or renovate buildings

or improvements; or

(2) equip buildings or improvements for hospital purposes.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.202. TAX TO PAY GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS. (a) At the

time general obligation bonds are issued by the district under

Section 1023.201, the board shall impose an ad valorem tax at a

rate sufficient to create an interest and sinking fund to pay the

principal of and interest on the bonds as the bonds mature.

(b) The tax required by this section together with any other ad

valorem tax the district imposes may not in any year exceed the

limit approved by the voters at the election authorizing the

imposition of the tax.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.203. GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND ELECTION. (a) The

district may issue general obligation bonds only if the bonds are

authorized by a majority of the district voters voting at an

election held for that purpose.

(b) The board may order a bond election.

(c) The order calling the election must specify:

(1) the nature and date of the election;

(2) the hours during which the polls will be open;

(3) the location of the polling places;

(4) the amounts of the bonds to be authorized; and

(5) the maximum maturity of the bonds.

(d) Notice of a bond election must be given as provided by

Section 1251.003, Government Code.

(e) The board shall declare the results of the election.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.204. REVENUE BONDS. (a) The board may issue revenue

bonds to:

(1) purchase, construct, acquire, repair, equip, or renovate

buildings or improvements for hospital purposes; or

(2) acquire sites to be used for hospital purposes.

(b) The bonds must be payable from and secured by a pledge of

all or part of the revenue derived from the operation of the

district's hospital system.

(c) The bonds may be additionally secured by a mortgage or deed

of trust lien on all or part of district property.

(d) The bonds must be issued in the manner provided by Sections

264.042, 264.043, and 264.046-264.049, Health and Safety Code,

for issuance of revenue bonds by a county hospital authority.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.205. REFUNDING BONDS. (a) The board may issue

refunding bonds to refund outstanding indebtedness issued or

assumed by the district.

(b) A refunding bond may be:

(1) sold, with the proceeds of the refunding bond applied to the

payment of the outstanding indebtedness; or

(2) exchanged wholly or partly for not less than a similar

principal amount of outstanding indebtedness.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.206. MATURITY OF BONDS. District bonds must mature

not later than 50 years after the date of issuance.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.207. EXECUTION OF BONDS. (a) The board president

shall execute the district's bonds in the district's name.

(b) The board secretary shall countersign the bonds in the

manner provided by Chapter 618, Government Code.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.208. BONDS EXEMPT FROM TAXATION. The following are

exempt from taxation by this state or by a political subdivision

of this state:

(1) bonds issued by the district;

(2) any transaction relating to the bonds; and

(3) profits made in the sale of the bonds.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

SUBCHAPTER F. TAXES

Sec. 1023.251. IMPOSITION OF AD VALOREM TAX. (a) The board may

impose a tax on all property in the district subject to district

taxation.

(b) The tax may be used to pay:

(1) indebtedness issued or assumed by the district; and

(2) the maintenance and operating expenses of the district.

(c) The district may not impose a tax to pay the principal of or

interest on revenue bonds issued under this chapter.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.252. TAX RATE. (a) The board may impose the tax at a

rate not to exceed the limit approved by the voters at the

election authorizing the imposition of a tax.

(b) The tax rate for all purposes may not exceed 37.5 cents on

each $100 valuation of all taxable property in the district.

(c) In setting the tax rate, the board shall consider the income

of the district from sources other than taxation.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.253. TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR. The board may provide

for the appointment of a tax assessor-collector for the district

or may contract for the assessment and collection of taxes as

provided by the Tax Code.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

SUBCHAPTER G. DISSOLUTION

Sec. 1023.301. DISSOLUTION; ELECTION. (a) The district may be

dissolved and the district's assets and liabilities sold or

transferred to another person only on approval of a majority of

the district voters voting at an election held for that purpose.

(b) A majority of the directors may order an election to

dissolve the district and transfer its assets and liabilities.

(c) The board shall order an election if the board receives a

petition requesting an election that is signed by at least 15

percent of the registered voters in the district, according to

the most recent official list of registered voters.

(c-1) The election shall be called not later than the 60th day

after the date the petition is presented to the district.

(d) The order calling the election must state:

(1) the nature of the election, including the proposition to

appear on the ballot;

(2) the date of the election;

(3) the hours during which the polls will be open; and

(4) the location of the polling places.

(e) Section 41.001(a), Election Code, does not apply to an

election ordered under this section.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.

87, Sec. 21.003, eff. September 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.302. NOTICE OF ELECTION. (a) The board shall give

notice of an election under this subchapter by publishing once a

week for two consecutive weeks a substantial copy of the election

order in a newspaper with general circulation in the district.

(b) The first publication must appear at least 35 days before

the date set for the election.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.303. BALLOT. The ballot for an election under this

subchapter must be printed to permit voting for or against the

proposition: "The dissolution of the Eastland Memorial Hospital

District and the transfer of its assets and liabilities in the

following manner: __________ (insert provisions for transfer)."

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.304. ELECTION RESULTS. (a) If the board finds the

election results favor the proposition to dissolve the district,

the board shall:

(1) issue an order declaring the district dissolved; and

(2) proceed with the sale or transfer of the district's assets

and liabilities according to the plan proposed on the ballot.

(b) If the board finds the election results do not favor the

proposition to dissolve the district, another dissolution

election may not be held before the first anniversary of the date

of the election in which voters disapproved the proposition.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.305. TRANSFER OR ADMINISTRATION OF ASSETS. (a) If a

majority of the votes in an election under this subchapter favor

dissolution, the board shall:

(1) transfer the district's assets to Eastland County or another

governmental entity in Eastland County; or

(2) administer the district's assets and debts until all assets

have been disposed of and all district debts have been paid or

settled.

(b) If the board makes the transfer under Subsection (a)(1),

Eastland County or the governmental entity assumes all debts and

obligations of the district at the time of the transfer, and the

district is dissolved.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.306. SALE OR TRANSFER OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES. (a)

The district may not be dissolved unless the board provides for

the sale or transfer of the district's assets and liabilities to

another person.

(b) The dissolution of the district and the sale or transfer of

the district's assets and liabilities may not:

(1) contravene a trust indenture or bond resolution relating to

the outstanding bonds of the district; or

(2) diminish or impair the rights of the holders of any

outstanding bonds, warrants, or other obligations of the

district.

(c) The sale or transfer of the district's assets and

liabilities must satisfy the debt and bond obligations of the

district in a manner that protects the interests of citizens in

the district, including the citizens' collective property rights

in the district's assets.

(d) The district may not transfer or dispose of the district's

assets except for due compensation unless:

(1) the transfer is made to another governmental agency

embracing the district; and

(2) the transferred assets are used for the benefit of the

citizens formerly in the district.

(e) A grant from federal funds is an obligation to be repaid in

satisfaction.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.307. IMPOSITION OF TAX AND RETURN OF SURPLUS TAXES.

(a) If a majority of the votes in an election to dissolve the

district favor dissolution, the board shall:

(1) determine the debt owed by the district; and

(2) impose a tax on the taxable property in the district at a

rate that will raise sufficient revenue to pay the debt owed by

the district.

(b) On the payment of all outstanding debts and obligations of

the district, the board shall order the secretary to return to

each district taxpayer the taxpayer's pro rata share of all

unused tax money.

(c) A taxpayer may request that the taxpayer's share of surplus

tax money be credited to the taxpayer's county taxes. If a

taxpayer requests the credit, the board shall direct the

secretary to transmit the funds to the county tax

assessor-collector.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.

Sec. 1023.308. REPORT; DISSOLUTION ORDER. (a) After the

district has paid all district debts and has disposed of all

district assets as prescribed by this subchapter, the board shall

file a written report with the Commissioners Court of Eastland

County summarizing the board's actions in dissolving the

district.

(b) Not later than the 10th day after the date the Commissioners

Court of Eastland County receives the report and determines that

the requirements of this subchapter have been fulfilled, the

commissioners court shall enter an order dissolving the district

and releasing the board from any further duty or obligation.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

920, Sec. 1.02, eff. April 1, 2009.