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[Introduced][Amended][Status][Bill Documents][Fiscal Note][Bills Directory]
S.B. 173 Enrolled
AN ACT RELATING TO SPECIAL DISTRICTS AND LIMITED PURPOSE LOCAL
GOVERNMENT ENTITIES; MODIFYING PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE
COMPOSITION, OPERATION, AND COMPENSATION OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OF SPECIAL DISTRICTS AND ENACTING SUCH PROVISIONS FOR LOCAL DISTRICTS;
AND MAKING TECHNICAL CHANGES.
This act affects sections of Utah Code Annotated 1953 as follows:
AMENDS:
17A-2-208, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
17A-2-210, as last amended by Chapter 124, Laws of Utah 1996
17A-2-219, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-305, as last amended by Chapter 154, Laws of Utah 1999
17A-2-308, as last amended by Chapter 17, Laws of Utah 1997
17A-2-411, as last amended by Chapter 368, Laws of Utah 1998
17A-2-506, as last amended by Chapter 36, Laws of Utah 1997
17A-2-509, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-511, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-512, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-514, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-529, as last amended by Chapter 322, Laws of Utah 1997
17A-2-530, as last amended by Chapter 322, Laws of Utah 1997
17A-2-531, as last amended by Chapter 365, Laws of Utah 1999
17A-2-532, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-533, as last amended by Chapter 30, Laws of Utah 1992
17A-2-534, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-535, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
17A-2-536, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-537, as last amended by Chapter 36, Laws of Utah 1997
17A-2-540, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-541, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-543, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
17A-2-544, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-545, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
17A-2-546, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-547, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-548, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
17A-2-549, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-550, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-551, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
17A-2-552, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-553, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-555, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
17A-2-556, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-560, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
17A-2-561, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-563, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-566, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-609, as last amended by Chapters 5 and 273, Laws of Utah 1991
17A-2-610, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
17A-2-613, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-614, as last amended by Chapter 322, Laws of Utah 1997
17A-2-615, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
17A-2-617, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
17A-2-618, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
17A-2-619, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-622, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-703, as last amended by Chapter 146, Laws of Utah 1994
17A-2-704, as last amended by Chapter 146, Laws of Utah 1994
17A-2-705, as last amended by Chapter 146, Laws of Utah 1994
17A-2-706, as last amended by Chapter 273, Laws of Utah 1991
17A-2-707, as last amended by Chapter 273, Laws of Utah 1991
17A-2-711, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-712, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-714, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
17A-2-715, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-716, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-718, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
17A-2-719, as last amended by Chapter 10, Laws of Utah 1997
17A-2-720, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
17A-2-721, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-723, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-724, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-726, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-727, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-728, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-731, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-732, as last amended by Chapter 322, Laws of Utah 1997
17A-2-733, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-740, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-741, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-742, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-743, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-744, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-745, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-746, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-747, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-748, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
17A-2-749, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-750, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-751, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-752, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-754, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-756, as last amended by Chapter 299, Laws of Utah 1995
17A-2-757, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-758, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-759, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-760, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
17A-2-761, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-767, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-768, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-801, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-802, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-818, as last amended by Chapters 199 and 299, Laws of Utah 1995
17A-2-819, as last amended by Chapter 10, Laws of Utah 1997
17A-2-820, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-821, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-824, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-825, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-827, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-828, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-829, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-830, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-831, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-834, as last amended by Chapter 199, Laws of Utah 1995
17A-2-835, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-836, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-840, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-841, as last amended by Chapter 322, Laws of Utah 1997
17A-2-842, as last amended by Chapter 322, Laws of Utah 1997
17A-2-843, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-845, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-847, as last amended by Chapter 199, Laws of Utah 1995
17A-2-849, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-850, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-907, as last amended by Chapter 250, Laws of Utah 1999
17A-2-1016, as last amended by Chapter 365, Laws of Utah 1999
17A-2-1038, as last amended by Chapter 266, Laws of Utah 1997
17A-2-1039, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-1040, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-1044, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
17A-2-1048, as last amended by Chapter 368, Laws of Utah 1998
17A-2-1049, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-1050, as last amended by Chapter 298, Laws of Utah 1997
17A-2-1051, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-1052, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-1054, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-1056, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-1326, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
17A-2-1402, as last amended by Chapter 5, Laws of Utah 1991
17A-2-1407, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-1409, as last amended by Chapter 268, Laws of Utah 1997
17A-2-1412, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-1413, as last amended by Chapter 299, Laws of Utah 1995
17A-2-1420, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
17A-2-1425, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-1437, as last amended by Chapter 152, Laws of Utah 1996
17A-2-1439, as last amended by Chapter 261, Laws of Utah 1996
17A-2-1440, as last amended by Chapter 261, Laws of Utah 1996
17A-2-1442, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-1448, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-1449, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-1454, as enacted by Chapter 67, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-1808, as enacted by Chapter 216, Laws of Utah 1995
17B-2-203, as enacted by Chapter 368, Laws of Utah 1998
17B-2-208, as enacted by Chapter 368, Laws of Utah 1998
ENACTS:
17B-2-401, Utah Code Annotated 1953
17B-2-402, Utah Code Annotated 1953
17B-2-403, Utah Code Annotated 1953
17B-2-404, Utah Code Annotated 1953
17B-2-405, Utah Code Annotated 1953
17B-2-406, Utah Code Annotated 1953
REPEALS:
17A-2-209, as last amended by Chapter 124, Laws of Utah 1996
17A-2-215, as last amended by Chapter 227, Laws of Utah 1993
17A-2-218, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-220, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-508, as last amended by Chapter 368, Laws of Utah 1998
17A-2-510, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-513, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-1410, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
17A-2-1411, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 186, Laws of Utah 1990
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1. Section 17A-2-208 is amended to read:
17A-2-208. Cemetery maintenance district board of trustees -- Appointment -- Other
provisions applicable.
(1) [
governed by a board of trustees.
(2) (a) The county legislative body shall appoint the first members of a cemetery maintenance
[
of Title 17A, Chapter 1, Part 3.
(b) The certificate of appointment shall be filed with the clerk of the county legislative body.
[
(3) (a) The provisions of Title 17B, Chapter 2, Part 4, Board of Trustees, apply to each
cemetery maintenance district to the same extent as if the cemetery maintenance district were a local
district under Title 17B, Chapter 2, Local Districts.
(b) (i) If a change in the number of board of trustees members is necessary to comply with
the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-402 (1), the board of trustees may by majority vote,
notwithstanding Subsection 17B-2-402 (3), change the number of board members to the next odd
number higher or lower than the number of current board members.
(ii) If a change under Subsection (3)(b)(i) decreases the number of board members, the
change may not take effect until the expiration of the term of the member whose term next expires.
(iii) If a change in the number of board members necessitated by Subsection 17B-2-402 (1)
would cause the district to violate a provision of bonds issued by the district, the number of board
members may be modified to the extent necessary to avoid a violation.
(c) (i) If a change in the expiration date of the term of a board of trustees member is
necessary to comply with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-403 (1), the term of each board
member whose term expires on a day other than the first Monday in January shall be extended to the
first Monday in January after the normal expiration date next following the special district election
date under Section 17A-1-305 .
(ii) If a change in the length of the term of a board of trustees member is necessary to comply
with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-403 (2), the change may not take effect until the expiration
of the term of the member whose term length is to be changed.
Section 2. Section 17A-2-210 is amended to read:
17A-2-210. Appointments to fill.
[
body by following the procedures and requirements of Section 17A-1-303 .
[
[
[
[
[
Section 3. Section 17A-2-219 is amended to read:
17A-2-219. Acquisition and possession of property -- Legal title.
The legal title to all property acquired under the provisions of this part shall immediately and
by operation of law, vest in such cemetery maintenance district and shall be held by such district in
trust for and is dedicated and set aside to the uses and purposes set forth in this part. [
Section 4. Section 17A-2-305 is amended to read:
17A-2-305. Board of trustees -- Creation -- Appointment and election of members --
Qualifications.
(1) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3), the governing body of each district created
under this part, except a district that has boundaries that coincide with the boundaries of an
incorporated municipality, shall consist of a board of trustees created as provided in this Subsection
(1).
(b) (i) [
of an incorporated municipality, the county legislative body of the initiating county may, in the initial
resolution creating the district, declare that the county legislative body of that county act as the
trustees of the district.
(ii) When the county legislative body of the county is designated as the trustees of the district,
they may:
(A) exercise all the powers, authority, and responsibility vested in the trustees under this
chapter; and
(B) use any existing county offices, officers, or employees for the purposes of the district.
(iii) The county legislative body shall charge the district a reasonable amount for the services
rendered to the district by the county officers, offices, and employees, other than the county
legislative body, to the county treasurer for the general fund of the county.
(c) (i) At any time after creation of [
this part, the county legislative body of the initiating county may by resolution determine that the
interests of the district would be best served by the appointment of a board of trustees.
(ii) The trustees shall be appointed by the county legislative body according to the procedures
and requirements of Chapter 1, Part 3, Special District Board Selection Procedures.
(d) The county legislative body shall hold an election for trustees as provided in Chapter 1,
Part 3, Special District Board Selection Procedures, when:
(i) a petition requesting an election for trustees is filed with the county legislative body at
least 30 days before the date set for a bond election or 90 days before the date set for the November
municipal elections; and
(ii) the petition is signed by at least 10% of the people eligible to vote on a bond issue in
[
(2) In the resolution creating the district, the county legislative body of the initiating county
may appoint a board of trustees according to the procedures and requirements of Chapter 1, Part 3,
Special District Board Selection Procedures, to serve until the election and qualification of the
successors as provided in this part.
(3) (a) If the district is created for the purpose of providing electric service, the requirements
of this Subsection (3) supersede any contrary provision in this part.
(i) The initial board of trustees may be appointed by the county legislative body until the
election and qualification of successors as provided in this Subsection (3).
(ii) The board of trustees shall subsequently be elected by the persons using electricity within
the district.
(iii) In addition to the qualifications enumerated in this section, each member of the board of
trustees shall be a resident of the district and a user of electricity from the district.
(iv) The board of trustees may be elected according to geographic areas within the district.
(v) A municipality within the district is not entitled to automatic representation on the board
of trustees.
(b) All proceedings that have taken place in connection with the organization of the board
of trustees of an electric service district are considered valid and binding despite any failure to comply
with the provisions of this section if the electric service district was created or purported to be created
under this part before April 28, 1986.
(c) The county legislative body of the initiating county may, in the initial resolution creating
an electric service district, set the boundaries of the geographic areas which each trustee will
represent [
[
(4) (a) (i) Each incorporated municipality that is contained entirely within, but does not
coincide with, the boundaries of the district [
provided in this Subsection (4)(a).
(ii) The legislative body of [
Subsection (4)(a)(iii)(B), the legislative bodies of those combined municipalities, shall appoint [
a member by following the procedures and requirements of Chapter 1, Part 3, Special District Board
Selection Procedures.
(iii) (A) [
17B-2-402 (1), if two or more incorporated municipalities are entitled to representation on the board
of trustees, the number of members of the board of trustees shall be increased to the lowest odd
number greater than the number of those municipalities.
(B) (I) If the number of municipalities plus the number of board members under Subsection
(4)(b) exceeds nine, then, except as provided in Subsection (4)(a)(iii)(B)(II), the number of trustees
shall be nine and the least populated municipalities shall be combined for purposes of representation
to the extent necessary to result in nine trustees.
(II) Application of Subsection (4)(a)(iii)(B)(I) may not cause a municipality to lose its
separate representation on the board until the end of the term of the board member who represents
only that municipality.
[
of trustees who are not appointed from a municipality under Subsections (4)(a)(i) and (ii) shall reside
within the district but outside the boundaries of each municipality that has the right to appoint a
member to the board of trustees.
[
unincorporated part of the district is less than 5% of the total district population, the members of the
board of trustees who are not appointed from a municipality under Subsections (4)(a)(i) and (ii) shall
be chosen from the district at large.
[
incorporated municipality, the legislative body of the municipality shall be the board of trustees for
the district.
(ii) When the municipal legislative body serves as the board of trustees:
(A) they shall maintain separate minutes, accounts, and other records of the affairs of the
district;
(B) they may use the existing facilities and personnel of the municipality to administer district
affairs;
(C) notwithstanding Subsections 17B-2-403 (1) and (2), their terms coincide with their terms
as officials of those municipalities; and
(D) they represent the district at large.
[
the first bond election, election of members of the board of trustees who are not appointed as
representatives of municipalities shall be held at the time the bond election is held.
[
voters in the district.
[
of an incorporated municipality that has the right to appoint a member to the board of trustees may
file a signed statement announcing as a candidate to be one of the first elected trustees of the district
with the county clerk within 30 days after the board of trustees has entered an order calling the bond
election, but not less than 15 days before the election.
[
if required, that contains the names of the candidates and blanks in which the voters may write in
additional names.
[
to represent the area outside the corporate limits of any incorporated municipality that has the right
to appoint a member to the board of trustees, if some members of the board of trustees of the
improvement district are appointed by a municipality or incorporated area.
[
the highest number of votes at the election are members of the board of trustees, together with those
members appointed by an incorporated municipality.
[
orders, resolutions, and ordinances coming before the board.
[
[
[
[
corporate limits of any incorporated municipality that has the right to appoint a member to the board
of trustees may vote.
[
be elected according to the procedures and requirements of Chapter 1, Part 3, Special District Board
Selection Procedures.
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
(5) This section is subject to the provisions of Section 17A-2-327.
Section 5. Section 17A-2-308 is amended to read:
17A-2-308. Board of trustees -- Other provisions applicable -- No compensation to
county legislative body -- Audit -- Budget.
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
(1) (a) Except as provided in Section 17A-2-327 , the provisions of Title 17B, Chapter 2, Part
4, Board of Trustees, apply to each county improvement district to the same extent as if the county
improvement district were a local district under Title 17B, Chapter 2, Local Districts.
(b) (i) If a change in the number of board of trustees members is necessary to comply with
the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-402 (1), the board of trustees may by majority vote,
notwithstanding Subsection 17B-2-402 (3), change the number of board members to the next odd
number higher or lower than the number of current board members.
(ii) If a change under Subsection (1)(b)(i) decreases the number of board members, the
change may not take effect until the expiration of the term of the member whose term next expires.
(iii) If a change in the number of board members necessitated by Subsection 17B-2-402 (1)
would cause the district to violate a provision of bonds issued by the district, the number of board
members may be modified to the extent necessary to avoid a violation.
(c) (i) If a change in the expiration date of the term of a board of trustees member is
necessary to comply with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-403 (1), the term of each board
member whose term expires on a day other than the first Monday in January shall be extended to the
first Monday in January after the normal expiration date next following the special district election
date under Section 17A-1-305 .
(ii) If a change in the length of the term of a board of trustees member is necessary to comply
with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-403 (2), the change may not take effect until the expiration
of the term of the member whose term length is to be changed.
[
any compensation.
[
[
[
[
[
auditing of county accounts.
(4) The board of trustees shall annually prepare and adopt a budget by following the
procedures and requirements of Title 17A, Chapter 1, Part 4, Uniform Fiscal Procedures for Special
Districts Act.
Section 6. Section 17A-2-411 is amended to read:
17A-2-411. Board of trustees -- Selection procedures -- Surety bonds -- Other
provisions applicable.
(1) Each service area authorized under this part shall be governed by a board of trustees
[
(2) (a) Upon the creation of a county service area, the county legislative body may adopt an
ordinance declaring that the county legislative body of the county shall act as the trustees of the
service area.
(b) Upon passage of the ordinance, the county legislative body of the county shall act as
trustees of the service area with all the powers, authority, and responsibility vested in the trustees
under this part.
(c) (i) The county legislative body, when acting as trustees, may use any existing county
offices, officers, or employees for the purposes of the service area.
(ii) The county legislative body shall charge costs of those services to the service area and
require them to be paid to the county treasurer for the general fund of the county.
(3) At any time after the creation of a board of trustees as provided in Subsection (1), if no
elected board has been established as provided in this section, the county legislative body of the
county in which the service area is located may:
(a) by ordinance, delegate its powers to an appointed or elected board of trustees as provided
in Chapter 1, Part 3, Special District Board Selection Procedures; and
(b) provide for the appointment or election of the board by following the procedures and
requirements of Chapter 1, Part 3, Special District Board Selection Procedures.
(4) At any time after the creation of a board of trustees as provided in Subsections (2) and
(3), the county legislative body shall hold an election for trustees by following the procedures and
requirements of Chapter 1, Part 3, Special District Board Selection Procedures, if:
(a) the county legislative body receives a petition requesting that an election for trustees be
held that is:
(i) signed by at least 10% of persons eligible to vote in an election in a service area authorized
under this part; and
(ii) filed with the county legislative body at least 30 days before the date set for a bond
election or 90 days before the date set for any municipal election; or
(b) territory located within a municipality is annexed into the county service area under
Section 17A-2-417 .
(5) (a) If there is no elected board of trustees at the time of the first bond election, trustees
shall be elected in conjunction with that bond election.
(b) Candidates for election to the board of trustees shall be taxpayers and qualified voters in
the service area.
(c) At any time within 30 days after the county legislative body has called a bond election,
but not less than 15 days before the day of election, any person who is qualified to vote in the service
area may file a signed statement with the county clerk announcing the person's candidacy to be one
of the first elected trustees of the service area.
(d) The board of trustees shall provide a ballot separate from the bond ballot that contains
the names of the candidates and blanks in which the voters may write in additional names.
(e) A voter at the election may vote for the number of trustee positions to be filled.
(f) The persons receiving the highest number of votes at the election are members of the
board of trustees.
[
[
[
[
resolutions, and ordinances coming before the board.
(b) [
county legislative body acts as the board of trustees, no compensation may be paid to them as
trustees.
(c) Each trustee who is also a member of the county legislative body shall take the oath of
office and shall give the bond that is required by law for members of the county legislative body.
[
[
[
in elections to approve the issuance of bonds.
[
shall be elected according to the procedures and requirements of Chapter 1, Part 3, Special District
Board Selection Procedures.
[
[
[
procedures and requirements of Chapter 1, Part 3, Special District Board Selection Procedures.
(10) (a) The provisions of Title 17B, Chapter 2, Part 4, Board of Trustees, apply to each
county service area to the same extent as if the county service area were a local district under Title
17B, Chapter 2, Local Districts.
(b) (i) If a change in the number of board of trustees members is necessary to comply with
the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-402 (1), the board of trustees may by majority vote,
notwithstanding Subsection 17B-2-402 (3), change the number of board members to the next odd
number higher or lower than the number of current board members.
(ii) If a change under Subsection (10)(b)(i) decreases the number of board members, the
change may not take effect until the expiration of the term of the member whose term next expires.
(iii) If a change in the number of board members necessitated by Subsection 17B-2-402 (1)
would cause the district to violate a provision of bonds issued by the district, the number of board
members may be modified to the extent necessary to avoid a violation.
(c) (i) If a change in the expiration date of the term of a board of trustees member is
necessary to comply with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-403 (1), the term of each board
member whose term expires on a day other than the first Monday in January shall be extended to the
first Monday in January after the normal expiration date next following the special district election
date under Section 17A-1-305 .
(ii) If a change in the length of the term of a board of trustees member is necessary to comply
with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-403 (2), the change may not take effect until the expiration
of the term of the member whose term length is to be changed.
Section 7. Section 17A-2-506 is amended to read:
17A-2-506. Corporate status -- Board of supervisors.
(1) A drainage district is a body corporate and politic with the right to sue and be sued, to
have perpetual succession, and to adopt and use a corporate seal.
(2) The board of [
county legislative body, in connection with its review of the original petition proposing organization
of the drainage district, to be necessary or useful for the drainage of lands in the district, and shall levy
a tax upon the lands in the drainage district, subject to the approval of the county legislative body,
as provided in this part.
(3) The board of [
the corporate authorities of the drainage district[
[
[
[
(4) (a) The provisions of Title 17B, Chapter 2, Part 4, Board of Trustees, apply to each
drainage district to the same extent as if the drainage district were a local district under Title 17B,
Chapter 2, Local Districts.
(b) (i) If a change in the number of board of trustees members is necessary to comply with
the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-402 (1), the board of trustees may by majority vote,
notwithstanding Subsection 17B-2-402 (3), change the number of board members to the next odd
number higher or lower than the number of current board members.
(ii) If a change under Subsection (4)(b)(i) decreases the number of board members, the
change may not take effect until the expiration of the term of the member whose term next expires.
(iii) If a change in the number of board members necessitated by Subsection 17B-2-402 (1)
would cause the district to violate a provision of bonds issued by the district, the number of board
members may be modified to the extent necessary to avoid a violation.
(c) (i) If a change in the expiration date of the term of a board of trustees member is
necessary to comply with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-403 (1), the term of each board
member whose term expires on a day other than the first Monday in January shall be extended to the
first Monday in January after the normal expiration date next following the special district election
date under Section 17A-1-305 .
(ii) If a change in the length of the term of a board of trustees member is necessary to comply
with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-403 (2), the change may not take effect until the expiration
of the term of the member whose term length is to be changed.
Section 8. Section 17A-2-509 is amended to read:
17A-2-509. Board to appoint engineer -- Contract with United States -- Eminent
domain -- Power to obtain water.
[
(1) The board of trustees shall appoint a competent engineer and fix [
compensation.
(2) The board may enter into any obligation or contract with the United States under any act
of Congress now enacted, or which may hereafter be enacted, and the rules and regulations
established thereunder, for the construction or operation and maintenance of the drainage system, or
any drainage works, or for the assumption as principal or guarantor of indebtedness to the United
States on account of district lands.
(3) The board and its agents and employees [
any lands to make surveys, and may locate the necessary drainage canal or canals, and the necessary
branches of the same, on any lands which may be [
(4) The board may also [
condemnation or other legal means, all lands and other property necessary for the construction, use,
maintenance, repair, and improvement of [
(including canals, drains, or drain ditches being constructed) by private owners, and all necessary
appurtenances.
(5) In case of necessity for condemnation proceedings the board shall proceed in the
corporate name of the district under the provisions of the law relating to eminent domain.
(6) Drainage districts organized under the provisions of this part may appropriate water for
useful and beneficial purposes, may regulate and control, for the benefit of the landholders within the
district, all water developed, appropriated, or owned by it, and may appropriate, use, purchase,
develop, sell and convey water and water rights in the same manner and for the same use and
purposes as any corporation, association, or person.
Section 9. Section 17A-2-511 is amended to read:
17A-2-511. Duties of secretary.
[
The secretary [
(1) attend meetings of the board[
(2) keep an accurate journal of its proceedings[
(3) have the care and custody of its records and papers not otherwise provided for[
(4) countersign warrants drawn upon the treasurer[
Section 10. Section 17A-2-512 is amended to read:
17A-2-512. Qualification and duties of treasurer.
[
shall prepare and submit in writing to the board an annual and a monthly report of receipts and
disbursements, and pay out money only upon a warrant signed by the [
countersigned by [
likewise perform such other duties as the board may require[
Section 11. Section 17A-2-514 is amended to read:
17A-2-514. Employment of assistants.
The board of [
necessary.
Section 12. Section 17A-2-529 is amended to read:
17A-2-529. Procedure for annexation -- Petition -- Appeals by persons aggrieved _
Recordation and filing of order.
(1) A contiguous area lying contiguous to a drainage district may be annexed to the drainage
district as provided in this section.
(2) Annexation proceedings may be initiated by a petition filed with the clerk of the county:
(a) in which the drainage district is located, if within one county; or
(b) in which the greatest portion of the drainage district is located, if within more than one
county.
(3) The petition under Subsection (2) shall be:
(a) signed by 2/3 of the owners of real property in the area proposed to be annexed and the
owners of at least 2/3 of the total land area within the area; and
(b) accompanied by an accurate plat or map of the area proposed to be annexed.
(4) Upon receipt of a petition under Subsection (2), the county clerk shall deliver the petition
to the county legislative body.
(5) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (10), at its next regular meeting after receipt of the
petition the county legislative body shall fix a time and place for the hearing of the petition.
(b) (i) Except as provided in Subsection (10), the county legislative body shall give notice
of the hearing by:
(A) serving a copy of the notice, map, and petition upon the board of [
of the drainage district at least 15 days prior to the time set for the hearing; and
(B) publishing the notice at least once each week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper
having general circulation in the county or counties in which such drainage district is situated.
(ii) The first publication of the notice under Subsection (5)(b)(i) shall not be less than 15 days
nor more than 30 days prior to the date set for the hearing.
(iii) The notice shall state generally the nature of the petition, the purpose of the hearing, the
time and place when the county legislative body shall hear the petition, and that any owner of real
property within the drainage district may appear and oppose the petition.
(6) (a) At the hearing of the petition:
(i) the petitioners or any interested party may appear in support of the petition;
(ii) the board of [
appear and oppose the petition; and
(iii) the petitioners and contestants may offer any competent evidence in regard to the
petition.
(b) The county legislative body may adjourn the hearing from time to time not exceeding four
weeks.
(c) The county legislative body shall:
(i) hear and determine whether the petition contains the signatures of 2/3 of the owners of
real property within the area sought to be annexed and the owners of at least 2/3 of the total land area
within the area sought to be annexed; and
(ii) hear all competent evidence offered for or against the petition.
(7) (a) If the county legislative body, after hearing all competent evidence offered for and
against the petition, finds that the petition has not been signed as required in this section, or that it
would be inequitable to the landowners within the drainage district to permit such annexation, the
county legislative body shall dismiss the petition at the cost of the petitioners.
(b) If the county legislative body finds that the petition has been signed as required in this
section and that the annexation will not be inequitable to the landowners within the drainage district,
the county legislative body shall so find.
(c) After hearing all of the evidence offered for or against the petition, the county legislative
body shall determine whether or not the area shall be annexed to the drainage district and shall so
order.
(d) The county legislative body's findings and order shall be conclusive upon the owners of
real property within the area that they have assented to the inclusion of their property within the
boundaries of the drainage district and that they have accepted all the provisions of this part.
(e) (i) Except as provided in Subsection (7)(e)(ii), the county legislative body, in making an
order annexing an area to the drainage district, may make such changes in the proposed new
boundaries of the drainage district caused by the annexation as the county legislative body considers
proper.
(ii) Notwithstanding Subsection (7)(e)(i), the county legislative body may not modify the new
boundaries so as to exclude any land included in the new boundaries which is susceptible to drainage
by the system of drainage works applicable to the other lands annexed to the district pursuant to the
petition.
(8) (a) Any person aggrieved by an order of annexation may, at any time within 30 days after
the entry of the order, appeal to the district court of the county in which the district is situated.
(b) The procedure in an appeal shall conform to the Civil Code as nearly as may be.
(9) (a) The county legislative body shall:
(i) cause a copy of the order of annexation, duly certified, to be filed for record in the office
of the county recorder of each county in which any portion of the annexed area is situated; and
(ii) immediately file a copy of the order of annexation with the county clerk of each county
in which any portion of the district lies.
(b) Upon the recording and filing of the order of annexation, the area annexed shall be a part
of the drainage district.
(10) (a) Notwithstanding Subsections (5), (6), and (7), the county legislative body shall order
the area annexed to the drainage district if:
(i) the petition filed under Subsection (2) contains the signatures of all the owners of real
property within the area proposed to be annexed; and
(ii) the county legislative body determines that the petition is supported by the board of
[
(b) The determination of owners under Subsection (10)(a)(i) shall be according to the last
assessment roll for county taxes completed prior to the filing of the petition under Subsection (2).
Section 13. Section 17A-2-530 is amended to read:
17A-2-530. Viewing of annexed land by board of trustees -- Assessment for taxation
-- Board of equalization -- Hearing -- Notice -- Lien for taxes.
(1) The board of [
order of annexation:
(a) view each tract of land so annexed to the district;
(b) carefully consider all the damages and benefits that each particular tract of land shall
receive from the annexation to the drainage district and from the construction and maintenance of
such drainage system; and
(c) assess each tract of land in accordance with the benefits to be received by it, making
proper allowance for damage, if there be any.
(2) After the assessment under Subsection (1) is made, the secretary of the board of
[
(3) (a) The county legislative body shall:
(i) at its next regular meeting fix a time and place where it shall sit as a board of equalization
and equalize and determine the benefits and taxes to be assessed against the land; and
(ii) except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), publish a notice of the board of equalization
hearing at least once each week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper having general circulation
in the county or counties where the drainage district is situated.
(b) If the annexation resulted from a petition signed by all the owners of real property within
the annexed area whose addresses were included in the petition, the county legislative body may, in
lieu of the notice under Subsection (3)(a)(ii), give notice of the board of equalization hearing by
mailing a copy of the notice to each owner of real property at the address stated in the petition.
(c) (i) The first publication of the notice required under Subsection (3)(a)(ii) shall not be less
than 15 days or more than 30 days prior to the date of the hearing.
(ii) If the residence or post office address of an owner of the lands so annexed is known, the
county clerk shall cause a copy of the notice and a copy of the proposed benefits to be sent by United
States mail to the landowner at least 15 days prior to the time fixed for the hearing.
(d) The notice shall state generally the purpose of the hearing and the time and place where
the county legislative body shall meet as a board of equalization to hear and determine any complaint
against the assessments.
(4) (a) The county legislative body, at the time and place stated in the notice, shall sit as a
board of equalization and shall make and determine the benefits to be assessed against each tract of
annexed land.
(b) The assessment of benefits shall be added to and made a part of the benefit assessment
roll of the drainage district, and thereafter:
(i) all such lands, easements, or interests in land shall be assessed in accordance with the
assessment roll; and
(ii) such assessment roll of benefits and taxes shall be the basis of a lien upon the parcels of
land or interest in land as thus equalized for all district purposes and indebtedness.
Section 14. Section 17A-2-531 is amended to read:
17A-2-531. Bids for construction -- Contracts -- Payment and performance bonds --
Retainage.
(1) After adopting a plan and making an estimate of the cost of any drainage canal or canals,
drains, drain ditches, and works, the board of [
for at least 20 days in at least one newspaper published or having a general circulation in each of the
counties comprising the district, and in any other publication they deem advisable, calling for bids for
the construction of such work or of any portion of it. If less than the whole work is advertised, then
the portion so advertised shall be particularly described in such notice. Such notice shall state:
(a) that plans and specifications can be seen at the office of the board of [
trustees;
(b) that the board of [
(c) that the contract will be let to the lowest responsible bidder; and
(d) the time and place appointed for opening bids. The bids shall be opened in public, and
as soon as convenient thereafter the [
a whole, to the lowest responsible bidder, or they may reject any or all bids. Contracts for the
purchase of material shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. Any person or persons to
whom a contract is awarded shall provide the board with bonds under Sections 14-1-18 and
63-56-38 . The work shall be done under the direction and to the satisfaction of the engineer, and
subject to the approval of the board of [
of any contract with the United States.
(2) If any payment on a contract with a private contractor for the construction of works
under this section is retained or withheld, it shall be retained or withheld and released as provided in
Section 13-8-5 .
Section 15. Section 17A-2-532 is amended to read:
17A-2-532. Debt limitation.
The board of [
incur any debt or liability whatever, either by issuing bonds or otherwise, in excess of the express
provisions of this part. A debt or liability incurred in excess of provisions of this part shall be and
remain absolutely void, except that for the purposes of organization or for the purposes of this part
the board of [
of the district to issue, bearing interest not exceeding 8% per annum. The limit of the fund for such
purposes shall be an amount the equivalent of an average of $1.50 per acre throughout the district,
and it shall be the duty of the board of [
budget, to make provision for the payment of all such warrants and the interest thereon. To meet
such expenses, or to cover delinquencies in any annual tax, or in anticipation of the collection of
taxes, the board of [
not exceeding the taxes for the current year, and as evidence of such indebtedness may issue warrants
or negotiable notes of the district payable in not more than one year from date thereof, and bearing
interest not exceeding 8% per annum. Any such indebtedness permitted by this section shall in no
sense be the personal obligation of the board of [
the lands embraced within [
Section 16. Section 17A-2-533 is amended to read:
17A-2-533. Board to report -- Public hearing -- Removal from office for failure --
Notices.
(1) The board of [
5, Submission of Budgets and Audit Reports.
(2) (a) After filing the report, the board of [
(i) call an annual meeting of the owners of land in the district; and
(ii) give notice of the time and place of the meeting by posting notices in four different public
places within the district at least ten days before the holding of the annual meeting.
(b) The board shall:
(i) hold the annual meeting at the time and place stated in the notice;
(ii) present the budget and a report of the district's operation; and
(iii) conduct any other business.
(c) The [
of the annual meeting.
Section 17. Section 17A-2-534 is amended to read:
17A-2-534. Public uses -- Right of entry on lands -- Prohibitions.
(1) The use of any canal, ditch, or the like, created under the provisions of this part, shall be
[
(2) (a) The [
may go upon the lands lying within [
making surveys, and after the organization of [
compensation allowed, may go upon [
or other equipment, for the purpose of constructing such proposed work, and may forever thereafter
enter upon [
proposed work, doing no more damage than the necessity of the occasion may require[
(b) Any person or persons who [
of such persons from entering such lands for the purpose [
be [
$25 per day for each day's hindrance, which sum shall be paid into the county treasury for the use of
[
Section 18. Section 17A-2-535 is amended to read:
17A-2-535. Validation of organization proceedings -- Notice of proposed corrections,
amendments, or changes in assessment of benefits -- Hearing by county legislative body of
report of board of supervisors -- Board of equalization -- Increase of drainage benefits and
taxes -- Lien.
Whenever it [
for the organization of a drainage district have not been strictly in compliance with law, or if any lands
within the district have been erroneously assessed for benefits or taxes, or inequitably assessed for
benefits or taxes, or that any assessment of damages or benefits under this part has been made in error
as to description, ownership, or acreage intended to be assessed, or if it [
board of [
the various parcels of land, or unjustly equalized as between the various parcels of land within the
district, or that any tract of land, easement or interest in land, public, or private road, railroad or
railroad right-of-way, has been included in, or omitted from, any assessment roll of benefits or taxes
by reason of clerical error or otherwise, or that proper notice or notices as required by law has not
or have not been given, such noncompliance, error, omission or want of notice shall not invalidate
such organization, neither shall any such assessments of benefits or taxes be lost to the district in case
of any omission, nor shall the board of [
to have lost jurisdiction to correct such error or omission, or to readjust such assessments of benefits
or to redistribute such assessment of benefits upon the various parcels of land and interest in lands
within such district, and to justly equalize the same as between various parcels of land and interest
in lands within the district, but the board of [
conditions and recommend such corrections and changes as such board of [
trustees considers necessary to remedy the same; and upon receiving such report and recommendation
the [
assessment rolls of benefits and taxes, or correct any error, omission, mistake, inequality or want of
sufficient notice, as may be just; provided, that when any correction, amendment or change is sought
to be made, notice of such proposed correction, amendment or change in the assessment of benefits
and taxes shall be given to all persons affected thereby, in the following manner:
The board of [
county legislative body of the county wherein the drainage district is located, a verified report
containing the proposed corrections, amendments, and/or changes in the assessments of benefits and
taxes with their recommendation with respect thereto, to the county legislative body. The county
legislative body shall, at its first meeting thereafter, fix a time and place for a hearing on [
report and shall cause a notice of the hearing thereon to be published three times if in a daily
newspaper, twice if in a semiweekly newspaper and once if in a weekly newspaper, not less than 15
days before [
whose assessment of benefits or taxes is to be corrected, amended or changed is known the clerk of
the county legislative body shall cause a copy of the notice to be sent by United States mail to such
landowner, not less than 15 days before the time fixed for the hearing on the report. The notice shall
state generally the purpose of the hearing and the time and place where the county legislative body
shall meet as a board of equalization to hear and determine any complaint made against such report,
corrections, amendments and changes in the assessment roll of benefits and taxes.
The county legislative body at the time and place fixed in the notice shall sit as a board of
equalization and it shall make and finally determine such corrections, amendments and changes in the
roll of assessment of benefits and taxes, as it shall determine after such hearing, and thereafter all such
lands, easements or interest in lands shall be assessed in accordance with the assessment roll as thus
corrected, amended, or changed; and such changed assessment roll of benefits and taxes shall be the
basis of lien upon the parcels of land or interest in land, as corrected, amended or changed, for all
district indebtedness. Whenever it shall be made to appear to the board of [
the drainage district that any owner or operator of any land within the drainage district has so
changed the use of such land so as to increase the benefits received by such land by reason of the
construction, maintenance, and operation of the drainage system, the board of [
of the drainage district shall view each tract of such land and shall carefully consider the increased
benefits such tract of land is receiving from the construction, maintenance and operation of the
drainage system and shall assess such tract of land in accordance with the increased benefits received
by it. After such assessment is made, the secretary of the board of [
the same to the county legislative body and the county legislative body shall within 15 days after
receipt thereof, cause not less than 15 days notice to be sent by mail to each landowner in the district
whose benefits have thus been increased, showing the amount of the benefits as thus increased on the
land owned by the landowner within the district; and stating therein the time and place where the
county legislative body shall meet as a board of equalization to hear and determine complaints made
against such increased assessments. At such hearing any landowner upon whose lands the benefits
are thus increased may appear and oppose such increase or any part thereof. The county legislative
body shall sit as a board of equalization of the increased drainage benefits and taxes, and shall
equalize and determine the assessment of benefits and taxes to be made and levied upon such tract
of land within the district. Such increased assessment of benefits shall be the basis of a lien upon such
lands within the district for all district indebtedness and taxes.
Section 19. Section 17A-2-536 is amended to read:
17A-2-536. Compensation -- Conflict of interest -- Penalties.
Any engineer employed under the provisions of this part shall receive such compensation as
shall be fixed and determined by the board of [
by the order of the board of [
collected for that purpose upon warrants drawn by the secretary and signed by the [
interested directly or indirectly in any contract awarded or to be awarded by the board, or in the
profits to be derived therefrom; nor shall receive any bond, gratuity or bribe; and for any violation of
this provision such officer shall be [
therefor [
by imprisonment in the penitentiary for a term of not less than one or more than five years.
Section 20. Section 17A-2-537 is amended to read:
17A-2-537. Appointment of trustee -- Vacancy -- No more than two trustees from same
county in multicounty district.
(1) The county legislative body shall appoint [
following the procedures and requirements of Title 17A, Chapter 1, Part 3, Special District Board
Selection Procedures.
(2) If the lands in the drainage district are situated in different counties, not more than two
of the members of the board of [
Section 21. Section 17A-2-540 is amended to read:
17A-2-540. Right-of-way -- Highways and railroads may be assessed -- Assessment of
governmental units.
(1) The board of [
right-of-way of any public highway, road or street, for the purpose of the work to be done, provided
such use will not permanently destroy or materially impair such public highway, road or street for
public use[
(2) (a) If in the judgment of the board of [
street, or any railroad right-of-way or any part of the same is or will be [
drainage canals and works to be constructed[
(i) or that have been constructed, benefits and taxes shall be assessed and equalized against
such public highway, road, street, or railroad right-of-way in the same manner as against lands in
private ownership within the district and such public highways, roads and streets and railroad rights
of way are in all respect subject to the provisions of the drainage laws of this state; and
(ii) the state, county, city or town having control of such public highway, road or street or
the owner of such railroad right-of-way shall pay the taxes assessed and equalized against the same
irrespective of whether or not it owns the fee simple title to the land covered by such highway, road
or street, or railroad right-of-way[
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (2)(a), the state shall not be required to pay any such taxes
for the years prior to 1955.
Section 22. Section 17A-2-541 is amended to read:
17A-2-541. Bridges and culverts across highways and railroads.
(1) The board of [
all necessary bridges and culverts across or under any public highway or railroad right-of-way, to
enable it to construct and maintain any canal, drain, or ditch necessary to be constructed as a part of
the drainage system of such district, such bridges or culverts to be paid for by the drainage district[
(2) (a) Before the board exercises the power granted in Subsection (1), notice shall first be
given by such board of [
bridges and culverts, and the railway company shall be allowed 30 days to build such bridges or
culverts, at its own expense, if it should so desire, according to its own plans[
(b) Such bridges or culverts shall be [
interfere with the free and unobstructed flow of water, passing through the canal or drain, and shall
be placed at such points as are indicated by the drainage engineer.
Section 23. Section 17A-2-543 is amended to read:
17A-2-543. Contractual powers -- Bond issues -- Elections -- Limitations -- Uses.
Whenever the board of [
for the purpose of constructing drains, drainage canals and other required improvements necessary
to drain lands in [
contracts with the United States providing for the repayment of the principal and such other sums due
thereunder at such times as may be agreed upon, or to issue bonds of the district to run not less than
five years nor more than 40 years, and to bear interest, payable semiannually, at a rate not exceeding
8% per annum to be called "drainage district bonds," which [
90% of their par value, and the proceeds of which shall be used for no other purpose than paying the
cost of constructing such drains, drainage canals, or other like work [
to drain lands within [
or contracts shall be made or bonds shall be issued, the board of [
the county legislative body to order, and the county legislative body shall at once order a special
election on the question of the issuance of bonds. The persons authorized to vote in, the giving of
notice, the forms of ballots, and the manner of holding the election, and canvassing the results of the
election, shall be as provided in the Utah Municipal Bond Act. The expenses of such election shall
be paid out of the funds belonging to [
the bonds so issued shall be fixed by the board of [
issued for the benefit of the district authorizing [
of [
sold or otherwise disposed of, and such record will also show the lands embraced in [
In no case shall the amount of bonds exceed the benefits assessed. Each bond issued shall show
expressly upon its face that it is to be paid by a tax assessed, levied, and collected on the lands within
the drainage district. [
issuance and disposal of such bonds and for the payment of the interest thereon, the creation of a
sinking fund for the ultimate redemption thereof, and for the date and manner of the redemption of
[
public or private sale. Before making any such sale, either private or public, the board of [
trustees shall give due notice of their intention to sell or dispose of [
notice of sale at least once a week for four consecutive weeks in some newspaper having general
circulation in the state [
publishing in any other publication they [
sealed proposals will be received by the board of [
purchase of the bonds, until the day and hour fixed by the board of [
appointed the board of [
bonds to the highest responsible bidder, or may reject all bids. In case no bid is made and accepted
as above provided, the board of [
for the construction of any ditches, drain or drains, drainage canal or drainage canals, or any other
required improvement [
welfare.
Section 24. Section 17A-2-544 is amended to read:
17A-2-544. Bonds -- Lien on land and improvements.
Whenever any such drainage district bonds [
States made, in accordance with the provisions of this part, such bonds or contract, shall constitute
a lien upon all of the lands and improvements thereon within the boundaries of the district, to the
extent of the total benefits, assessed and equalized, and pledged for such purpose, and not in excess
thereof, and the board of [
part provided, levy a sufficient tax to pay the annual interest charge on such bonds, and in addition
thereto, such an amount as a sinking fund which shall, in the course of events and ultimately, amount
to a sufficient sum to redeem [
a sufficient tax to meet all payments due, or to become due thereunder, and in addition thereto, a
sufficient tax to pay the interest or penalties on any delinquent payment or payments, as provided in
[
Section 25. Section 17A-2-545 is amended to read:
17A-2-545. Bond issue -- Statement attached.
Each bond issue as provided for by Section 17A-2-543 , shall be signed by the [
and secretary of the said board of [
[
thereto, of the total amount of the assessment of benefits pledged for the payment of [
and other bonds, if any, issued; the date, number, denomination, and time due of all bonds issued;
when the assessment of benefits was confirmed by the county legislative body, and the number of
acres of land in the district against which [
Section 26. Section 17A-2-546 is amended to read:
17A-2-546. Organization of districts in cities or towns.
For the purpose of organizing a drainage district, which is wholly within the limits of any
incorporated city or town, a like procedure may be followed within such city or town; the petition
for organization may be presented to the town board, city council or commissioners; and city or town
officers, who exercise functions similar or equivalent to the functions of the respective county officers
named in this part, shall exercise the same functions with respect to the organization, administration
and control of such district, and shall have the same powers in all respects, as such similar or
equivalent county officers, with respect to the appointment, qualification and removal of district
[
boundaries, calling district elections, equalizing assessments of benefits and taxes, certifying bond
issues, and doing such other acts or things as will put into effect the provisions of this part in any such
district within such city or town, and so as to give to any such city or town, and the officers thereof,
the same powers and duties as are had and exercised by a county, and the county officers; provided
that, except as varied to meet the requirements of this section, all other provisions of this part shall
govern any such district organized pursuant to this section.
Section 27. Section 17A-2-547 is amended to read:
17A-2-547. Refunding bonds -- Time limit.
Any bond or bonds heretofore or hereafter issued by any drainage district may be refunded
at any time by such drainage district when a lower rate of interest or better terms can be obtained,
or to provide means for the payment of maturing bonds. Such refunding bonds may be issued by
resolution of the board of [
in such manner and on such terms as it may [
Payment of such refunding bonds shall be provided for in the same manner as the bonds so refunded,
and all statutory and other liens and rights existing under the original issue shall extend to and apply
to [
from date of issue.
Section 28. Section 17A-2-548 is amended to read:
17A-2-548. Duties of trustees -- Equalizations.
(1) The board of [
within the district, and shall carefully consider all of the damages and benefits that each particular
tract of land will receive from the construction and maintenance of such drainage system, and assess
each tract of land in accordance with the benefits to be received by it, making proper allowance for
damage, if there be any.
(2) After such assessment is made up, the secretary of the board of [
shall transmit the same to the county legislative body and the county legislative body shall within 15
days after receipt thereof, cause not less than 15 days' notice to be sent by mail to each landowner
in the district of the amount of benefits assessed upon the land owned by him within the district; and
stating therein the time and place where the county legislative body shall meet as a board of
equalization to hear and determine complaints made against such assessments.
(3) The county legislative body shall sit as a board of equalization of drainage district benefits
and taxes, and shall equalize and finally determine the assessments of benefits and taxes to be made
and levied upon each tract of land within the district. Such assessments of benefits shall be the basis
of liens upon the lands within the district for all district indebtedness.
Section 29. Section 17A-2-549 is amended to read:
17A-2-549. Estimates for construction -- Debts -- Sinking fund -- Levy.
The board of [
prepare a statement and estimate of the amount of money to be raised by taxation within [
district for the purpose of constructing canals, drains, drain ditches, and other works, and maintaining
the same; liquidating district warrants and notes and paying interest thereon, paying the interest on
the bonded indebtedness of the district; creating a sinking fund for redeeming such bonds; meeting
all payments due or to become due under any contract between the district and the United States; and
for the purpose of maintaining and repairing drainage canals, flumes, and conduits, bridges, culverts
and other works within [
system; and shall levy the entire amount required in each year against the lands within [
district in proportion to the equalized benefits and after adding [
the respective assessments to provide for incidentals and possible delinquencies, shall certify the same
to the county assessor of the county within which such district is located.
Section 30. Section 17A-2-550 is amended to read:
17A-2-550. Addition of delinquent taxes in case of contract with the United States.
In case of contract with the United States government, the board of [
add to such statement and estimate as provided for in Section 17A-2-549 , a sufficient amount to
cover any deficit due the United States that may have resulted from nonpayment of delinquent taxes
or assessments for any preceding year; and provided further that in the case of contract with the
United States government it may be provided by contract between the district and the United States,
that assessments shall conform to the requirements of the federal reclamation laws now enacted or
which may hereafter be enacted, and particularly the Act of December 5, 1924, Public Law No. 292;
and that assessments may thereafter be made accordingly.
Section 31. Section 17A-2-551 is amended to read:
17A-2-551. Attendance of officials.
The county legislative body, when sitting as a board of equalization of drainage district
benefits, may require the presence of the board of [
drainage district. If the drainage district be in more than one county, the [
trustee or trustees resident within the county may be required to attend.
Section 32. Section 17A-2-552 is amended to read:
17A-2-552. Drainage district taxes.
[
drainage district taxes as certified by the board of [
The county treasurer [
county taxes are collected, and pay the same to the treasurer of the board of [
as soon as moneys are received [
shall, after the first day of December and prior to the last day of December of each year, [
a written report to the treasurer of each drainage district located within the county, setting forth the
amount of taxes paid and the amount of delinquent taxes levied by the district for the current year,
and [
which such taxes are delinquent.
Section 33. Section 17A-2-553 is amended to read:
17A-2-553. Taxes considered lien -- Sale of property -- Time of redemption -- Notice
-- Penalty -- Record.
All drainage taxes levied and assessed under the provisions of this title shall attach to and
become a lien on the real property assessed from and after the second Monday in March. Drainage
taxes shall become due and delinquent at the same time, and shall be collected by the same officers
and in the same manner and at the same time as state and county taxes, and when collected shall be
paid to the treasurer of the board of [
assessment, levying and collecting of taxes on real estate for county purposes, except as herein
modified, shall be applicable for the purposes of this part, including the enforcement of penalties and
forfeiture for delinquent taxes; provided, that lands sold for delinquent district taxes shall be sold
separately for such tax and a separate certificate of sale shall issue therefor, and provided further that
the period of redemption from sale for taxes under this part, shall be four years. At the same time and
in the same manner as the county treasurer publishes the delinquent tax list for state and county taxes
in each year, the county treasurer [
shall contain the names of the owners, when known and a description of the property delinquent or
subject to lien of drainage district taxes with the amount of taxes due exclusive of penalty. The
county treasurer [
drainage taxes, together with the penalty, are paid before the date for tax sales for state and county
taxes the real property upon which such taxes are a lien will be sold for taxes, penalty and costs,
beginning on [
published three times if in a daily newspaper, twice if in a semiweekly and once if in a weekly
newspaper. On the date for tax sales for state and county taxes each year, the county treasurer shall
expose for sale, between the hours of [
estate to pay the drainage district taxes, penalty and costs for which such real estate is liable, at public
auction, at the front door of the county courthouse, and sell the same to the highest responsible
bidder for cash, and the county treasurer shall continue to sell from day to day between such hours
until the property of all delinquents is exhausted or the taxes, penalty and costs are paid. In offering
such real estate for sale the treasurer shall offer the entire tract assessed, and the first bid received in
an amount sufficient to pay the taxes and costs shall be accepted unless a further bid in the same
amount for less than the entire tract shall be received; and the highest and best bid shall be construed
to mean the bid of that bidder who will pay the full amount of the taxes and costs for the smallest
undivided portion of [
[
to be kept by [
property on which the taxes and costs were paid by the purchasers, in the same order as the published
list of delinquent sales contained in the list of advertisements on file in [
Separate columns shall also be provided in [
description of any tract sold that is less than the entire tract on which the taxes are due, the date of
sale, to whom sold, the penalty, and costs, and the date of redemption. The purchaser shall [
benefit of the drainage district. When all sales have been made the county treasurer shall file the
record in [
treasurer [
in real estate, showing the interest on which taxes are paid, and in case any portion of the drainage
district taxes on such real estate remains unpaid, [
only such undivided interest in [
their portion of the taxes. In absence or default of purchaser at any such public sale of drainage
district taxes, the drainage district in which taxes are delinquent shall become the purchaser and shall
receive from the county treasurer the tax sale certificate of the real property on which drainage
district taxes are delinquent upon the same terms upon which the county receives tax sales certificates
on sales for delinquent state and county taxes and shall hold the same in the same manner as an
individual may hold real property upon which state or county taxes are delinquent, subject to the same
rights of redemption. In all respects, a drainage district shall be the beneficiary of taxes assessed and
levied by it, provided, however, that county treasurer shall retain the costs and expense provided by
law for the advertisement, sale and redemption of drainage district taxes.
Section 34. Section 17A-2-555 is amended to read:
17A-2-555. Statement of indebtedness to be procured -- Fees -- Filing -- Discharge of
lien.
(1) Any person or persons, bank or banks, corporation or corporations or other organization
or any mortgagee or other lien holder desiring to pay the unpaid equalized drainage district benefit
assessments and/or taxes against any tract, lot or parcel of land in any drainage district may apply to
the secretary of the board of [
the unpaid amount of the same together with accrued interest thereon, and [
the secretary of such drainage district [
a fee of $1, such a statement duly certified to under [
district, and the applicant shall then present and file the same with the county treasurer of the county
in which such tract, lot or parcel of land is located, and when so filed and when payment in full of the
unpaid amount of equalized drainage district benefit assessments and taxes is paid, either in lawful
money of the United States, or drainage district bonds, notes, warrants, or matured interest coupons
as herein provided, the county treasurer shall issue and deliver to such applicant a receipt in duplicate
for the amount of such payment, stating therein the amount paid and whether paid in lawful money
of the United States or in bonds, notes, warrants or matured interest coupons of the district, and upon
presentation and filing of one copy of such a receipt with the treasurer of the drainage district,
showing payment in full of the unpaid equalized benefit assessments and/or taxes against any such
tract, lot or parcel of land, [
to the person or persons, bank or banks, corporation or corporations or other organizations or to
such mortgagee or lien holder making such payment a written release and discharge releasing such
tract, lot or parcel of land from all other and further liability for the payment of any of the then
existing bonded indebtedness of the district or any bonds thereafter given to refund the same, or any
notes or warrants theretofore or that may thereafter be issued for the payment of any interest on such
bonds or such refunded bonds, and releasing and discharging [
liability for the payment of the same or any part thereof, and releasing and discharging such tract, lot
or parcel of land from the payment of any of the unpaid equalized drainage district assessment of
benefits and taxes and from the lien of the benefit assessment roll as equalized and finally determined
by the county legislative body of the county in which such tract, lot or parcel of land is located[
(2) (a) Such tract, lot, or parcel of land may not thereafter be assessed by the drainage district
except for the purposes of maintenance and supervision.
(b) All assessments or taxes other than those levied for payment of bond, interest, or principal
shall be payable only in lawful money of the United States, or in warrants of the district issued within
the same calendar year in which the warrants are tendered.
Section 35. Section 17A-2-556 is amended to read:
17A-2-556. Form of release and discharge.
Such release and discharge shall be substantially in the following form:
Release and discharge from liability for payment of the bonded indebtedness of ____ drainage
district in ____ county, Utah, and from the lien of the equalized assessment of benefits and taxes and
the benefit assessment roll.
Whereas, on the ____ day of ____, [
other lien holders, as the case may be) paid to the county treasurer of ____ county, (in lawful money
of the United States, or bonds, notes, warrants or matured interest coupons of the district, as the case
may be) the sum of $____, being the total amount of the unpaid drainage district equalized
assessment of benefits and taxes levied and assessed against that certain tract, lot or parcel of land
located in ____ drainage district in ____ county, Utah, and particularly bounded and described as
follows, to wit: (Insert description of property) ____ and, ____.
Whereas, there is on file with the treasurer of this drainage district a receipt showing such
payment in full,
Now, Therefore, in consideration of such payment and pursuant to law, the undersigned
drainage district does by these presents release and discharge the above described tract, lot or parcel
of land from the lien of and from the payment of all of the bonded indebtedness now existing against
the same, and from the payment of any bonds now issued or that may hereafter be issued to refund
the same, or any part thereof, and from the payment of any notes or warrants of the district heretofore
issued or that may hereafter be issued in payment of interest on such indebtedness or refunded
indebtedness, and releases and discharges said tract, lot or parcel of land from the payment of any of
the unpaid equalized assessment of benefits and taxes levied or assessed against the same and from
the lien of the benefit assessment roll of said drainage district.
In Witness Whereof, the said drainage district has executed this instrument and caused its
corporate name and corporate seal to be hereunto affixed by its [
____ day of ____ [
Attest:
________________________________
(Name of drainage district.)
By ______________,
President
______________
Secretary.
[
to take acknowledgments of deeds. The form of acknowledgment shall be substantially as follows:
State of Utah, ss.
County of ____
On the ____ day of ____, A. D. [
by me duly sworn, did say that he is the [
the above and foregoing instrument and that [
drainage district by authority of a resolution of its board of [
acknowledged to me that [
______________
Notary Public.
My Commission expires: ____
Residing at: ____.
Section 36. Section 17A-2-560 is amended to read:
17A-2-560. Land redeemed when lien discharged -- Lien priority -- Foreclosure.
Where it appears that the lien of all bond issues outstanding in any drainage district in the state
of Utah, has been discharged and released of record with relation to any parcel or parcels of land
within any drainage district as shown by the equalized benefit assessment roll of [
the payment in full of such equalized drainage district benefit assessment, together with matured
interest thereon, lands and improvements sold to a drainage district for delinquent drainage district
taxes or assessments may be redeemed by any person interested in the property, either as owner or
lien holder, at any time while the district holds the tax sale certificate of such sale and prior to the
execution of auditor's tax deed, by the payment of such taxes or assessments for the delinquency for
which the property is sold, together with all unpaid drainage district taxes or assessments
subsequently levied against such lands and improvements and all interest, costs and penalties, unless
in the judgment of the board of [
legislative body of the county wherein the land is situated, the interest of the drainage district will be
best subserved by accepting a lesser sum in which case such lesser sum, to be fixed by the county
legislative body, shall be accepted.
Any party in interest as owner or lien holder redeeming property as provided herein shall have
a lien thereon in the amount so paid, with interest after such payment, which lien shall have the same
priority as the tax lien of the district and may be foreclosed by an action in the district court in the
same manner as provided by law for the foreclosure of a mortgage.
Section 37. Section 17A-2-561 is amended to read:
17A-2-561. Petition for dissolution -- Notice -- Hearings -- Objections -- Liquidation
of indebtedness.
[
county wherein the same is located, and if located in more than one county, then by an order of the
district court in the county wherein the major portion of the land within [
upon a hearing had upon a verified petition filed with the county clerk of such county praying for such
dissolution and signed by the owners of a majority of the acreage of lands embraced within the
district.
(2) (a) Before [
costs being advanced therefor, shall cause notice of such hearing to be given by posting notices in six
public places in the district sought to be dissolved for a period of four weeks prior to the date of
hearing [
the county in which such district or major portion thereof is located once a week for four successive
weeks prior to such hearing. [
(b) The notice under Subsection (2)(a) shall specify the district to be dissolved, the date, time
and place of the hearing of such petition, and shall provide that all persons[
to the dissolution of [
clerk of [
at or prior to the date of [
district[
to the time of [
[
(3) (a) The petition shall be verified by at least three of the petitioners [
(b) The verification shall set forth that the petition is signed by the owners of a majority of
the acreage within such district.
(4) No district shall be dissolved until all indebtedness of such district [
paid or until provision has been made for the payment thereof, either by the levying and collecting of
assessments, or by money advanced by petitioners, or by depositing a sufficient bond, to be approved
by the court, with the clerk of the court, which provides for and secures the payment of all such
indebtedness, or by other means approved by the court.
Section 38. Section 17A-2-563 is amended to read:
17A-2-563. Statement of assessment levied, collected and uncollected, and of
indebtedness filed with clerk.
Upon the filing of the petition or within 20 days thereafter, the [
the drainage district shall file with the clerk of the court in which [
17A-2-561 is filed a detailed statement of the annual assessments levied for each year since the
organization of the district and the payments made thereon by each landowner and the amounts
unpaid and outstanding against all lands within [
indebtedness of [
the names of the creditors, the nature, date and amount of their respective claims [
statement of the district bonded and other indebtedness of such drainage district at the time of the
filing of such petition.
Section 39. Section 17A-2-566 is amended to read:
17A-2-566. Payment discharges lien, excepting liens for prior assessments.
Upon the final determination by the court of the amount or portion of the district's
indebtedness, costs, and expenses to be paid by any given acreage or tract of ground and upon the
payment of the amount so determined in accordance with such determination and within the time and
in the manner hereinafter specified the court shall enter a decree discharging [
lien, tax, assessment, and obligation imposed upon [
[
be construed in the absence of such payment so as to impair or release any lien the district may have
acquired or to which it may be entitled against any land within the district by reason of assessments
heretofore made and all rights to enforce such liens as such rights now exist are expressly preserved
and maintained and nothing in this part shall be construed so as to prevent the [
of [
land within the district upon which the drainage district assessments have not been paid.
Section 40. Section 17A-2-609 is amended to read:
17A-2-609. Trustees -- Election or appointment -- Countywide fire protection district
-- Other provisions applicable.
(1) [
district [
the procedures and requirements of Title 17A, Chapter 1, Part 3, Special District Board Selection
Procedures.
(2) (a) As used in this Subsection (2), a "countywide fire protection district" means a fire
protection district that includes all of the county except first and second class cities.
(b) If a complete county organizes into a countywide fire protection district, the county
legislative body of that county is the fire protection district [
as the county remains a countywide fire protection district.
[
(3) (a) The provisions of Title 17B, Chapter 2, Part 4, Board of Trustees, apply to each fire
protection district to the same extent as if the fire protection district were a local district under Title
17B, Chapter 2, Local Districts.
(b) (i) If a change in the number of board of trustees members is necessary to comply with
the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-402 (1), the board of trustees may by majority vote,
notwithstanding Subsection 17B-2-402 (3), change the number of board members to the next odd
number higher or lower than the number of current board members.
(ii) If a change under Subsection (3)(b)(i) decreases the number of board members, the
change may not take effect until the expiration of the term of the member whose term next expires.
(iii) If a change in the number of board members necessitated by Subsection 17B-2-402 (1)
would cause the district to violate a provision of bonds issued by the district, the number of board
members may be modified to the extent necessary to avoid a violation.
(c) (i) If a change in the expiration date of the term of a board of trustees member is
necessary to comply with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-403 (1), the term of each board
member whose term expires on a day other than the first Monday in January shall be extended to the
first Monday in January after the normal expiration date next following the special district election
date under Section 17A-1-305 .
(ii) If a change in the length of the term of a board of trustees member is necessary to comply
with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-403 (2), the change may not take effect until the expiration
of the term of the member whose term length is to be changed.
Section 41. Section 17A-2-610 is amended to read:
17A-2-610. Separate meetings -- County clerk may be secretary.
[
(1) If the county legislative body [
[
legislative body.
(2) The board of [
order of the board, the county clerk shall be ex officio secretary of the board and may similarly
provide that the county treasurer shall be ex officio treasurer of the board. [
Section 42. Section 17A-2-613 is amended to read:
17A-2-613. Office of the board of trustees -- Principal places of business of district.
The office of the [
district shall be within [
situated and as near as possible to [
Section 43. Section 17A-2-614 is amended to read:
17A-2-614. Annexation of contiguous territory -- Procedure -- Petition -- Special
election.
(1) Territory contiguous with a fire protection district may be annexed to the district as
provided in this section.
(2) (a) Annexation is initiated by filing a petition signed by 25% or more of the owners of real
property within the territory proposed to be annexed.
(b) The petition shall be filed with the [
protection district.
(c) If the [
shall then file the petition with the county legislative body.
(3) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), the proceedings by the county legislative
body shall be the same as for the organization of a district under this part, except that the special
election shall be held only within the boundaries of the territory proposed to be annexed to the fire
protection district.
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (3)(a), if a petition filed under Subsection (2)(a) has been
signed by all the owners of real property within the territory proposed to be annexed:
(i) the hearing requirements of Sections 17A-2-603 and 17A-2-604 and the election
requirements of Section 17A-2-605 and 17A-2-606 do not apply; and
(ii) immediately upon receipt of the petition from the fire protection district commissioners
under Subsection (2)(c), the county legislative body shall by resolution declare the territory to be
annexed to the fire protection district.
Section 44. Section 17A-2-615 is amended to read:
17A-2-615. Association to encourage uniformity and coordination of programs --
Contracts between two or more fire protection districts.
[
(1) [
organized under this part may contract with any fire protection district, or with any town, city or
municipal corporation or governmental agency or private person or persons to consolidate or
cooperate for mutual fire fighting protection and prevention purposes; or, for mutual fire fighting,
protection and prevention purposes only, may annex or become annexed to any city or town or
governmental agency already provided with fire fighting and protection equipment and fire protection
service upon terms which may be mutually agreed upon. Any city, town, municipal corporation or
governmental agency may contract with a fire protection district established and maintained under
the provisions of this part for the purpose of affording such district fire fighting and protection
equipment and service or fire prevention facilities, and in so contracting the district, city, town,
municipal corporation or other governmental agency shall be deemed for all purposes to act within
its governmental capacity. Any fire protection district established and maintained under the provisions
of this part, or any city, town, municipal corporation or other governmental agency is hereby
authorized to contract with any person, firm or corporation for the purpose of affording fire fighting,
protection or fire prevention facilities to such person, firm or corporation and such contractual
relation shall be deemed for all purposes to be within the governmental power of such fire protection
district, city, town, municipal corporation, or other governmental agency;
(2) [
situated in different counties may contract to operate jointly in carrying out the objects of their
creation. Contracts for joint operation may provide for joint ownership of property and equipment,
and may authorize a joint board of [
the affairs of the joint operations; to employ and discharge the necessary agents and employees and
fix their respective wages and salaries; to provide and designate a suitable place within [
districts or at some place in which any of the contracting districts is situated as near as possible to said
districts, as a regular meeting place for the joint board; to incur the necessary expenses and direct the
payment therefor from the funds of the contracting districts in such proportions as the joint boards
shall determine; and to do all things as may in the judgment of the joint board, be required to carry
out the joint operations of the contracting districts.
The joint board shall consist of the members of the boards of the contracting districts and a
majority of the membership of each district board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the
business of the joint board. The members of the boards of [
contracting districts shall organize a joint board annually in January after the second Monday thereof,
elect a [
contracting district may act as secretary of the joint board or the joint board may appoint such other
person as the joint board may determine. The joint board shall prepare the annual budget for the joint
operation of the contracting districts and shall determine the share of revenues for the joint operation
to be raised by each district and the share of the expense of joint operation to be paid by each district
in the ensuing year, and the secretary of the joint board shall certify and deliver within the time
required by Section 17A-2-617 hereof, a copy of such annual budget to the county clerk of each
county involved and to each of the contracting districts, showing the part of the budget to be raised
by each contracting district, each contracting district shall then include that part of the budget to be
raised by such district within the budget prepared and submitted to the county legislative body in
accordance with Section 17A-2-617 .
Contracts for joint operation of fire districts, as herein authorized, shall run from year to year
and as of January 1st may be terminated by written notice of the board of [
trustees of any contracting district to the other contracting district or districts on or before July 1st
and the contract for joint operations shall terminate on January 1st following: Provided, that all
obligations of the joint operations must be paid or definitely arranged for before contract termination
and no notice of termination shall relieve any contracting district of its unpaid obligation incurred
under the contract for joint operation[
(3) To encourage uniformity and coordination of fire protection district operation programs,
the [
association thereof for the purpose of securing data and information of value in fighting and in
preventing fires; hold and attend meetings thereof; and promote more economical and efficient
operation of the associated fire protection districts. The [
so associated shall adopt articles of association, select a [
officers as they may determine, and may employ and discharge such agents and employees as the
officers [
(4) Two or more fire protection districts may contract with each other and such a district may
contract with a city or county or the state supervisor of forestry or any association approved by [
the supervisor for the joint leasing, ownership, maintenance and operation of all necessary and proper
apparatus, facilities, machinery, and equipment for the elimination of fire hazards and for the
protection of life and property against fire within the contracting districts, and of real property,
improvements and fixtures thereon suitable and convenient for the housing, repairing and caring for,
such apparatus, facilities, machinery and equipment, and may contribute their agreed proportion of
the cost and expense thereof.
Such contracts shall be executed by the [
districts and, when the contract is between such districts, the terms and conditions thereof shall be
carried out by the boards of [
Section 45. Section 17A-2-617 is amended to read:
17A-2-617. Annual budget -- Levy, extension, and collection of taxes.
Before June 15 of each year the [
district shall prepare and adopt a budget for the next ensuing calendar year, and certify such budget
to the county clerk specifying the amount of such budget to be raised by taxes. [
such district, and in levying general county taxes, [
all taxable property in the district. Such taxes shall be extended and collected in the manner provided
by law for the collection of general county taxes and the proceeds thereof shall as collected be turned
over to the treasurer of the district. All laws applicable to the imposition, collection and enforcement
of general county taxes, including those pertaining to the allowance of collection fees, to the
imposition of penalties for delinquencies and to the sale of property for nonpayment of taxes, shall
be applicable to the taxes so levied for the district. The official in charge of the tax and assessment
rolls of the county shall keep the rolls in such a manner as to show separately the property on the rolls
which lies within the boundaries of each district created under the provisions of this part.
Section 46. Section 17A-2-618 is amended to read:
17A-2-618. Bonds -- Duty of board of trustees -- Levy of taxes for payment of bonds.
The [
provisions of this part shall certify annually to the county legislative body the amount of the bonded
indebtedness unpaid, the amount of principal and interest to be paid during the current year, and the
county legislative body shall levy annually, until principal and interest have been fully paid, taxes on
all taxable property in the district, fully sufficient to assure the prompt payment of principal and
interest as each falls due. The taxes to be levied by the county legislative body for any district, other
than those levied for the payment of principal and of interest on the bonds of the district, may not in
any year exceed .0008 per dollar of taxable value of taxable property in the district.
Section 47. Section 17A-2-619 is amended to read:
17A-2-619. Indebtedness not to exceed estimated expendable revenue.
It shall be unlawful for fire protection district [
indebtedness in excess of the estimated expendable revenue for the ensuing year except as otherwise
provided [
Section 48. Section 17A-2-622 is amended to read:
17A-2-622. Election regarding issuance of bonds.
(1) After a fire protection district has been created, a petition may be presented to the fire
protection district [
order an election to determine whether the bonds of the district shall be issued to the amount and for
the purpose or purposes stated in the petition. Such petition shall comply in all respects to the
requirements of Section 17A-2-602 hereof, except shall be made to the fire protection district
[
procedure [
determination of petition, continuance, objections, determination of amount of bonds shall comply,
as nearly as practicable, with Sections 17A-2-603 and 17A-2-604 .
(2) Adoption of the resolution calling the election, determination of voters' qualifications,
notice and conduct of the election, and the canvass of election results shall be accomplished in the
manner prescribed in [
district [
as a single precinct or divide the district into several precincts and it may fix such polling places as
they [
Section 49. Section 17A-2-703 is amended to read:
17A-2-703. Land and water allotments -- Revision and alteration -- Proceedings to list
lands -- Writ of mandamus -- Hearing and determination on writ -- Calling election -- Conduct
of election.
When a petition has been filed, water survey and allotment made, and notice of hearing
published as required by this part, the county legislative body shall upon the date set, proceed to
determine and list the lands, which need not be contiguous, by acreage and ownership in each 40-acre
legal subdivision to be included in [
applications for the exclusion of lands therefrom and the inclusion of lands therein, as may be made
in accordance with the intent of this part and may revise the allotment of water made by the state
engineer; provided that no increase shall be made in any such allotment without the approval of the
state engineer; they may adjourn such examination from time to time not exceeding two months in
all, and shall by final order duly entered determine and list the acreage and ownership in each 40-acre
legal subdivision together with the allotment of water made; provided, that [
legislative body shall not so alter the included lands, shown by the plat accompanying the petition,
as to change the objects of [
lands, requiring water, shown on the plat as included within the petition, and susceptible of irrigation
by the same system of waterworks applicable to other lands in such proposed district; nor shall any
land which will not in the judgment of the county legislative body be [
proposed system be included in such district; nor shall any lands of the state of Utah not held under
contract of sale and for which the state board of land commissioners has not petitioned inclusion, be
included in such district; provided also that lands not included in [
on the ownership plat accompanying the petition, may upon application of the owner or owners be
included in such district upon such hearing, and such included lands shall be listed with such allotment
or water as the county legislative body, using the allotment made by the state engineer for similar
lands as a basis, may make after the conclusion of such hearing; provided further that in the hearing
of any such petition the county legislative body shall disregard any informality therein, and in case
they deny the same or dismiss it for any reason on account of the provisions of this part not having
been complied with, which are the only reasons upon which they shall have a right to refuse or dismiss
the same, they shall state their reasons in writing therefor in detail, which shall be entered upon their
records and in case these reasons are not well founded, a writ of mandamus shall, upon proper
application therefor, issue out of the district court of [
compliance with this part, which writ shall be heard within 20 days from the date of its issuance, and
which 20 days shall be excluded from the two months after return of survey by the state engineer
given the county legislative body herein to act upon [
the proposed district [
shall forthwith make an order determining and listing [
allotments of water made, and designating the name of such proposed district, and shall by further
order duly entered upon the record call an election of landowners of [
the purpose of determining whether such district shall be organized under the provisions of this part,
and by such order shall submit the names of one or more persons from each of the three divisions of
[
purpose of [
voting strength as may be practicable, define the boundaries thereof, designate polling places, and
provided that a landowner of each of [
[
divisions shall constitute an election precinct and three judges shall be appointed for each polling
place therein, one of whom shall act as clerk of [
legislative body may divide each of such divisions or election precincts into one or more voting
precincts, designate polling places, and appoint judges of the election therefor.
Section 50. Section 17A-2-704 is amended to read:
17A-2-704. Notice of election -- Trustees.
The county legislative body shall thereupon cause a notice embodying [
substance signed by the chairman of the county legislative body, and the clerk of [
body, to be issued, given and published, giving public notice of [
thereof, and the matters submitted to the vote of the landowners; [
such order shall be so published as provided in Section 17A-2-702 , and if any portion of such
proposed district lies within any other county, or counties, then such order and notice shall be
published in a newspaper of general circulation within each of [
held under the provisions of this part, all persons shall be entitled to vote who are landowners of
agricultural lands, to which water has been allotted with the district as defined by this part; provided,
that corporations owning lands within the district shall be considered persons within the meaning of
this section. Landowners shall be entitled to vote only in the division of such district, wherein their
lands, to which water has been allotted, or a major portion thereof are located; and any individual
entitled to vote as aforesaid shall also be eligible to election as a [
division in such district, in which the major portion of his lands are located. The ballots to be used
and cast at such election for the formation of such district, shall be substantially as follows: [
[
acre-feet," or words equivalent thereto, and shall also contain the names of the persons to be voted
for as members of the board of [
[
upon the ballot for or against any question submitted or name voted upon and opposite thereto at any
election held under this part. Provided, that at the election for the organization of the district each
elector as provided herein shall be entitled to cast one vote for each acre-foot of water or fraction
thereof, allotted to the land owned by such elector, as shown by the order of the county legislative
body, and shall sign the ballot and indicate along with [
acre-feet allotted to the lands owned by the elector casting the ballot.
Section 51. Section 17A-2-705 is amended to read:
17A-2-705. Canvass of returns -- Organization of district.
The county legislative body shall meet on the first Monday next succeeding such election and
proceed to canvass the returns thereof; and if, upon such canvass, it appears that a majority of the
votes cast at [
legislative body shall by an order entered on their minutes, declare such territory duly organized as
[
shall declare the persons receiving respectively the highest number of votes for such several offices
to be duly elected to such office. The county legislative body shall within a reasonable time
thereafter, cause a copy of such order, including a list and plat of the lands of [
water allotment, to be filed for record in the office of the county clerk of the county in which the
petition is filed and certified copy with the county recorder of each county in which any portion of
such lands are situated, and no county legislative body of any county including any portion of such
district, shall after the date of organization of such district, allow another district to be formed
including any of the land of such district, without the consent of the board of [
thereof; and from and after the date of such filing, the organization of such district shall be complete
[
instruments required to be filed or recorded under this section.
Section 52. Section 17A-2-706 is amended to read:
17A-2-706. Regular election of district -- Official bond -- Fiscal agents.
(1) The regular election of the district, for the purpose of electing a board of [
trustees, shall be held according to the procedures and requirements of Title 17A, Chapter 1, Part 3,
Special District Board Selection Procedures.
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
States or is authorized by the United States to collect money for and on behalf of the United States
in connection with any federal project, each [
in whatever sum that the Secretary of the Interior requires, conditioned upon the faithful discharge
of the duties of the [
(b) The district shall execute an additional bond for the faithful discharge by the district of
its duties as fiscal or other agent of the United States under that appointment or authorization.
(c) Those additional official bonds shall be filed in the office of the county clerk.
(d) The United States or any person injured by the failure of a [
district to fully, promptly, and completely perform their respective duties may sue upon those official
bonds.
Section 53. Section 17A-2-707 is amended to read:
17A-2-707. Office location.
The office of the board of [
district.
Section 54. Section 17A-2-711 is amended to read:
17A-2-711. Board of trustees -- Organization -- Powers and duties -- Other provisions
applicable.
[
(1) The board shall establish boundaries of election precincts and may change them, but no
change may be made less than 30 days prior to an election. Upon the completion of the organization
of the district and before any bond issue or contract is voted on, any assessment levied, or toll or
charge imposed, the board of [
available for the use of the district, shall upon notice and a hearing and under rules determined by the
board, make a final revision and allotment of the available water to each 40-acre tract or smaller tract
in separate ownership within each legal subdivision; but no allotment may be increased above the
amount originally allotted by the state engineer without the consent of the state engineer and the final
allotment may not be decreased as long as there may be any outstanding indebtedness in excess of
.4% of the fair market value of the lands within the district. The allotment may, however, be
increased to an amount not exceeding the amount allotted by the state engineer if the additional
amount of water becomes available for the use of the district. The final allotment in acre-feet, or
other units of measurement, the service, turnout, construction, distribution charges, or other charges,
if any, shall be the basis for all assessments, tolls, and charges levied against the land and shall also
subsequently be the basis of the vote at all elections. A copy of the order making the allotment or
any increase provided, certified to by the secretary of the district, shall be immediately filed for record
in the office of the county clerk of the county in which the office of the district is located and a
certified copy filed with the county recorder of each county in which any lands of the district are
situated. Nothing in this part may prohibit the state engineer, upon petition by the board of
[
maximum allotment of water for any tract or tracts of land embraced within the district when in the
opinion of the state engineer the tract or tracts of land cannot be beneficially irrigated with the
amount of water allotted. The board of [
contract, purchase, condemnation, or otherwise, canals, ditches, reservoirs, reservoir sites, irrigation
systems or works and lands necessary or incidental to the use and operation of irrigation works, and
reservoir sites, which lands may be leased when leasing will not interfere with their use for irrigation
purposes, and also water filings, water rights, rights-of-way, or other property or any interest in the
property, including power plants when acquired or developed in connection with an irrigation system
with the right to sell or dispose of the surplus power. The board may also purchase stock of irrigation
canal, and reservoir companies. The board may exchange bonds of the district for any such property
upon terms and conditions the board considers best, subject to the approval of the State Board of
Certification. The board, its agents, and employees may enter upon any land in the district to make
surveys and to locate and construct any canal or canals, and the necessary laterals. The board may,
by condemnation, acquire rights of way for the enlargement of any ditches, canals, or reservoirs, but
the board may not occupy the premises proposed to be condemned pending the determination of a
suit, except upon filing the bond required by law in the case of suits by other corporations and
individuals. The right-of-way is given, dedicated, and set apart, to locate, construct, and maintain the
works, or reservoirs, over, through, or upon any of the lands which are now, or may be the property
of the state. The board may make these investigations and based on them, make representations and
assurances to the Secretary of the Interior, as may be requisite under the act of Congress, approved
August 11, 1916, and may enter into any obligation or contract with the United States for the
construction or operation and maintenance of the necessary works for the delivery and distribution
of water or for the assumption, as principal or guarantor of indebtedness to the United States on
account of district lands, or for the temporary rental of water under the provisions of the Federal
Reclamation Act, and all acts amendatory of that act, or supplementary to it, or any other Acts of
Congress now enacted or which may be enacted, and the rules and regulations established under
them; or the board may contract with the United States for a water supply under any act of Congress
providing for or permitting the contract, and may convey to the United States as partial or full
consideration water rights or other property of the district, and in case the contract has been or may
be made with the United States as provided in this section, bonds of the district may be deposited
with the United States at 95% of their par value to the amount to be paid by the district to the United
States under the contract, the interest on the bonds to be provided for by assessment and levy as in
the case of other bonds of the district, and regularly paid to the United States to be applied as
provided in the contract, and if bonds of the district are not so deposited, the board of [
trustees shall include as part of any levy or assessment now provided for by law, an amount sufficient
to meet each year all payments accruing under the terms of the contract and the board may accept
on behalf of the district, appointment of the district as fiscal agent of the United States, or
authorization of the district by the United States, or authorization of the district by the United States
to make collections of moneys for or on behalf of the United States in connection with any federal
reclamation project, at which time the district shall be authorized so as to act and to assume the duties
and liabilities incident to that action, and the board may do any and all things required by the federal
statutes enacted in connection with it, and all things required by the rules and regulations established
by any department of the federal government. Districts cooperating with the United States may rent
or lease water to private lands, entrymen, or municipalities in the neighborhood of the district, in
pursuance of a contract with the United States. If a contract is proposed to be made with the United
States and bonds are not to be deposited with the United States in connection with the contract, the
question to be submitted to the voters at a special election is whether or not the contract shall be
entered into with the United States. The notice of election shall state under the terms of what Act
or Acts of Congress the contract is proposed to be made, and the maximum amount of money payable
to the United States for construction purposes exclusive of penalties and interest and the water rights
and other property, if any, to be conveyed to the United States as provided in this section. The
ballots for the election shall contain the words "Contract with the United States-Yes" and "Contract
with the United States-No," or the equivalent. If a majority of the votes cast at the election are
"Contract with the United States-Yes," the board of [
the contract with the United States. The board shall establish equitable rules for the distribution and
use of water among the owners of lands included in this district, and may provide that no water may
be delivered to lands which are delinquent or in default in the payment of any toll, charge, tax, or
assessment. The rules shall, as soon as adopted, be printed in convenient form for distribution in the
district; but water, the right to the use of which is acquired by the district under any contract with the
United States, shall be distributed and apportioned by the district in accordance with the Acts of
Congress, the rules and regulations, and the provisions of the contract.
(2) The board of [
in which the lands to be affected are located to remove from the assessment roll any land publicly
dedicated to streets, highways, and roads, and also other land the use of which has so permanently
changed as to prevent the beneficial use of water, and the assessor shall do so. The instructions to
the assessor shall be accompanied by a written consent to the removal from the assessment roll signed
by all owners of private land affected by it.
(3) When any tract of land in the district which has no water allotment becomes susceptible
to irrigation and use of water, or when any tract has an insufficient water allotment, the board of
[
to be applied on the land, and in that case the board may annually instruct the county assessor of the
county in which the tract to be affected is located to assess the tract for water in the amount fixed by
the board, and the assessor shall do so. Nothing contained in this section may affect the permanent
water allotments in the district.
(4) The board of [
landowners of the district and in addition may contract to supply and deliver the water to
municipalities, corporations, associations, or individuals, within or without the district for irrigation
or any other beneficial use, at prices and terms the board considers best. No lease or rental agreement
running for a period of more than five years may be made, and no vested or prescriptive right to the
use of the water may attach to the land by virtue of the lease or rental; and any landowner in the
district may, where practicable, with the consent of the board of [
to the whole or any portion of the water apportioned to the landowner's land for any one year to any
other bona fide landowner, for use in the district for the year; if the landowners have paid all amounts
due on assessments upon the lands. [
fiscal year, prepare and submit to a public meeting of the landowners within the district, called for that
purpose, a report covering all transactions and operations of the district during the year.
(5) (a) The provisions of Title 17B, Chapter 2, Part 4, Board of Trustees, apply to each
irrigation district to the same extent as if the irrigation district were a local district under Title 17B,
Chapter 2, Local Districts.
(b) (i) If a change in the number of board of trustees members is necessary to comply with
the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-402 (1), the board of trustees may by majority vote,
notwithstanding Subsection 17B-2-402 (3), change the number of board members to the next odd
number higher or lower than the number of current board members.
(ii) If a change under Subsection (5)(b)(i) decreases the number of board members, the
change may not take effect until the expiration of the term of the member whose term next expires.
(iii) If a change in the number of board members necessitated by Subsection 17B-2-402 (1)
would cause the district to violate a provision of bonds issued by the district, the number of board
members may be modified to the extent necessary to avoid a violation.
(c) (i) If a change in the expiration date of the term of a board of trustees member is
necessary to comply with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-403 (1), the term of each board
member whose term expires on a day other than the first Monday in January shall be extended to the
first Monday in January after the normal expiration date next following the special district election
date under Section 17A-1-305 .
(ii) If a change in the length of the term of a board of trustees member is necessary to comply
with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-403 (2), the change may not take effect until the expiration
of the term of the member whose term length is to be changed.
Section 55. Section 17A-2-712 is amended to read:
17A-2-712. Additional powers of board.
(1) In addition to any of the powers granted in this part, the board of [
any irrigation district may acquire, purchase, construct, improve, enlarge, and operate, or contract
for the construction, improvement, enlargement, and operation of:
(a) reservoir sites, reservoirs, water, water filings, water rights, canals, ditches, and all other
related structures and works necessary or proper for the storage and conveyance of water for
irrigation purposes and all other structures and facilities necessary or proper for the purposes of the
irrigation district; and
(b) facilities for the generation of hydroelectric power and all other related structures and
works necessary or proper for the generation of electricity, including hydroelectric power plants,
turbine generators, penstocks, transformers, electrical equipment, and other facilities related to
hydroelectric production plants, not including transmission facilities related to hydroelectric
production plants.
(2) In addition to any of the powers granted in this part, the board of [
any irrigation district may enter into contracts for the sale of all or a portion of the electric power
generated at a hydroelectric power plant, whether or not the electric power to be sold is surplus to
the needs of the district, for the periods of time and under the terms and conditions the board deems
necessary in order to accomplish the purposes of the district. Any sale of the electric power may be
for the period and upon the terms and conditions as may be provided in contracts authorized by the
board and entered into by the district and any purchaser of the electric power having, at the time of
the commencement of the acquisition and construction of the electric power plant by the district, a
system for distributing the electric power. Any revenues received by the district pursuant to power
sale contracts may be used and pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest and any
premium on bonds or notes of the district issued to pay all or part of the cost of acquiring,
constructing, improving, or enlarging the facilities from which the hydroelectric power is generated,
or for any other lawful purpose of the district. The boards of [
irrigation districts may, by appropriate resolutions, enter into agreements with one another by which
the districts may jointly or cooperatively exercise any of the powers conferred by this section.
(3) The board may issue revenue bonds of the district, in the manner provided in this section:
(a) to pay for all or part of the costs of the acquisition, construction, improvement, or
enlargement of any facilities described in Subsection (1) and other related structures and works and
to pay expenses preliminary and incidental thereto;
(b) to pay interest on the bonds during acquisition, construction, improvement, or
enlargement; and
(c) to provide for necessary reserves and to pay costs of issuance and sale of the bonds,
including, without limitation, printing, registration, and transfer costs, legal, financial advisor's, and
rating agency fees, insurance premiums, and underwriter's discount.
(4) The board may provide that any revenue bonds issued and sold under this section shall
be payable solely out of a special fund into which the district issuing the revenue bonds shall be
obligated to deposit, as from time to time received, all or a designated portion of the proceeds from
the sale of the services furnished by the facilities of the irrigation district, including the facilities to be
so acquired, constructed, improved, or enlarged, all pursuant to contracts to be entered into as
authorized in this section.
(5) Revenue bonds of the district issued under the authority of this section shall be issued and
sold in compliance with Title 11, Chapter 14, [
and denominations and have the provisions and details as are permitted by the Utah Municipal Bond
Act. The bonds and any evidences of participation interests in the bonds may be issued, executed,
authenticated, registered, transferred, exchanged, and otherwise made to comply with Title 15,
Chapter 7, [
of bonds enacted to meet the requirements of Section 149(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
or any similar or successor federal law, and applicable regulations. Bonds may be issued under the
authority of this section at one time or from time to time. If more than one issue or series of bonds
is delivered under the authority of this section, the bonds of the respective issue or series shall have
the priorities of payment as provided in the proceedings authorizing the bonds.
(6) Any resolution authorizing revenue bonds may contain covenants with the future holders
of the bonds as to:
(a) the management and operation of the facilities of the irrigation district, including the
facilities acquired, constructed, improved, enlarged, or operated pursuant to this section;
(b) the imposition and collection of rates for the services furnished thereby;
(c) the disposition of the revenues;
(d) the issuance of future bonds and the creation of future liens and encumbrances against
these facilities and the revenues thereof;
(e) the carrying of insurance on these facilities and the disposition of the proceeds of
insurance;
(f) the sale, disposal, or alienation of these facilities; and
(g) other pertinent matters deemed necessary or proper by the board to assure the
merchantability of the bonds. These covenants and agreements may not be inconsistent with this
section.
(7) When a district has issued revenue bonds and pledged for the payment thereof any
revenues of the facilities of the irrigation district, including the facilities acquired, constructed,
improved, enlarged, or operated pursuant to this section, the district shall establish rates and collect
fees and charges for the services furnished by these facilities in that amount and at those rates which
will be fully sufficient at all times to pay the expenses of operating and maintaining these facilities,
to provide a special fund sufficient to assure the prompt payment of principal of and interest on the
bonds as principal and interest fall due, and to provide funds for reserves and contingencies and for
a depreciation fund for repairs, extensions, and improvements to these facilities as [
considered necessary to assure adequate and efficient service, all as required by the bond resolution.
No board or commission other than the board of [
or is required to approve the making or fixing of the fees and charges or the acquisition of property
by the district or the issuance of its bonds.
(8) Any restrictions, limitations, or regulations in any other section of this part relative to the
issuance of bonds or the execution of contracts pursuant to the authority contained in this section do
not apply to the revenue bonds issued under this section or the execution of contracts under the
authority of this section. Sections 17A-2-750 , 17A-2-751 , 17A-2-752 , and 17A-2-753 do not apply
to any contract entered into by an irrigation district under this section, nor to the issuance of any
revenue bonds by an irrigation district under this section.
Section 56. Section 17A-2-714 is amended to read:
17A-2-714. Judicial notice -- Presumptions as to organization.
[
all actions, suits and judicial proceedings in any court of this state of the organization and existence
of any irrigation district of this state, now or hereafter organized, from and after the filing in the office
of the county clerk of the order of the county legislative body mentioned in Section 17A-2-705 and
a certified copy of [
in any court of this state of the regularity and legal sufficiency of all acts, matters and proceedings
therein recited and set forth; and any such irrigation district, in regard to which any such order has
been heretofore or may hereafter be entered, and which has exercised or shall exercise the rights and
powers of such a district, and shall have had or shall have in office a board of [
exercising the duties of their office, the legality or regularity of the formation or organization whereof
shall not have been questioned by proceedings in quo warranto instituted in the district court of the
county in which such district or the greater portion thereof is situated within one year from the date
of such filing, shall be conclusively [
established and existing irrigation district within the meaning of this part, and its due and lawful
formation and organization shall not thereafter be questioned in any action, suit or proceeding
whether brought under the provisions of this part or otherwise.
Section 57. Section 17A-2-715 is amended to read:
17A-2-715. Issuance of bonds -- Special election -- Contract with the United States --
Additional bonding -- Validation of previous issues.
For the purpose of constructing or purchasing or acquiring necessary reservoir sites,
reservoirs, water, water filings, water rights, canals, ditches and works, stock of irrigation, canal, or
reservoir companies, and other necessary property and rights, for the assumption of any indebtedness
to the United States, for the purpose of paying interest upon the bonds herein authorized during the
period of construction and for not more than four years thereafter, and otherwise carrying out the
provisions of this part, the board of [
district has been organized as may be practicable, estimate and determine the amount of money
necessary to be raised for such purposes, and shall forthwith call a special election, at which election
shall be submitted to the landowners of such district, possessing the qualifications prescribed by this
part, the question of whether or not the bonds of [
determined. Notice of such election shall be given by posting notice in one public place in each
election precinct in [
prescribed in Section 17A-2-702 . Such notice shall specify the time of holding the election, the
amount and purpose of bonds proposed to be issued, and [
result thereof determined and declared in all respects as nearly as possible in conformity with the
provisions of this part governing the election of officers; provided, that no informalities in conducting
such election shall invalidate the same, if the elections [
At such election, the ballots shall contain the words "Bonds -- Yes," or "Bonds -- No," or words
equivalent thereto. If a two-thirds majority of the votes cast at such election are "Bonds-Yes," the
board of [
wit:
Not later than at the expiration of 11 years, and annually, after the date of first payment of
principal amount, a certain percentage, not less than 3%, of the whole amount and number of [
the bonds; at the expiration of the final period for which the bonds have been issued, which period
shall in no event exceed 40 years, a percentage sufficient to pay off the remainder of [
that the several enumerated percentages be of the entire amount of the bond issue; that each bond
must be payable at the given time for its entire amount, and not for percentage. That [
shall bear interest at the rate of not to exceed 6% per annum, payable semiannually on the 1st day of
June and December of each year.
The principal and interest shall be payable at the office of the county treasurer of the county
in which the organization of the district was effected as aforesaid, and at such other places as the
board of [
denomination of not less than $100, nor more than $1,000, shall be negotiable in form, executed in
the name of the district and signed by the [
shall be affixed thereto. Bonds deposited with the United States may call for the payment of such
interest not exceeding 6% per annum, may be of such denomination, and may call for the repayment
of the principal at such times as may be agreed upon between the board and the United States, and
where contract is made and bonds are not deposited with the United States, the contract may likewise
call for the repayment of the principal at such time as may be agreed upon. [
be numbered consecutively as executed and bear the date of authorization. Coupons for the interest
shall be attached to each bond bearing the printed or lithographed facsimile of the signature of the
[
by the authority of this part, stating its title and date of approval. The secretary shall keep a record
of the bonds sold, their number, date of sale, the price received, the name of the purchaser and may
keep a transfer register; provided, any such district may provide for the issuance of bonds that will
mature in any number of years less than 40, and arrange for the payment thereof, in series as above
provided; provided, further, that when the money obtained from any previous issue of bonds has
become exhausted by expenditures, herein authorized therefor, and it becomes necessary to raise
additional money for such purposes, additional bonds may be issued after submitting the question at
a special election to the qualified voters of [
provisions of this section in respect to an original issue of such bonds; provided, also that the lien for
taxes, for the payment of interest and principal for any bond issue, or for any indebtedness under any
contract with the United States for or with which bonds have not been deposited, shall be a prior lien
to that of any subsequent bond issue.
All bonds heretofore executed by any irrigation district wherein the proceedings for the
organization of such district and authorizing the issuance of such bonds have been approved and
confirmed by the district court of the judicial district within which such irrigation district is located,
are hereby confirmed and validated.
Section 58. Section 17A-2-716 is amended to read:
17A-2-716. Sale of bonds -- Use of funds.
The board may sell bonds from time to time in such quantities as may be necessary and most
advantageous to raise the money for the construction or purchase of canals, reservoir sites, reservoirs,
water rights and works, stock and irrigation, canal or reservoir companies, and otherwise fully to
carry out the objects and purposes of this part. Before making any sale the board shall at a meeting,
by resolution declare its intention to sell a specified amount of the bonds and the day and hour and
place of such sale, and shall cause such resolution to be entered in the minutes, and notice of the sale
to be given by publication thereof at least 20 days in any daily newspaper published in the city of Salt
Lake, and in any other newspaper at their discretion. The notice shall state that sealed proposals will
be received by the board at its office, for the purchase of the bonds, till the day and hour named in
the resolution. At the time appointed the board shall open the proposals and award the purchase of
the bonds to the highest responsible bidder, or may reject all bids, provided that no proposal shall be
accepted which is not accompanied by a certified check for at least 10% of the amount of the bid to
apply on the purchase price of the bonds, the amount of which check shall be forfeited if after the
acceptance of the proposal the bidder [
[
is made and accepted as above provided the board of [
the state board of certification is hereby authorized to use [
reservoir sites, reservoirs, water rights and works, stock of irrigation, canal, or reservoir companies;
or for the construction of any canal, reservoir and works or otherwise fully to carry out the purposes
of this part; provided that bids for all such construction work are first called for in accordance with
Section 17A-2-723 . The board shall make no sale of bonds either at public or private sale, or use
[
board of certification.
Section 59. Section 17A-2-718 is amended to read:
17A-2-718. Trustees to determine amounts required for current years -- Establishment
of sinking funds and reserve funds -- Certification of amounts.
[
1st of each year, [
on and all maturing installments of principal of any bonds, and warrants, and all payments due or to
become due to the United States under any contract between the district and the United States
accompanying which bonds of the district have not been deposited with the United States as in
Section 17A-2-711 , and all operation and maintenance or rental payments to be made by the district
to the United States under the provisions of any such contract between the United States and the
district, and all water payments and all operation and maintenance or rental payments to be made by
the district to other entities under the provisions of any contract between the district and other
entities, and [
annual assessments, and all maintenance, operating and current expenses, including the payment of
assessments upon stock of irrigation, canal, or reservoir companies owned by the district, and the
amount necessary to meet the obligations of local improvement districts, and [
maintain sinking funds sufficient to assure the prompt payment of principal of and interest on the
bonds as principal and interest fall due, and reserve funds at the level required by any contract
between the district and the United States, and other entities; and [
adequate reserve funds for depreciation, repairs, extensions and improvements to the works necessary
to assure adequate and efficient service, as determined by the board, and [
legislative body of the county in which the office of [
together with such additional amount as may be necessary to meet any deficiencies theretofore
incurred, and if so provided in case of contract with the United States a further amount to cover any
deficit in payments due the United States thereunder which may have resulted from delinquent
assessments for any preceding year.
Section 60. Section 17A-2-719 is amended to read:
17A-2-719. Duty of county assessors -- Basis of valuation -- Uniformity -- Returns --
Apportionment in case of contracts with United States.
[
or a part of any irrigation district [
exclusive of improvements, situate, lying and being within any irrigation district in whole or in part
in such county. The assessor shall assess the lands on the basis of the value per acre-foot of water
allotted to the lands within the district; provided, that the board of [
irrigation district may divide the district into units and fix a different value per acre-foot of water, or
other units of measurement, to cover the service, turnout, construction, distribution charges, or other
charges, if any, in the respective units, and in such case, the assessor shall assess the lands within each
such unit upon the same basis of value per acre-foot of water, or other units of measurement, to cover
the service, turnout, construction, distribution charges, or other charges, if any, within such unit; and
the assessor shall enter on [
each tract of land within any local improvement district situate in the irrigation district as the same
is shown on the equalized benefit assessment roll of [
after [
returns of the total amount of such assessment to the county legislative body of the county in which
the office of [
In case of contract with the United States, however, under the federal laws, the assessment
of real estate within the district may be otherwise apportioned in the following manner:
(1) It may be provided by contract with the United States that assessments shall conform to
the requirements of the federal reclamation laws now enacted or which may hereafter be enacted.
(2) It may be provided by contract with the United States that water shall be furnished to the
district, or to part of the irrigable lands thereof, upon a temporary rental basis, whereupon lands of
the district for which rental charges for any given year are not required to be paid to the United States
by the district shall not be taxed for such purposes.
(3) District lands shall not be taxed for purposes of payment to the United States in any year
when, and to the extent, on account of exceptional difficulties of reclamation, the district shall be
exempted by contract with the United States from [
lands.
(4) The lands of any irrigation district may be by contract with the United States, divided into
units and placed upon a basis of repayment to the United States in successive units, which shall not
necessarily be composed of contiguous lands, and in such event the lands of units not yet, in any year,
placed upon the repayment basis shall not during such year be subject to taxation for payment of
building costs.
(5) In case lands, which shall have been irrigated by means of ditches, canals and reservoirs
constructed prior to the organization of any district shall be included within such district under the
terms of Section 17A-2-701 , equitable credit shall be given in the making of assessments for any
water and ditch rights appurtenant to such lands, such adjustment shall be made by the board of
[
cost of the additional rights, property, or benefits acquired by the district under contract from the
United States will be fairly and equitably apportioned between the lands having rights in such old
ditches, reservoirs or other works, and the lands of the district having no such rights, and due and
equitable allowance made to the lands to which any such rights may be appurtenant; provided, that
before making any such adjustment or allowance, the board of [
for a period of at least three weeks in a newspaper published in the county in which the greater
portion of the irrigable lands of the district are located or if there be no such newspaper published in
such county, then in some newspaper of general circulation in that county, which notice shall state
that a meeting of the board will be held for the purpose of making such adjustment and allowance,
and that all parties interested therein who desire to be heard on the matter will be given an
opportunity to appear and present evidence, and such notice shall state the date, the day and hour that
such meeting will be held and the place of meeting, and at the date and place provided in the notice
the board shall proceed to hear such evidence, if any be presented, and to make such adjustment or
allowance in the manner herein prescribed. After such adjustment and allowance by the board of
[
17A-2-750 , 17A-2-751 , 17A-2-752 , and 17A-2-753 to have such adjustment and allowance duly
confirmed by decree of court in similar manner to that provided in [
to confirmation of the bond issue, and the court shall proceed in like manner as provided in [
Sections 17A-2-749 , 17A-2-750 , 17A-2-751 , 17A-2-752 , and 17A-2-753 to examine into the
regularity of [
by the board, and should the court find [
adjustment equitable, then the court shall file its findings and decree confirming the [
and adjustment, but if the court [
then the court shall itself make an allowance and adjustment which shall be just and equitable as
between the various classes of lands in the district, and shall file a decree, confirming such
apportionment in like manner and with like effect as the findings and decree provided for in [
Section 17A-2-753 , provided, that in no case shall any land be taxed for irrigation purposes under
this part, which from any natural cause cannot be irrigated, or is incapable of cultivation.
Section 61. Section 17A-2-720 is amended to read:
17A-2-720. Fixing tax levy -- Covering delinquencies -- All taxes special.
It shall be the duty of the county legislative body of the county in which is located the office
of any irrigation district, immediately upon receipt of the returns of the total assessment of [
district, and upon the receipt of the certificate of the board of [
amount of money required to be raised as herein provided, to fix the rate of levy necessary to provide
[
bonds of [
the United States on contract accompanying which bonds of the district have not been deposited with
the United States as in Section 17A-2-711 ; and to fix the rate necessary to provide the amount of
money required for any local improvement district; also to fix the rate necessary to provide the
amount of money required for any other purposes as in this part provided, and which are to be raised
by the levy of assessments upon the real property of [
respective rates to the county legislative body of each county embracing any portion of [
district. In fixing the rates of levy the basis shall be the total assessment returned for the district,
except that in the case of districts under contract with the United States, all amounts assessed against
land held by the county on district tax sales shall be excluded. The rates of levy as above determined
shall be increased 15% to cover delinquencies; except that in fixing the rate necessary to meet all
payments due or to become due under any contract with the United States such further and additional
increases above [
cover any deficit that may have resulted from delinquent assessments for any preceding year. For the
purposes of [
which any irrigation district is located, in whole or in part, at the time of making levy for county
purposes, to make a levy at the rates above specified, upon all real estate in [
their respective counties. It shall furthermore be the duty of the county legislative body of each
county embracing any portion of [
county taxes to equalize district taxes. All taxes levied under this part are special taxes.
Section 62. Section 17A-2-721 is amended to read:
17A-2-721. Duties of county treasurer -- Liability -- Secretary of district as treasurer
-- Accounts to be kept and methods of payments -- Deposit of funds.
The county treasurer of each county in which any irrigation district is located shall be liable
upon the treasurer's official bond and to indictment and criminal prosecution for malfeasance, or
failure to perform any duty as county treasurer as provided by law in other cases as county treasurer.
The treasurer shall collect, receive, and receipt for all moneys belonging to the district arising through
taxation. The county treasurer of each county in which any irrigation district is located shall, in whole
or in part, furnish each landowner under the district within the county with the valuation notice for
general taxes, and a separate notice of the taxable value for district taxes, and of the day fixed by the
board of equalization for hearing complaints, and collect and receipt for all taxes levied, but payment
of district taxes may be received and receipted for separately from taxes upon real estate for county
purposes. The county treasurer shall receive in payment of the general fund tax for the year in which
the taxes are levied, warrants drawn against the general fund the same as so much lawful money of
the United States, if the warrant does not exceed the amount of the general fund tax which the person
tendering it owes. The county treasurer shall receive in payment of the district bond fund taxes for
the year in which the taxes were levied, interest coupons or bonds of the irrigation district maturing
within the year the same as so much lawful money of the United States, if the interest coupons or
bonds do not exceed the amount of district bond fund tax which the person tendering them owes.
Except in case of contract obligation due to the United States as provided in Section 17A-2-717 , any
landowner may tender, and the county treasurer shall receive, money, bonds, or coupons of the
district equaling the landowner's proportion of the total issue of bonds of the district, with interest
to maturity, based on the proportion of the landowner's water allotment to the total final water
allotment of the district, and taxes for payment of the bonds or interest on the bonds of the district
may not subsequently be levied against the landowner. The county treasurer of each county
comprising a portion of the irrigation district shall, on the first Monday of each month, remit to the
district all moneys, warrants, coupons, or bonds previously collected or received on account of the
district. The funds so remitted shall be deposited to the credit of the district by the secretary of the
district. The secretary of the district shall serve also as treasurer of the district, unless a treasurer is
otherwise provided by the board. The district shall keep a bond fund account, United States contract
fund account, local improvement fund accounts, reserve fund account and a general fund account.
The bond fund account shall consist of all moneys received on account of interest and principal of
bonds issued by the district, the accounts for interest and principal shall be kept separate, and the
United States contract fund account shall consist of all moneys received on account of any and all
payments due or to become due the United States accompanying which bonds of the district have not
been deposited with the United States as provided in Section 17A-2-711 . The local improvement
fund accounts shall consist of moneys received on account of local improvements of local
improvement district or districts respectively. The reserve fund account shall consist of funds required
contractually to be kept and maintained and for depreciation, repairs, extensions, and improvements
as determined by the board. The general fund shall consist of all other moneys or general fund
warrants received by the collection of taxes or otherwise. The district shall pay out of the bond fund,
when due, the interest and principal of the bonds of the district, at the time and place specified in the
bonds, and shall pay out of the United States contract under any fund when due all payments due to
the United States under any contract between the district and the United States accompanying which
bonds of the district have not been deposited with the United States as provided in Section
17A-2-711 , and shall pay out of the local improvement fund accounts respectively, all obligations of
local improvement districts as they become due, and shall pay out of the reserve fund those amounts
contractually to be paid from it and repairs, extensions, and improvement charges for which the
reserve funds were provided.
In cases where bonds have been deposited with the United States as provided in this part, the
moneys to be paid to the United States for rentals or operation and maintenance charges, if not
secured by bonds, shall be paid out of the general fund account along with all other construction,
operation, and maintenance charges of the district for which no reserve funds exist. The district shall
pay out of the general fund only upon the order of the board of [
signed by the [
by the secretary of the district. All district taxes collected and paid to county treasurers as provided
shall be received by the treasurers in their official capacity, and they shall be responsible for the
safekeeping and remittance of the taxes to the district the same as for other moneys collected by them
as treasurers. County treasurers shall receive as sole compensation for the collection of the taxes the
amount allowed by the board of [
county treasurers as provided by law. The district may deposit the district funds with any bank or
trust company.
Section 63. Section 17A-2-723 is amended to read:
17A-2-723. Construction -- Notice -- Awarding contracts -- Contractor's bonds.
After adopting a plan for the construction of canals, reservoirs, and works, the board of
[
of the district is located at least once not less than ten days prior to the expiration of the period in
which bids shall be received, and such other notice as they [
bids for the furnishing of material or construction of [
than the whole work is advertised, then the portion so advertised must be particularly described in
such notice; [
there are no plans, may be seen at the office of the board, and that the board will receive sealed
proposals therefor, and that the contract will be let to the lowest responsible bidder, stating the time
and the place for opening the proposal which at [
and as soon as convenient thereafter the board shall let [
whole, or award and order for materials, to the lowest responsible bidder, or it may reject any or all
bids, and thereupon readvertise for proposals, or proceed to construct the work under its own
superintendence. Contracts for the purchase of material shall be awarded to the lowest responsible
bidder unless all bids are rejected or the board determines to readvertise for bids. The person or
persons to whom a contract may be awarded shall enter into a bond, with good and sufficient sureties,
to be approved by the board, payable to [
contract price and conditioned for the faithful performance of [
need be required by the board where materials are contracted for the bond requirement. The work
shall be done under the direction and to the satisfaction of the engineer in charge, and be approved
by the board, and shall be paid for out of the general fund account; provided, that the provisions of
this section shall not apply in the case of any contract between the district and the United States.
Nothing herein contained shall be construed to prohibit the district from purchasing material or doing
any work required by it without advertising for bids and without the letting of a contract where the
estimated cost of such work or such material does not exceed $30,000 or in cases of emergencies the
board of [
advertising for bids or may cause such work to be done by the district itself.
Section 64. Section 17A-2-724 is amended to read:
17A-2-724. Claims -- Manner of payment -- Registry of warrants -- Emergency loans.
No claims shall be paid by the district until the same shall have been allowed by the board, and
then only upon warrants signed by the [
board, and countersigned by the secretary, which warrants shall state the date authorized by the board
and for what purpose; and if the district has not sufficient money on hand to pay such warrant when
it is presented for payment, the secretary or treasurer of the district shall endorse thereon "Not paid
for want of funds; this warrant draws interest from date of presentation at 6% per annum," and
endorse thereon the date when so presented, over [
the time of such presentation until paid such warrant shall draw interest at the rate of 6% per annum;
provided, when there is more than the sum of $100 in the hands of the district it shall be applied upon
[
filed against counties in this state, and the secretary of the district is hereby authorized and
empowered to administer oaths to the parties verifying [
notary public might do. The district shall keep a register in which shall be entered[
to whom payable, the date of the presentation for payment, the date of payment, and the amount paid
in redemption thereof, and all warrants shall be paid in the order of their presentation for payment to
the district. All warrants shall be drawn payable to the claimant or bearer in the same manner as
county warrants. The district is also authorized to pay claims against the district by checks signed
by the [
secretary. To meet necessary expenses in anticipation of the collection of taxes, the board of
[
taxes for the current year, and as evidence of such indebtedness may issue negotiable notes of the
district, payable in not more than one year from date thereof. In case of a break in the reservoir or
canal or other disaster, the board of [
necessary repairs.
Section 65. Section 17A-2-726 is amended to read:
17A-2-726. Compensation of officials -- Prohibitions -- Penalties.
[
and employees shall be fixed by the board[
named in this part shall, in any manner be interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract awarded
or to be awarded by the board, or in the profits to be derived therefrom; nor shall receive any bonds,
gratuity, or bribe, and for any violation of this provision, such officer shall be [
guilty of a felony, and upon conviction therefor he shall forfeit [
not exceeding $5,000, or by imprisonment in the penitentiary for a term of not less than one or more
than five years.
Section 66. Section 17A-2-727 is amended to read:
17A-2-727. Debt limit -- Interest on warrants.
The board of [
may not incur any debt or liability whatever, either by issuing bonds or otherwise, in excess of the
express provisions of this part, and any debt or liability incurred in excess of such express provisions
shall be and remain absolutely void; provided, however, that the district shall assume the expense
incurred in its organization and may incur additional indebtedness for the conduct of its business until
bonds are sold or returns from first district taxes are received, which additional indebtedness, together
with such expense assumed, shall not exceed $3 per acre of land embraced within the district; such
indebtedness shall be the general obligation of the district and the board of [
cause warrants or notes of the district to issue therefor, bearing interest not exceeding 7% per annum.
[
receipt of the first district taxes levied and collected and the board of [
district shall include in their first annual budget for the ensuing year the amount necessary to liquidate
all such outstanding warrants, or notes.
Section 67. Section 17A-2-728 is amended to read:
17A-2-728. Distribution of water.
In case the volume of water in any canal, reservoir, or other works in any district [
[
therefrom, then [
waters upon certain or alternate days to different localities, as they may in their judgment think best
for the interest of all parties concerned. All water, however, the right to the use of which is acquired
by the district under any contract with the United States shall be distributed and apportioned by the
district in accordance with the acts of Congress, rules and regulations established thereunder and the
provisions of [
Section 68. Section 17A-2-731 is amended to read:
17A-2-731. Petition for inclusion.
The holder or holders of title, or evidence of title, representing a majority of the acreage of
any body of land in the vicinity of the lands in any irrigation district, may file with the board of
[
such district. The petition shall describe the tracts, or body of land owned by the petitioners, and the
proposed method of supplying water thereto, but such description of the lands need not be more
particular than is required, when such lands are entered by the county assessor in the assessment
book. Such petition shall be [
in [
in the same manner that conveyances of land are required to be acknowledged.
Section 69. Section 17A-2-732 is amended to read:
17A-2-732. Notice of application -- Procedure -- Time -- Costs.
(1) (a) (i) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(b), the secretary of the board of [
trustees shall cause notice of the filing of a petition under Section 17A-2-731 to be given as provided
in Section 17A-2-702 .
(ii) The notice shall:
(A) state the filing of such petition and the names of the petitioners, a description of the lands
mentioned in [
(B) notify all persons interested to appear at the office of the board at a time named in the
notice and show cause, in writing, why the petition should not be granted.
(iii) The time specified in the notice under Subsection (1)(a)(ii)(B) shall be the regular
meeting of the board next after the expiration of the time for the publication of the notice.
(b) If a petition under Section 17A-2-731 has been signed by all the owners of real property
within the area proposed for inclusion and contains their addresses:
(i) the requirement under Subsection (1)(a)(i) to give notice of the petition as provided in
Section 17A-2-702 does not apply;
(ii) the meeting at which the board will consider the petition may not occur until the next
regular meeting of the board that is at least seven days after mailing the notice under Subsection
(1)(b)(iii); and
(iii) the secretary of the board of [
through the United States mail, addressed to the address specified in the petition under Section
17A-2-731 , of the date, time, and place of the meeting of the board where the board will consider the
petition.
(2) The petitioner or petitioners shall advance to the secretary sufficient money to pay the
estimated cost of all proceedings under such petition before the secretary shall be required to give
notice required under this section.
Section 70. Section 17A-2-733 is amended to read:
17A-2-733. Hearing on petition.
The board of [
the time or times to which the hearing of [
proceed to hear the petition and all objections thereto, presented in writing by any person, showing
cause as aforesaid, why [
to show cause, in writing, as aforesaid, shall be [
assent [
petition.
Section 71. Section 17A-2-740 is amended to read:
17A-2-740. Petition for exclusion.
The owner or owners of any lands constituting a portion of any irrigation district may file with
the board of [
taken from [
have excluded, and the description of such lands shall be with the same particularity that is required
when lands are entered in the assessment book by the county assessor. Such petition [
acknowledged in the same manner and form as is required in case of a conveyance of land.
Section 72. Section 17A-2-741 is amended to read:
17A-2-741. Notice of petition -- Objections.
The secretary of the board of [
petition to be published as in Section 17A-2-702 provided; or if no newspaper be published as therein
provided, then by posting such notice for the same time in at least three public places in [
district, and in case of the posting of [
posted on the lands proposed to be excluded. The notice shall state the filing of such petition, the
names of the petitioners, description of the lands mentioned in [
[
board at a time named in [
petition should not be granted. The time to be specified in the notice at which they shall be required
to show cause shall be the regular meeting of the board next after the expiration of the time for the
publication of the notice. The petitioner or petitioners shall advance to the secretary sufficient money
to pay the estimated cost of all proceedings under such petition before the secretary shall give such
notice.
Section 73. Section 17A-2-742 is amended to read:
17A-2-742. Hearings by board -- Assent by petitioners.
The board of [
or times to which the hearing of [
petition and all objections thereto, presented in writing by any person showing cause as aforesaid why
the prayer of [
aforesaid, shall be [
exclusion from such district of the lands mentioned in the petition, or any part of [
Section 74. Section 17A-2-743 is amended to read:
17A-2-743. Exclusion of lands, when -- Contracts with the United States.
The board of [
district that the lands mentioned in the petition, or some portion thereof, should be excluded from
[
best interest of the district that the lands mentioned in the petition, or some portion thereof, be
excluded from the district, and if there are no outstanding bonds of the district, then the board may
order the lands mentioned in the petition, or some defined portion thereof, excluded from the district;
provided, however, that the board shall require as a condition precedent to the granting of such
petition that the petitioners shall severally pay to such district their pro rata share of the outstanding
obligations and indebtedness of the district provided, if within 30 days from the making of such order
a majority of the landowners of the district protest in writing to [
of such lands from [
be excluded therefrom; provided, further, that in case contract has been made between the district and
the United States, no lands shall be excluded from [
assent thereto in writing and such assent be filed with the board of [
Section 75. Section 17A-2-744 is amended to read:
17A-2-744. Filings with county clerk and recorder.
Upon the allowance of such petition and in case no protest has been filed with the board
within 30 days after the entry of [
board of [
certified by the [
county in which the office of the district is located and with the recorder of each county in which
lands of the district are situate, and the district shall remain an irrigation district as fully to every intent
and purpose as if the lands which are excluded by the change as aforesaid had not been excluded
therefrom.
Section 76. Section 17A-2-745 is amended to read:
17A-2-745. Division of districts -- Representation.
At least 30 days before the next general election of such district the board of [
trustees thereof shall make an order dividing such district into three divisions as nearly equal in size
as may be practicable, which shall be numbered first, second and third, and one [
be elected from each division.
Section 77. Section 17A-2-746 is amended to read:
17A-2-746. Dissolution of district -- Election -- Procedure.
Whenever landowners representing a majority of the number of acre-feet of water allotted to
the lands in any irrigation district organized, or hereafter to be organized, under this part, [
petition the board of [
the landowners of [
irrigation district, setting forth in [
have been fully satisfied and paid, [
[
forth the object of [
in Section 17A-2-702 , setting forth the time and place for holding [
three voting precincts in [
"For Dissolution -- Yes," and "For Dissolution -- No," provided, that in case contract has been made
between the district and the United States the board shall have no jurisdiction to consider any such
petition for dissolution of the district, no such special election shall be held, and such district shall not
be disorganized or declared disorganized until it shall have been certified to the board of [
trustees by the United States that all payments and obligations due or to become due to the United
States under such contract have been fully paid or that the United States consents to such dissolution.
Section 78. Section 17A-2-747 is amended to read:
17A-2-747. Returns and canvass of election.
The board of [
if it [
disorganized, and shall certify to the county clerk of the county in which the office of the district is
located, stating the number of signers to [
allotted to them; that [
_____ year, that [
cast for, and that so many votes (stating the number) had been cast against [
[
secretary of [
such certificate recorded with the county recorder of the respective counties embracing any lands of
the district. Should it appear that a majority of the votes cast at [
Dissolution -- No," then the board of directors shall declare the proposition lost and shall cause the
result and the vote to be made a part of the records of [
Section 79. Section 17A-2-748 is amended to read:
17A-2-748. Irrigation district's failure to function -- Dissolution -- Increase of
assessment -- Lien and tax sale.
If after its organization [
as provided by this part for a period of three years after the notice issued by the county legislative
body and a majority of the owners of acre-feet of water allotted to such district shall evidence a desire
to dissolve the district by the filing of a petition for that purpose with the board of [
requesting the dissolution of the district. Upon the filing of such petition the court shall give such
notice regarding the hearing thereof as it [
all objections against such dissolution. If no bonds have been issued or other obligations incurred
which may not be paid by a pro rata assessment against the landowners within [
if no contract has been entered into with the United States or other persons which cannot be
abrogated or the value of which cannot be assessed as liquidated damages, the court shall order a
dissolution of the district upon the payment by each person therein of his pro rata share of the
obligations of the district, provided that if it shall appear to the court that there are lands within the
district the value of which will not satisfy such pro rata share, then assessment against the remaining
lands shall be increased in an amount sufficient to repay the total obligations of the district. If any
landowner [
lien against [
provided in Section 17A-2-722 , and the proceeds of the sale shall be applied toward the payment of
the amount assessed against him. In such proceeding for dissolution the court shall have power to
adjust the obligations of the district, allotment of benefits, and other matters affecting the property
of the landowners.
Section 80. Section 17A-2-749 is amended to read:
17A-2-749. Special proceedings for judicial examination.
The board of [
under the provisions of this part may commence special proceedings, in and by which all proceedings
had in the organization of the district or in and by which its acts and the acts of the district in
authorizing the issue and sale of the bonds of [
contract with the United States and the validity of such contract, whether [
them have or have not been sold or disposed of, or such contract or proposed contract shall or shall
not have been actually signed by the United States or the district, may be judicially examined,
approved and confirmed.
Section 81. Section 17A-2-750 is amended to read:
17A-2-750. Petition for confirmation.
The board of [
the district court of the county in which the lands of the district, or some portion thereof, are situate,
a petition praying, in effect, that the proceedings aforesaid may be examined, approved and confirmed
by the court. The petition in case bonds or a contract with the United States has been authorized
shall state the facts showing the proceedings had for the issue and sale of [
authorization of contract with the United States, as the case may be, and shall state generally that the
[
trustees was duly elected, but the petition need not state the facts showing such organization of the
district, or the election of [
Section 82. Section 17A-2-751 is amended to read:
17A-2-751. Notice -- Contest -- Time for hearing.
The court shall fix the time for the hearing of [
the court to give and publish notice of the filing of [
published as in Section 17A-2-702 . The notice shall state the time and place fixed for the hearing of
the petition and the prayer of the petitioners, and that any person interested in the organization of
[
contract with the United States, may, on or before the day fixed for the hearing of [
demur to or answer [
notice as the petition of the board of [
district (giving its name) praying that the proceedings for the issue and sale of [
[
had for the organization of [
confirmed by the court.
Section 83. Section 17A-2-752 is amended to read:
17A-2-752. Parties -- Appearances -- Practice and procedure.
Any person interested in [
making of contract with the United States, may demur to or answer [
provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure respecting the demurrer and answer to a verified complaint
shall be applicable to a demurrer and answer to [
answering [
[
controverted by the answer shall, for the purpose of [
and each person failing to answer the petition shall be [
material statements of the petition. The rules of pleading and practice relating to appeals and writs
of error provided by the [
provisions of this part are applicable to the special proceedings herein provided for.
Section 84. Section 17A-2-754 is amended to read:
17A-2-754. Transfer of water rights -- Notice to landowners.
The board of [
and other creditors, [
or any other property belonging to the district to any irrigation company; provided, however, that no
such sale, transfer, or conveyance shall be made until notice of the intention of [
make the same shall have been published, as in Section 17A-2-702 , and mailed to each landowner in
the district at his last known address at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the time fixed for
protest, and provided further that no such sale, transfer, or conveyance shall be made if within 30
days from the last publication of such notice the owners of [
allotted in [
or conveyance.
Section 85. Section 17A-2-756 is amended to read:
17A-2-756. Inclusion of state lands.
(1) Lands belonging to the state not under contract of sale may be included in any irrigation
district upon petition by the state entity responsible for the administration of the affected lands for
the inclusion of those lands.
(2) No such state lands included within any legally organized irrigation district shall ever be
assessed, nor shall any of the preceding sections relative to the levying and collection of assessments
and taxes apply.
(3) The entity responsible for the administration of the affected lands and the state engineer
shall make a thorough examination as to the benefits to accrue to these lands by reason of the
inclusion of the lands in the irrigation district, and by reason of the acquiring of water rights for the
lands.
(4) (a) The entity responsible for the administration of the affected lands may enter into
contract with the board of [
the land [
(b) The contract shall provide that annual payments shall be made to the district, to be applied
on the cost of constructing the irrigation works for the district, until the full amount of the benefit
is paid.
(c) The entity responsible for the administration of the affected lands has the option to pay
the full amount of the contract at any time, upon any or all of the legal subdivisions.
Section 86. Section 17A-2-757 is amended to read:
17A-2-757. Special-benefit construction -- Terms -- Costs.
Any drain, ditch, canal, or drainage system, or any other desired special construction,
reconstruction, betterment, or improvement for the special benefit of particular lands lying within an
irrigation district, may be constructed and provision made to meet the cost thereof, as follows: The
holders of title or evidence of title of one-quarter of the acreage proposed to be assessed for any such
improvement may file with the board of [
writing, setting out the nature and general plan of the desired improvement, and specifying the lands
proposed to be specially assessed therefor. Such petition shall be accompanied with a bond in such
sum and with surety or sureties as may be required by [
conditioned that the petitioners will pay the cost of the investigation of the proposed improvement
and of the hearing on the petition if the same be not allowed. Upon the filing of such petition the
board of [
of the feasibility, cost, and need of the proposed local improvement together with the ability of the
land to pay such cost, and if same appears feasible they shall have plans and estimate of the cost
thereof prepared. If the cost [
therefrom, or if the lands proposed to be embraced within the local improvement district shall be
found to be insufficient security for the return of the cost, or if a protest against the establishment of
the proposed improvement signed by a majority of the holders of title to lands in the proposed local
improvement district be presented at or prior to the hearing hereinafter provided for, or if in other
respects the proposed local improvement district shall be found not feasible, the board shall dismiss
the petition at the expense of the petitioners.
Section 87. Section 17A-2-758 is amended to read:
17A-2-758. Local improvement districts.
In the event the [
approve the petition, fix a time and place for the hearing thereof, and shall publish notice thereof, as
in Section 17A-2-702 , stating that the certain lands, describing them, are proposed to be organized
as a local improvement district and stating generally the nature of the proposed improvements; that
warrants for such local improvement are proposed to be issued as the warrants of the irrigation
district; and that the lands within [
improvement. At the time and place of hearing named in [
appear before the board and show cause for or against the formation of the proposed improvement
district and the issuance of warrants as aforesaid. Upon the hearing the board shall determine
whether or not the proposed local improvement district shall be established. Any landowner whose
lands can be served or will be [
application to the board at the time of hearing to include such lands, and the board of [
trustees in such case may, at their discretion, include such lands within such district. The board of
[
provided that in the judgment of the board the inclusion thereof will not be practicable.
Section 88. Section 17A-2-759 is amended to read:
17A-2-759. Establishment -- Limit as to costs -- Authorization -- Construction
warrants -- Orders.
If the board [
establishing the improvement district and shall list and plat lands included therein, and shall adopt
plans for the proposed improvement, estimate the cost, and determine the number of equal annual
installments, in which the cost of [
local improvement, the cost of which will exceed $10,000 and be less than $25,000, [
undertaken unless such improvement [
majority of the landowners within the local improvement district; nor [
the cost of which will exceed $25,000 be undertaken unless first authorized and ratified, in writing,
by a two-thirds majority of the landowners within the local improvement district, and not then if
protests, in writing, signed by landowners of the irrigation district having a majority of the votes
according to the number of votes cast at the last election, be submitted within 30 days after
completion of publication of notice of the proposed improvement, published as in Section 17A-2-702 .
The cost of such improvement shall be paid by the issuance of the warrants of the district, from time
to time, therefor, either directly for the payment of the labor and material or for the securing of the
funds for such purposes. [
annum, payable semiannually, and shall state upon their face that they are issued as warrants of the
irrigation district for the benefit of the local improvement district within [
that all lands within [
the principal and interest of [
of [
warrant shall be sold for less than par. A copy of the order establishing any local improvement
district, together with list and plat of lands included, certified by the [
shall be filed and recorded in accordance with the provisions of Section 17A-2-705 relating to the
filing and recording of the order declaring the organization of the irrigation district.
Section 89. Section 17A-2-760 is amended to read:
17A-2-760. Assessment of damages and benefits -- Board of equalization.
The board of [
improvement district, view each tract of land within the district, and shall carefully consider the
benefits and damages that each particular tract of land will receive from the construction and
maintenance of such local improvement and assess each tract of land in accordance with the benefits
received by it, making proper allowance for damages if there be any. After such assessment is made
up the secretary of the board of [
body and the county legislative body shall cause notice to be sent by mail to each landowner in the
local improvement district of the amount of benefits assessed against the landowner's land [
county legislative body shall meet as a board of equalization to hear and determine complaints made
against such assessment. The county legislative body shall sit as a board of equalization of local
improvement district benefits and shall equalize and finally determine the assessment to be made and
levied upon each tract of land within the local improvement district, in the manner provided for by
law for equalizing state and county taxes, and shall thereupon certify the same to the county assessor
of each county within which any part of [
enter the same in the tax rolls.
Section 90. Section 17A-2-761 is amended to read:
17A-2-761. Validation of the creation and organization of irrigation districts and of
district elections.
All proceedings that have been adopted and actions taken before March 16, 1987, under
authority of [
provide for the inclusion of any additional area in any irrigation district, including all petitions filed
and all notices given, published, and mailed in connection with any such creation and any inclusion,
are validated, ratified, and confirmed, notwithstanding any failure to comply with any one or more
pertinent statutory provisions, and each irrigation district so created or enlarged is declared to be a
validly created and existing district. All proceedings and actions taken with respect to the
appointment, election, and organization of a board of [
irrigation district are validated, ratified, and confirmed and each board of [
declared to be the de facto and de jure governing body of its respective irrigation district.
Section 91. Section 17A-2-767 is amended to read:
17A-2-767. Default of district -- Court procedure.
If, after the issuance and sale of bonds, warrants, or other evidence of debt by any irrigation
district, such district [
a board of [
years [
the same [
irrigation district, or the major portion thereof, is situate, shall, by virtue of its general equity powers,
have jurisdiction to appoint a commissioner to take charge of the property of such irrigation district,
sell and dispose of the same for the benefit of creditors and close the affairs of the district under the
orders and directions of [
Section 92. Section 17A-2-768 is amended to read:
17A-2-768. Effect of repeals construed -- Procedure against defaulting members.
The repeal by the Revised Statutes of sections 2403-2427, both inclusive, of the Compiled
Laws of Utah, 1888, shall not be construed to affect the existence of any district or company
organized under the aforesaid sections; but any such company or district shall, notwithstanding such
repeal, continue in existence with all the rights, privileges, and limitations heretofore conferred or
imposed upon it by law until disincorporated or dissolved according to law. In any case in which an
irrigation company or district [
company or district for the nonpayment of taxes voted according to law the board of [
trustees thereof may proceed to sell the interest of such member in the canals or ditches of such
company or district and his right to the use of the water flowing therein.
Section 93. Section 17A-2-801 is amended to read:
17A-2-801. Short title.
This act shall be known as the "Metropolitan Water District Act" and shall apply to the
incorporation, organization, government, maintenance and operation of the water districts herein
provided for and described, and to the board of [
Section 94. Section 17A-2-802 is amended to read:
17A-2-802. Definitions.
As used [
(1) "Municipality" or "city" [
incorporated city or town of the state [
[
refers to the board of [
(3) [
means the legislative body of any municipality.
[
or any political district or subdivision thereof.
Section 95. Section 17A-2-818 is amended to read:
17A-2-818. Powers of incorporated districts -- Preferential right of city to purchase
water.
(1) (a) Any district incorporated as provided in this part may:
(i) have perpetual succession;
(ii) sue and be sued in all actions and proceedings and in all courts and tribunals of competent
jurisdiction;
(iii) adopt a corporate seal and alter it;
(iv) take by grant, purchase, bequest, devise, or lease, and hold, enjoy, lease, sell, encumber,
alienate, or otherwise dispose of, water, waterworks, water rights, and sources of water supply, and
any real and personal property of any kind within or without the district and within and without Utah
necessary or convenient to the full exercise of its powers;
(v) acquire, construct, or operate, control, and use works, facilities, and means necessary or
convenient to the exercise of its powers, both within and without the district and within and without
Utah; and
(vi) perform any and all things necessary or convenient to the full exercise of the powers
granted under this section.
(b) (i) Any district incorporated as provided in this part may have and exercise the power of
eminent domain and, in the manner provided by law for the condemnation of private property for
public use, take any property necessary to the exercise of the powers granted under this section.
(ii) In any proceeding relative to the exercise of the power of eminent domain, the district has
the same rights, powers, and privileges as a municipal corporation.
(2) (a) Any district incorporated as provided in this part may:
(i) construct and maintain works and establish and maintain facilities across or along any
public street or highway and in, upon, or over any vacant public lands, that are now, or may become,
the property of the state, other than those lands defined in Subsection 53C-1-103 (6); and
(ii) construct works and establish and maintain facilities across any stream of water or
watercourse if the district promptly restores the street or highway to its former state of usefulness as
nearly as may be and does not use the street or highway in a manner that completely or unnecessarily
impairs the usefulness of it.
(b) (i) In the use of streets, the district is subject to the reasonable rules and regulations
concerning excavations and the refilling of excavations, the relaying of pavements and the protection
of the public during periods of construction of the county or municipality in which the streets are
located.
(ii) The county or municipality may not require the district to pay any license or permit fees,
or file any bonds.
(iii) The county or municipality may require the district to pay reasonable inspection fees.
(3) (a) Any district incorporated as provided in this part may borrow money, incur
indebtedness, and issue bonds and other obligations.
(b) A district may not issue bonds that pledge the full faith and credit of the district for
payment if those bonds, in the aggregate, exceed 10% of the fair market value, as defined under
Section 59-2-102 , of the taxable property in the district as computed from the last equalized
assessment roll for county purposes before the issuance of the bonds.
(c) For purposes of Subsection (3), the district shall include the fair market value of all tax
equivalent property, as defined under Section 59-3-102 , as a part of the fair market value of taxable
property in the district.
(4) Contracts and agreements with the United States of America, and with any water users'
association or any other public, cooperative, or private entity from which the district procures water,
and bonds payable solely from revenues of the district other than from the proceeds of ad valorem
taxes, are not within the limitation established by [
(5) (a) Any district incorporated as provided in this part may fix and determine the funds
required for district purposes of every nature and apportion and charge the same against the area of
each city within the district by following the procedures and requirements of this Subsection (5).
(b) As to the costs of all water, water rights, reservoirs, canals, conduits, and other works
for which the district as a whole receives the benefit, and because of which the district is indebted or
because of which the district has made payment without any previous apportionment and charge
having been made, and the charges made against the district because of its ownership of stock in any
water users' association, in the same proportion as the water and water rights set apart or allotted to
each area bear to the total water and water rights owned or held by the district.
(c) As to that portion of these funds required for operation, maintenance, and the cost of
construction of distributing systems, the district shall equitably apportion these costs and determine
and base them on the benefits and the relative cost of service provided by the district to each
respective area.
(6) (a) Any district incorporated as provided in this part may:
(i) levy and collect taxes for the purposes of carrying on the operations and paying the
obligations of the district; and
(ii) in any year, levy a tax sufficient to cover in full any deficit that may have resulted from
tax delinquencies for any preceding year.
(b) (i) Taxes levied under this [
maintaining and operating its properties may not exceed .0005 per dollar of taxable value of taxable
property in the district.
(ii) Taxes levied to pay principal of and interest on the bonds of the district, to pay
indebtedness and interest owed to the United States of America, or to pay assessments or other
amounts due any water users' association or other public cooperative, or private entity from which
the district procures water are not subject to the limitation established by this Subsection (5)(b).
(c) (i) The district shall:
(A) levy taxes for the payment of principal of and interest on the bonds of the district as
separate and special levies for that specific purpose; and
(B) apply the proceeds from them solely to the payment of this principal and interest.
(ii) As separate and special levies, these levies are not subject to any priorities in favor of
obligations of the district in existence at the time the bonds were issued.
(d) (i) The district may not levy any of the taxes authorized by this subsection unless it has
conducted, at its regular place of business, a public hearing on the purposes and necessities of the
taxation.
(ii) The board of [
at least seven days prior to the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation published in the county
or counties in which the district is located.
(e) Any district incorporated as provided in this part may:
(i) enter into contracts, employ and retain personal services, and employ laborers;
(ii) create, establish, and maintain and elect, appoint, and employ necessary and convenient:
(A) officers, attorneys, and agents convenient for the transaction of the business of the
district;
(B) officers and positions as necessary; and
(C) employees.
(7) (a) Any district incorporated as provided in this part may:
(i) join with one or more other corporations, public or private, for the purpose of carrying
out any of its powers;
(ii) contract with any other corporation or corporations for the purposes of financing
acquisitions, constructions, and operations;
(iii) in the contract, obligate itself severally or jointly with the other corporations; and
(iv) secure, guarantee, or become surety for the payment of any indebtedness, or the
performance of any contract or other obligation that may be, or has been, incurred or entered into by
any corporation in which the district has acquired shares of stock by subscription or otherwise.
(b) The contracts may provide for:
(i) contributions to be made by each party to them;
(ii) the division and apportionment of the expenses of the acquisitions and operations;
(iii) the division and apportionment of the benefits, the services, and the products from them;
and
(iv) an agency to effect the acquisitions and carry on these operations.
(c) The contracts shall provide the powers and the methods of procedure for the agency the
method by which the agency may contract.
(d) The contract may contain further covenants and agreements as necessary and convenient
to accomplish its purposes.
(8) Any district incorporated as provided in this part may:
(a) acquire water and water rights within or without Utah;
(b) develop, store, and transport water;
(c) subscribe for, purchase, and acquire stock in canal companies, water companies, and
water users' associations;
(d) provide, sell, lease, and deliver water within or outside of the district for municipal and
domestic purposes, irrigation, power, milling, manufacturing, mining, and metallurgical and any and
all other beneficial uses;
(e) fix the rates;
(f) acquire, construct, operate, and maintain any works, facilities, improvements, and
property that are necessary or convenient; and
(g) in the doing of all of these things:
(i) obligate itself jointly with other persons and corporations, public and private; and
(ii) execute and perform these obligations according to their tenor.
(9) (a) Any district incorporated as provided in this part may invest any surplus money in the
district treasury, including any money in any sinking fund established for the purpose of providing for
the payment of the principal or interest of any bonded contract or other indebtedness or for any other
purpose, not required for immediate necessities of the district, by following the procedures and
requirements of Title 51, Chapter 7, State Money Management Act.
(b) The district shall ensure that the sales of any bonds or treasury notes purchased and held
are made in season so that the proceeds may be applied to the purposes for which the money, with
which the bonds or treasury notes were originally purchased, was placed in the treasury of the district.
(c) The treasurer and controller, with the approval of the attorney, shall perform the functions
and duties authorized by this subsection under rules adopted by the board of [
the district.
(10) Each city, the area of which is a part or all of any district incorporated under this part,
has a preferential right to purchase from the district, at rates determined by the board of [
trustees of the district, for distribution by the city, or any public utility empowered by the city for the
purpose, for domestic, municipal, and other beneficial uses within the city, a portion of the water
served by the district which shall bear the same ratio to all of the water supply of the district as the
total accumulation of amounts levied as taxes by the district against the property of the city which
is within the area of the district shall bear to the total of all taxes levied by the district against the
property in all of the cities in the areas of which are within the area of the district.
Section 96. Section 17A-2-819 is amended to read:
17A-2-819. Trustees -- Representation -- Voting -- Organization and membership --
Other provisions apply.
(1) [
of a city or cities the area of which is within a metropolitan water district. [
(2) If the district is organized to comprise the area of two or more cities, the board of
[
which shall lie within the metropolitan water district. As a member of the board of [
trustees, each representative may vote on all questions, orders, resolutions, and ordinances coming
before the board, and may cast one vote for each $10,000,000, or major fractional part of that
amount, of the taxable value of property taxable for district purposes in the city represented by the
representative as shown by the assessment records of the county and evidenced by the certificate of
the county auditor. Each city shall have at least one vote. In lieu of one representative any city may
at its option designate and appoint several representatives not exceeding one additional representative
for each $1,000,000 of taxable value, but the representative shall cast the vote to which the city
would otherwise be entitled as a unit and as a majority of such representatives present shall determine.
The affirmative vote of members representing more than 50% of the total number of votes of all the
members shall be necessary and, except as otherwise provided, shall be sufficient to carry any order,
resolution, or ordinance coming before the board of [
section, the term "major fractional part" means a fractional part larger than [
(3) If a district includes the area of only one municipality, the board of [
may consist of either five or seven members, as determined by the legislative body of the municipality.
Each [
[
[
shall be a registered voter, a property taxpayer, and a resident of the municipality by the legislative
body of which the member is appointed. In each municipality, the area of which is in a metropolitan
water district, except in districts occupying the area of more than one city, one of the [
trustees appointed by its legislative body to the board of [
of water supply and waterworks, or other comparable officer, however designated, who is in charge
of the municipality's water supply and distribution system, if municipally owned, and who shall be
known as the ex officio [
elected or appointed officers, or the employees of the municipality shall be ineligible for appointment
to any district board; and except for the ex officio [
water district board of [
elected or appointed to office in, or who becomes an employee of, the municipality in which the
member resides shall immediately become disqualified as a [
office, and the legislative body of the municipality shall immediately appoint a successor to serve the
unexpired portion of the term of office. The appointment of [
body of a municipality shall be made without regard to partisan political affiliations from among
citizens of the highest integrity, attainment, competence, and standing in the community, and it is the
intent of this part that each municipality shall adhere so far as possible to a policy of continuing
reappointment, at the expiration of their terms of office, of [
proven competence.
[
board of [
[
[
[
[
[
are serving as such on the effective date of this amendment and who are otherwise qualified as
provided in Subsection [
or bodies, respectively, of the city or cities the area of which is included in a metropolitan water
district, and for the terms of office provided in Subsection [
(7) (a) The provisions of Title 17B, Chapter 2, Part 4, Board of Trustees, apply to each
metropolitan water district to the same extent as if the metropolitan water district were a local district
under Title 17B, Chapter 2, Local Districts.
(b) (i) If a change in the number of board of trustees members is necessary to comply with
the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-402 (1), the board of trustees may by majority vote,
notwithstanding Subsection 17B-2-402 (3), change the number of board members to the next odd
number higher or lower than the number of current board members.
(ii) If a change under Subsection (7)(b)(i) decreases the number of board members, the
change may not take effect until the expiration of the term of the member whose term next expires.
(iii) If a change in the number of board members necessitated by Subsection 17B-2-402 (1)
would cause the district to violate a provision of bonds issued by the district, the number of board
members may be modified to the extent necessary to avoid a violation.
(c) (i) If a change in the expiration date of the term of a board of trustees member is
necessary to comply with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-403 (1), the term of each board
member whose term expires on a day other than the first Monday in January shall be extended to the
first Monday in January after the normal expiration date next following the special district election
date under Section 17A-1-305 .
(ii) If a change in the length of the term of a board of trustees member is necessary to comply
with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-403 (2), the change may not take effect until the expiration
of the term of the member whose term length is to be changed.
Section 97. Section 17A-2-820 is amended to read:
17A-2-820. Powers of trustees.
[
[
[
[
[
it [
unanimous vote of all the members of the board of [
be present [
metropolitan water district and representing not less than [
[
ordinance may be mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid to each member of the board of
[
for adoption.
(2) All ordinances shall take effect upon their adoption by the board of [
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
rejecting claims and demands[
for the letting of contracts for the construction of works, structures or equipment, or the performance
or furnishing of labor, materials or supplies, required for the carrying out of any of the purposes of
this part[
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (3)(a):
(i) if work is not to be done by the district itself by force account, and the amount involved
[
contracts to the lowest responsible bidder, after publication of notices inviting bids, at least once and
not less than ten days prior to the expiration of the period within which bids [
subject always to the right of [
(ii) the board of [
provided, may require all articles to be furnished to the district thereunder to be manufactured,
produced or fabricated in the United States or its territories, and may prohibit the use in, or
employment in connection with, the carrying out of such contracts by the contractor or any
subcontractor, of all machinery or materials except such as [
or fabricated in the United States or its territories, if such are available, the question of such
availability to be determined by the board of [
(iii) contracts, in writing or otherwise, may be let without advertising for or inviting bids,
when any repairs, alterations, or other work or the purchase of materials, supplies, equipment or other
property [
necessity, and shall be authorized by a two-thirds vote thereof.
[
[
[
(b) Rates fixed under Subsection (4)(a) shall be equitable, although not necessarily equal or
uniform, for like classes of service throughout the district.
Section 98. Section 17A-2-821 is amended to read:
17A-2-821. Resolution or ordinance proposing obligations or indebtedness -- Election.
[
under this part [
aggregate number of votes of all the members of the board of [
interests of the district and the public interest or necessity demand the acquisition, construction, or
completion of any source of water supply, water, waterworks or other improvement, works or
facility, or the making of any contract with the United States or other persons or corporations, or the
incurring of any preliminary expense, necessary or convenient to carry out the objects or purposes
of the district wherein an indebtedness or obligation shall be created to satisfy which shall require a
greater expenditure than the ordinary annual income and revenue of the district shall permit, the board
of [
bonded or other indebtedness, for the purposes set forth in the resolution or ordinance, to the
qualified electors of the district at an election held for that purpose. The resolution or ordinance
calling the election shall be adopted, the notice of the election shall be given, the election shall be
held, the voters' qualifications shall be determined, and the results of the elections canvassed in the
manner and subject to such conditions as are provided in [
Bond Act. The declaration of public interest or necessity so required and the provision for the holding
of the election may be included within the same resolution or ordinance, which resolution or
ordinance, in addition to the declaration of public interest or necessity, shall recite the objects and
purposes for which the indebtedness is proposed to be incurred, the estimated cost of the public
works or improvements, or the estimated amount of preliminary expenses, as the case may be, and
the maximum amount of the principal of the indebtedness to be incurred.
Section 99. Section 17A-2-824 is amended to read:
17A-2-824. Revenue indebtedness or general obligation indebtedness -- Procedure for
incurring -- Terms.
(1) (a) Any district which has determined to issue bonds shall issue its bonds under Title 11,
Chapter 14, [
otherwise and for the improvement or extension of any properties necessary or desirable in the
obtaining, treatment, and distribution of water and any other properties which the district is
authorized to own under this part. Bonds may be issued or a contract indebtedness or obligation
may be created [
(i) payable solely from the revenues of the district other than the proceeds of taxes, in which
case they shall be known for purposes of this section as "revenue indebtedness"[
(ii) payable solely from the proceeds of taxes, in which case they shall be known for purposes
of this section as "general obligation indebtedness"[
(iii) payable from both operating revenues and the proceeds of taxes, in which case they shall
be known for purposes of this section as "general obligation revenue indebtedness."
(b) The full faith and credit of the district shall be pledged to the payment of its general
obligation and general obligation revenue indebtedness, and taxes shall be levied fully sufficient to pay
that part of the principal of and interest on general obligation revenue indebtedness as the revenues
of the district pledged for this purpose may not be sufficient to meet.
(c) General obligation indebtedness and general obligation revenue indebtedness may be
issued only after approval at an election as provided in Section 17A-2-821 .
(d) Revenue indebtedness may be similarly submitted at an election as provided in Section
17A-2-821 if considered desirable by the board of [
be construed to require such submission.
(e) Refunding bonds may be issued without approval at an election.
(2) Revenue indebtedness and general obligation revenue indebtedness may be payable from
and secured by the pledge of all or any specified part of the revenues to be derived by the district from
its water supply and the operation of its water facilities and other properties. It is the duty of the
board of [
sufficient to carry out all undertakings contained in the resolution authorizing the bonds or the
contract. The board of [
maintaining and operating the properties of the district from the proceeds of the ad valorem taxes
authorized in Subsection 17A-2-818 (1)(i) and may enter into those covenants with the future holders
of the bonds or the other contracting party as to the management and operation of the properties, the
imposition and collection of fees and charges for water and services furnished thereby, the disposition
of the fees and revenues, the issuance of future bonds or the creation of future contract indebtedness
or obligations and the creation of future liens and encumbrances against the properties and the
revenues from them, the carrying of insurance on the properties, the keeping of books and records,
the deposit, securing, and paying out of the proceeds of the bonds, and other pertinent matters, as
[
bonds or the making of the contract. The board of [
resolution to make the revenues of the properties sufficient to pay all or any specified part of the
expense of the operation and maintenance of them. Covenants may be contained in the resolution
with respect to the manner of the imposition and collection of water charges, and provision also may
be made in it for the appointment of a receiver for the properties of the district in the event of a
default by the district in carrying out the covenants and agreements contained in the resolution.
Provision may also be made in the resolution for a [
respect to the holding and paying out of the revenues of the district and the proceeds of the bonds,
and otherwise, as may be considered advisable. Maintenance and operation costs and expenses as
referred to in this section shall be construed to include any payments made by the district to the
United States of America, to any water users' association, or to any other public or private entity for
the cost of operating facilities used in providing water for the district.
Section 100. Section 17A-2-825 is amended to read:
17A-2-825. Validity of signatures and facsimile signatures.
[
or coupons, [
signatures or countersignatures shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes, the same
as if they had remained in office until the delivery of such bonds.
Any officer whose signature or countersignature is required on bonds and coupons may make
written request to, and the board of [
bonds as herein provided shall thereupon grant and by resolution authorize the[
officer's signature on bonds and coupons by facsimile imprinting in lieu of [
signature, and such imprinted facsimile signature shall in every instance be valid and sufficient for all
of the purposes of such bonds and coupons.
Section 101. Section 17A-2-827 is amended to read:
17A-2-827. Proceeds of sale of bonds.
Such bonds may be issued and sold by [
determine, and the proceeds thereof, excepting premium and accrued interest, shall be placed in the
treasury of [
exclusively to the purposes and objects mentioned in [
on [
[
mentioned in [
of such bonds. Premium and accrued interest shall be placed in the fund to be applied to the payment
of interest on, and the retirement of, the bonds so sold. For the purposes of this section, the
construction period shall be [
shall have been authorized from the proceeds of any such bond issue, [
operation to such extent as to result in the sale and delivery in the district, of water transported and
provided by means of such works.
Section 102. Section 17A-2-828 is amended to read:
17A-2-828. Action to test validity of contracts, bonds, and other contract obligations
or indebtedness.
The board of [
the issuance of bonds, the making of any contract, the incurring of any contract obligation or
indebtedness, cause to be brought in the name of the district an action in the district court of the
county in which [
the district, according to the most recent assessment, is located, to determine the validity of any such
bonds, contract, contract obligation, or indebtedness, and the sufficiency of the provision for the
collection of an annual tax sufficient to pay the interest on such bonded or other indebtedness and the
principal thereof as such interest and principal shall fall due and/or to constitute a sinking fund for the
payment of principal on or before maturity. Such action shall be in the nature of a proceeding in rem,
and jurisdiction of all parties interested may be had by publication of summons for at least once a
week for three weeks in some paper of general circulation published in the county where the action
is pending, such paper to be designated by the court having jurisdiction of the proceedings.
Jurisdiction shall be complete within ten days after the full publication of such summons in the manner
herein provided. Anyone interested may at any time before the expiration of [
appear and by proper proceedings contest the validity of such bonds, contract or contract obligation,
or indebtedness and the sufficiency of the provisions for the collection of [
action shall be speedily tried and judgment rendered declaring such bonds, contract or contract
obligation, or indebtedness to be valid or invalid, and declaring the provision for the collection of an
annual tax for [
to appeal to the Supreme Court at any time within 30 days after the rendition of such judgment,
which appeal must be heard and determined within three months from the time of taking such appeal.
After the expiration of 90 days from the date of the election authorizing the making of such contract
or contracts, the issuance of bonds, or the incurring of other obligation or indebtedness, no action
may be brought to contest or question the validity of [
indebtedness and proceedings in relation thereto or the sufficiency of the provision for the collection
of an annual tax sufficient to pay the interest on such indebtedness, or the principal thereof, as it falls
due and/or to constitute a sinking fund for the payment of principal on or before maturity. If there
[
contract, or the sufficiency of the provision for the collection of an annual tax sufficient for [
those purposes, they shall be consolidated and tried together. The court hearing any proceeding or
action inquiring into the regularity, legality or correctness of the proceedings leading up to the making
of such contract or contracts, the incurring of [
validity of such bonds or the sufficiency of such provision for the collection of an annual tax, must
disregard any error, irregularity or omission which does not affect the substantial rights of the parties
to [
of Civil Procedure, which are not inconsistent with the provisions of this part, are applicable to all
actions or proceedings herein provided for. The motion for a new trial of any such action or
proceeding [
intention. The costs on any proceeding or action herein provided for may be allowed and apportioned
between the parties or taxed to the losing party, in the discretion of the court.
Section 103. Section 17A-2-829 is amended to read:
17A-2-829. Water rates to pay operating expenses, repairs, and depreciation -- Interest
and principal of bonded and other debt to be paid so far as practicable from water rates -- Tax
levy.
The board of [
conjunction with the proceeds of the maintenance and operation tax authorized by Section
17A-2-818 , pay the operating expenses of the district, provide for repairs and depreciation of works
owned or operated by such district, pay the interest on any bonded or other debt, and so far as
practicable, provide a sinking or other fund for the payment of the principal of such debt as the same
may become due; it being the intention of this section to require the districts to pay the interest and
principal of its indebtedness from the revenues of such district, so far as practicable. If, however,
from any cause, the revenues of the district [
of any debt, other than revenue bonds, as the same [
[
provided, levy and collect annually until [
due for principal and interest thereon, a tax sufficient to pay the annual interest on such indebtedness,
or such part thereof as [
such part of the principal of such bonds and other debt as shall become due before the time when
money will be available from the next general tax levy, or such portion thereof as [
met from revenues of the district; provided, however, that if the maturity of such indebtedness [
is made to begin more than one year after the date when the same [
be levied and collected at the time and in the manner aforesaid annually sufficient when added to
revenues of the district available for that purpose to pay the interest on such indebtedness as it falls
due and also to constitute, together with the revenues of the district available for such purpose, a
sinking fund for the payment of the principal thereof on or before maturity. The taxes herein required
to be levied and collected shall be in addition to all other taxes levied for district purposes and shall
be collected at the time and in the same manner as other district taxes are collected and shall be used
for no purpose other than the payment of such indebtedness and accruing interest. Nothing in this
part shall be so construed as to prevent the making of long term contracts by the district for the sale
of water to industrial or other large consumers at fixed rates.
Section 104. Section 17A-2-830 is amended to read:
17A-2-830. Conversion of coupon bonds into registered bonds -- Reconversion --
Exchanging for higher denomination.
Coupon bonds issued hereunder, at the request of the holder, may be registered as to principal
and interest in the holder's name on the books of the treasurer of the district, and the coupons
surrendered and the principal and interest made payable only to the registered holder of the bond.
For that purpose the treasurer of the district shall detach and cancel the coupons, and shall endorse
a statement on the bonds that the coupon sheet issued therewith has been surrendered by the holder,
and the coupons canceled by such treasurer, and that the principal and the semiannual interest are
thereafter to be paid to the registered holder, or order, by draft, check or warrant drawn payable at
a place of payment specified in the bond, after which no transfer shall be valid unless made on such
treasurer's books by the registered holder, or by his attorney duly authorized, and similarly noted on
the bond. After such registration, the principal and interest of such bond shall be payable only to the
registered owner. Bonds registered under this section may, with the consent of the district and the
holders of the bonds, be reconverted into coupon bonds at the expense of the holder thereof, and
again reconverted into registered bonds from time to time, as the board of [
district and the holders of the bonds may determine. In converting coupon bonds into registered
bonds, coupon bonds may be exchanged for registered bonds of $100 each, or multiples thereof, but
not exceeding $50,000 each, in which event new registered bonds shall be issued at the expense of
the holder. Coupon bonds may be exchanged for other coupon bonds of $100 each, or multiples
thereof, but not exceeding $50,000 each, in which event new coupon bonds shall be issued at the
expense of the holder.
Section 105. Section 17A-2-831 is amended to read:
17A-2-831. Fees.
For each conversion or reconversion of a coupon or registered bond, the treasurer of the
district [
the district may prescribe from time to time.
Section 106. Section 17A-2-834 is amended to read:
17A-2-834. Rate of taxation.
Before June 22 of each year, the board of [
resolution, determine the amount of money necessary to be raised by taxation and shall fix the rate
of taxation of the areas of each separate city within the district, designating the levy on taxable value
of taxable property in each of the areas in each county and shall levy a tax accordingly:
(1) sufficient to meet interest and sinking fund requirements on, and/or any payment to
principal of, outstanding bonded and other indebtedness of the district; and sufficient to meet the
payment of the principal and interest on any refunding bonds, or on any bonds the issuance of which
may have been authorized as provided in this part, and which bonds have not been sold but which,
in the judgment of the board of [
be available from the next subsequent tax levy, and in case the bonds are not so issued and sold or
the tax for any other reason is not required for that purpose, the tax levied shall be applied to the
payment of interest and/or principal on any refunding bonds, or on any bonds authorized as provided
in this part, then outstanding or subsequently issued and/or sold, or on any contract or other
indebtedness; and
(2) for all other district purposes.
Section 107. Section 17A-2-835 is amended to read:
17A-2-835. Amounts due from cities declared in resolution.
The board of [
the resolution the amount of money to be derived from the area of the district lying within each
separate municipality by virtue of the tax levy in accordance with the provisions of Section
17A-2-818 . The board shall immediately cause certified copies of such resolution to be transmitted
to the presiding officer of the governing body of each such city.
Section 108. Section 17A-2-836 is amended to read:
17A-2-836. Tax rates for cities.
Before June 22 the controller of the district shall cause to be prepared and transmitted to the
auditor of each county in which the district lies, a statement showing the tax rate to be applied to
taxable property in each city, which rate shall be the rate fixed by resolution of the board of
[
Section 109. Section 17A-2-840 is amended to read:
17A-2-840. Expenses of incorporation.
Any city [
incorporation of or in the incorporation of any district hereunder likewise may certify the amount
thereof, without interest, to the board of [
four years from the date of the incorporation of such district, and if allowed by the board of
[
considered as a payment for water purchased, or to be purchased, by such city from the district.
Section 110. Section 17A-2-841 is amended to read:
17A-2-841. Annexation to district -- Validity of proceedings.
(1) Territory may be annexed to a metropolitan water district as provided in this section.
(2) If a city within a metropolitan water district adds territory to the city by annexation or by
consolidation with another city, that territory shall, by virtue of the annexation or consolidation,
become and be a part of the district and is taxable in accordance with the provisions of this part, to
pay the indebtedness of the district outstanding at the time of annexation or consolidation.
(3) (a) If the governing or legislative body of a municipality requests the controller of a
metropolitan water district for a statement showing the amount of the bonded and other indebtedness
of the district, the taxable value of the taxable property in the district according to the most recent
assessment, and the names of all municipalities included within the district, the controller shall furnish
the requested information.
(b) After consideration of the statement, the governing or legislative body of the municipality
may apply to the board of [
the municipality to the metropolitan water district.
(c) (i) The board of [
(ii) If the board of [
conditions upon which the city may be annexed to the metropolitan water district.
(d) The board of [
body of the applying city a copy of the board's order indicating its action on the application.
(e) (i) If the board grants the application, the city's governing or legislative body shall, except
as provided in Subsection (3)(f), submit to the qualified electors of the city, at any general or special
election held in the city, the proposition of the annexation subject to the terms and conditions fixed
as provided in this part.
(ii) The governing or legislative body shall give notice of the election:
(A) by posting the notice at least ten days and in three public places in the city; or
(B) publishing the notice once at least ten days before the date fixed for the election in a
newspaper of general circulation in the city.
(iii) The notice shall contain the substance of the terms and conditions fixed by the board of
[
(iv) The election shall be conducted and the returns canvassed in the manner provided by law
for municipal elections in the city.
(f) (i) An election is not required under Subsection (3)(e) if a petition approving annexation
is filed with the city's governing or legislative body that:
(A) is signed by a majority of the registered voters residing in the city; and
(B) contains the substance of the terms and conditions fixed by the metropolitan water
district's board of [
(ii) If a petition filed under Subsection (3)(f)(i) meets the requirements of that subsection, the
city's governing or legislative body shall so certify to the board of [
metropolitan water district.
(g) If annexation receives approval either by the affirmative vote of a majority of electors of
the city voting at the election under Subsection (3)(e) or by a petition under Subsection (3)(f), the
governing or legislative body of the municipality shall certify the result of the election or petition on
the proposition to the board of [
(h) (i) Upon the board's receipt of the certification under Subsection (3)(g), the secretary of
the district shall prepare and file with the lieutenant governor a certificate of annexation indicating
that all the requirements of this section for annexation have been complied with.
(ii) Upon the filing of the certificate in the office of the lieutenant governor, the municipality
shall be part of the metropolitan water district, and the taxable property in the municipality shall be
subject to taxation for the purposes of the metropolitan water district, including the payment of bonds
and other obligations of the district at the time authorized or outstanding.
(4) The validity of proceedings for the annexation of a municipality or city to any district
organized under this part may not be contested in an action unless the action is brought within three
months after the completion of the proceedings, or, in case such proceedings are completed prior to
the time that this section takes effect, then within three months after this section becomes effective.
Section 111. Section 17A-2-842 is amended to read:
17A-2-842. Withdrawal from district.
Any municipality whose corporate area has become or is a part of any water district may
withdraw therefrom in the following manner:
The governing body of any such municipality may submit to the electors thereof at any general
or special election the proposition of withdrawing from any water district incorporated thereunder.
Notice of such election shall be given in the manner provided in Subsection 17A-2-841 (3)(e). Such
election shall be conducted and the returns thereof canvassed in the manner provided by law for the
conduct of municipal elections in [
thereon vote in favor of such withdrawal, the result thereof shall be certified by the governing body
of such municipality to the board of [
proceedings hereunder shall be made by the secretary of the district and filed with the lieutenant
governor, and upon the filing of such certificate the area of the municipality so withdrawing shall be
excluded from the [
the property within the [
continue taxable for the purpose of paying [
contracted for, at the time of such exclusion and until such bonded or other indebtedness [
has been satisfied.
Section 112. Section 17A-2-843 is amended to read:
17A-2-843. Interest of trustees or employees in contracts.
Except as herein provided, no [
[
awarded by the board of [
pursuant to discretionary authority vested in [
derived therefrom. Notwithstanding the fact that such [
of the district may be a stockholder or bondholder or director or other officer or employee of a
corporation contracting with the district, contracts may be made with such corporation for its general
benefit unless such [
or controls, directly or indirectly, stock or bonds to an amount exceeding 5% of the total amount of
the stock or bonds, respectively, of such contracting corporation issued and outstanding. For any
violation of this section such [
[
office, or employment, and [
not exceeding $500, or by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, or by both such
fine and imprisonment.
Section 113. Section 17A-2-845 is amended to read:
17A-2-845. Administration.
All matters and things necessary for the proper administration of the affairs of [
district which are not provided for in this part shall be provided for by the board of [
trustees of the district by ordinance.
Section 114. Section 17A-2-847 is amended to read:
17A-2-847. Fiscal year -- Annual statements.
(1) The fiscal year of any metropolitan water district incorporated hereunder shall begin July
1 of each year and shall end on June 30 of the following year.
(2) As promptly as shall be possible after the close of each fiscal year, [
the controller of the district [
municipality, the area of which [
(a) a statement of revenues and expenditures in such detail as shall be prescribed by the board
of [
(b) a statement of the amount of water stored by or made available to the district and the
amounts used by the respective cities.
Section 115. Section 17A-2-849 is amended to read:
17A-2-849. Time for expenditure of tax revenues.
Tax revenues levied and collected pursuant to the provisions of Sections 17A-2-818 and
17A-2-834 need not necessarily be expended during the fiscal year of their levy or collection but may,
when so elected by the board of [
Section 116. Section 17A-2-850 is amended to read:
17A-2-850. Reserve funds -- Creation -- Use of funds -- Limitation.
The board of [
create and maintain, out of revenues of any nature available to it, a reserve fund and [
therefrom when it [
as major catastrophe, earthquake, drought relief or any other happening which imperils the public
health and safety, and, among other things, but without intention to limit, for any district purposes
necessary for the health, safety and security of the inhabitants of the district; provided, that such
reserve fund shall in no event exceed 10% of the total investment value, at cost, of such metropolitan
water district in water acquisitions, water rights, reservoirs, pipelines and water treatment plants and
the like, whether such investments are financed by such district directly or for its benefit by the United
States or the state [
trustees when in its discretion it is advisable to do so either in abatement of a tax levy, in lieu of a tax
levy, or in avoidance of an increase in a tax levy for any year.
Section 117. Section 17A-2-907 is amended to read:
17A-2-907. Board of trustees -- Vacancies -- Other provisions applicable.
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
District Board Selection Procedures.
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
(2) (a) The provisions of Title 17B, Chapter 2, Part 4, Board of Trustees, except Section
17B-2-402 , apply to each mosquito abatement district to the same extent as if the mosquito
abatement district were a local district under Title 17B, Chapter 2, Local Districts.
(b) (i) If a change in the expiration date of the term of a board of trustees member is
necessary to comply with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-403 (1), the term of each board
member whose term expires on a day other than the first Monday in January shall be extended to the
first Monday in January after the normal expiration date next following the special district election
date under Section 17A-1-305 .
(ii) If a change in the length of the term of a board of trustees member is necessary to comply
with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-403 (2), the change may not take effect until the expiration
of the term of the member whose term length is to be changed.
Section 118. Section 17A-2-1016 is amended to read:
17A-2-1016. Powers of incorporated district -- Bidding -- Eminent domain.
(1) As used in this section, "operator" means any city, public agency, person, firm, or private
corporation engaged in the transportation of passengers for hire.
(2) Any district incorporated under this part may:
(a) have perpetual succession;
(b) sue and be sued in all actions and proceedings and in all courts and tribunals of competent
jurisdiction;
(c) adopt a corporate seal and alter it at pleasure;
(d) levy and collect taxes only for paying:
(i) the principal and interest of bonded indebtedness of the district; or
(ii) any final judgment obtained against the district beyond the amount of any collectable
insurance or indemnity policy if the district is required by final order of any court of competent
jurisdiction to levy a tax to pay the judgment;
(e) take by grant, purchase, bequest, devise, or lease, and to hold, enjoy, lease, sell,
encumber, alien, or otherwise dispose of real or personal property of every kind within the district;
(f) make contracts and enter into stipulations of any nature, including contracts and
stipulations:
(i) to indemnify and save harmless;
(ii) to do all acts to exercise the powers granted in this part; and
(iii) with any department or agency of the United States of America, of the state, or with any
public agency or private person, firm, or corporation upon terms and conditions the board of
[
(g) (i) insure against:
(A) loss of revenues from accident or destruction of the system or any part of the system,
from any cause whatsoever; or
(B) public liability or property damage, or against all other types of events, acts, or omissions;
and
(ii) provide in the proceedings authorizing the issuance of any bonds for the carrying of any
other insurance, in an amount and of such character as may be specified, and for the payment of the
premiums on the insurance;
(h) provide a public transit system for the transportation of passengers and their incidental
baggage;
(i) purchase all supplies, equipment, and materials;
(j) construct facilities and works, but when the expenditure required exceeds $25,000
construction shall be let by contract to the lowest responsible bidder or proposer;
(k) acquire, contract for, lease, construct, own, operate, control, or use rights-of-way, rail
lines, monorails, bus lines, stations, platforms, switches, yards, terminals, parking lots, any facilities
necessary or convenient for public transit service, and all structures necessary for access by persons
and vehicles;
(l) hire, lease, or contract for the supplying of, or management of, any facilities, operations,
equipment, services, employees, or management staff of any operator and provide for subleases or
subcontracts by the operator upon terms that are in the public interest; and
(m) operate feeder bus lines and other feeder services as necessary.
(3) (a) Bids or proposals shall be advertised through public notice as determined by the
board.
(b) The notice may include publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the district,
trade journal, or other method determined by the board at least once and not less than ten days prior
to the expiration of the period within which bids or proposals are received.
(c) The board may reject any and all bids or proposals and readvertise or give renotice at its
discretion.
(d) If, after rejecting bids or proposals, the board determines and declares by vote of
two-thirds of all its members present that in its opinion the supplies, equipment, and materials may
be purchased at a lower price in the open market, the board may proceed to purchase the same in the
open market without further observance of the provisions requiring contracts, bids or proposals,
advertisement, or notice.
(e) Contracts, in writing or otherwise, may be let without advertising for or inviting bids
when any repairs, alterations, or other work or the purchase of materials, supplies, equipment, or
other property is found by the board upon a two-thirds vote of its members present to be of urgent
necessity, or where the general manager certifies by affidavit that there is only one source for the
required supplies, equipment, and materials, or construction items.
(f) If any payment on a contract with a private contractor to construct facilities under this
section is retained or withheld, it shall be retained or withheld and released as provided in Section
13-8-5 .
(4) (a) Installations in state highways or freeways are subject to the approval of the
Department of Transportation.
(b) It is presumed that the use of the streets, roads, highways, and other public places by the
district for any of the purposes permitted in this section constitutes no greater burden on adjoining
properties than the uses existing on July 9, 1969.
(c) If facilities, other than state highways or freeways referred to in Subsection (2), including
streets, roads, highways, pipelines, sewers, water mains, storm drains, poles, and communications
wires of another public agency of the state, or of a private owner must be relocated, replaced, or
altered in order for the district to construct or operate its system, or to preserve and maintain already
constructed district facilities, the facilities shall be relocated, replaced, or altered with reasonable
promptness by the respective public corporation, state, or private owner and the district shall by prior
agreement reimburse the public corporation, state, or private owner for the reasonable cost incurred
in relocation, replacement, or alteration.
(d) The district may enter into an agreement with any city or county having jurisdiction over
the street, road, or highway involved and, as may be provided by agreement, close any city street or
county road at or near the point of its interception with any district facility or provide for carrying
the city street or county road over or under or to a connection with the district facility and may do
any and all work on the city street or county road as is necessary. A city street or county road may
not be closed directly or indirectly by the construction of district facilities except:
(i) pursuant to agreement; or
(ii) while temporarily necessary during the construction of district facilities.
(5) The state, a municipality, or a county may acquire private property interests by eminent
domain pursuant to Title 78, Chapter 34, Eminent Domain, including fee simple, easements, air rights,
rights-of-way, and other private property interests necessary to the establishment and operation of
a public transit district.
Section 119. Section 17A-2-1038 is amended to read:
17A-2-1038. Board of trustees -- Appointment -- Apportionment -- Qualifications --
Quorum -- Compensation -- Terms.
(1) (a) All powers, privileges, and duties vested in any incorporated district shall be
performed by a board of [
(b) The board may delegate the exercise of any duty to any of the offices created under this
part.
(2) If 200,000 people or less reside within the district boundaries:
(a) the board of [
legislative bodies of each municipality, county, or unincorporated area within any county on the basis
of one [
served by the district in each municipality or unincorporated area within any county in the following
calendar year;
(b) the number of service miles comprising a unit shall be determined jointly by the legislative
bodies of the municipalities or counties comprising the district;
(c) [
at the time scheduled routes are changed, or as municipalities, counties, or unincorporated areas of
counties annex to or withdraw from the district using the same appointment procedures; and
(d) municipalities, counties, and unincorporated areas of counties in which regularly
scheduled passenger routes proposed to be served by the district in the following calendar year is less
than a full unit, as defined in Subsection (2)(a), may combine with any other similarly situated
municipality or unincorporated area to form a whole unit and may appoint one [
each whole unit formed.
(3) If more than 200,000 people reside within the district boundaries, the board of [
trustees shall consist of 15 [
(4) (a) Except as provided under Subsections (4)(b) and (c), the board shall apportion
members to each county within the district based on:
(i) from the effective date of this act until the apportionment following the year 2000
decennial United States Census Bureau report, the proportion of population included in the district
and residing within each county, rounded to the nearest 1/15 of the total transit district population;
and
(ii) beginning with the first apportionment following the year 2000 decennial United States
Census Bureau report, an average of:
(A) the proportion of population included in the district and residing within each county,
rounded to the nearest 1/15 of the total transit district population; and
(B) the proportion of transit sales and use tax collected from areas included in the district and
within each county, rounded to the nearest 1/15 of the total transit sales and use tax collected for the
transit district.
(b) The board shall join an entire or partial county not apportioned a member under this
subsection with an adjacent county for representation. The combined apportionment basis included
in the district of both counties shall be used for the apportionment.
(c) If rounding to the nearest 1/15 of the total transit district apportionment basis under
Subsection (4)(a) results in an apportionment of:
(i) more than 15 members, the county or combination of counties with the smallest additional
fraction of a whole member proportion shall have one less member apportioned to it; or
(ii) less than 15 members, the county or combination of counties with the largest additional
fraction of a whole member proportion shall have one more member apportioned to it.
(5) (a) If the unincorporated area of a county is at least 1/15 of the district's population, the
county executive, with the advice and consent of the county legislative body, shall appoint one
[
area population.
(b) If a municipality's population is at least 1/15 of the district's population, the chief
municipal executive, with the advice and consent of the municipal legislative body, shall appoint one
[
(c) The number of [
county under Subsections (5)(a) and (b) shall be subtracted from the county's total member
apportionment under Subsection (4).
(d) If the entire county is within the district, the remaining [
shall represent the county or combination of counties if Subsection (4)(b) applies, or the
municipalities within the county.
(e) If the entire county is not within the district, and the county is not joined with another
county under Subsection (4)(b), the remaining [
municipality or combination of municipalities.
(f) Except as provided under [
representing counties, combinations of counties if Subsection (4)(b) applies, or municipalities within
the county shall be designated and appointed by a simple majority of the chief executives of the
municipalities within the county or combinations of counties if Subsection (4)(b) applies. The
appointments shall be made by joint written agreement of the appointing municipalities, with the
consent and approval of the county legislative body of the county that has at least 1/15 of the district's
apportionment basis.
(g) [
designated and appointed by the chief executive officer of the municipality or simple majority of chief
executive officers of municipalities with the consent of the legislative body of the municipality or
municipalities.
(h) The appointment of [
affiliation from among citizens in the community.
(i) Each [
unincorporated area or areas which the [
the date of appointment, and must continue in that residency to remain qualified to serve as a
[
(j) (i) Each [
of this act shall continue to serve as a [
[
initially appointed.
(ii) Beginning on the effective date of this act, any vacancy for which the successor has not
taken the oath of office shall be filled in the following order:
(A) by a municipality eligible to make an appointment under Subsection (5)(b);
(B) by a county eligible to make an appointment for its unincorporated area under Subsection
(5)(a); and
(C) as otherwise provided under this section.
(k) (i) All population figures used under this section shall be the most recent official census
or census estimate of the United States Bureau of the Census.
(ii) If population estimates are not made for any county, city, or town by the United States
Bureau of Census, population figures shall be determined according to the biennial estimate from the
Utah Population Estimates Committee.
(iii) All transit sales and use tax totals shall be obtained from the Tax Commission.
(l) After the initial apportionment immediately following the effective date of this act, the
board shall be apportioned as provided under this section in conjunction with the decennial United
States Census Bureau report every ten years.
(6) (a) Except the initial [
shall be three years or until their successors are appointed, qualified, seated, and have taken the oath
of office.
(b) At the first meeting of the initial [
drawing of lots 1/3 of their number to serve for one-year terms, 1/3 for two-year terms, and 1/3 for
three-year terms.
(c) A [
(7) (a) Vacancies shall be filled by the official appointing the member creating the vacancy
for the unexpired term, unless the official fails to fill the vacancy within 90 days.
(b) If the appointing official under Subsection (2) does not fill the vacancy within 90 days,
the board of [
(c) If the appointing official under Subsection (5) does not fill the vacancy within 90 days,
the governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall fill the vacancy.
(8) (a) Each [
ordinances coming before the board of [
(b) A majority of all members of the board of [
transaction of business.
(c) The affirmative vote of a majority of all [
which a quorum was initially present shall be necessary and, except as otherwise provided, is
sufficient to carry any order, resolution, ordinance, or proposition before the board of [
trustees.
(9) The district shall pay to each [
(a) an attendance fee of $50 per board or committee meeting attended, not to exceed $200
in any calendar month to any [
(b) reasonable mileage and expenses necessarily incurred to attend board or committee
meetings.
(10) (a) Members of the initial board of [
place fixed by the chief executive officer of the entity initiating the proceedings.
(b) Immediately upon convening, the board of [
membership a president, vice president, and secretary who shall serve for a period of two years or
until their successors shall be elected and qualified.
(11) [
tenure in office, a [
[
subdivision of either; or
[
within the district.
[
[
[
Section 120. Section 17A-2-1039 is amended to read:
17A-2-1039. Board of directors -- Powers and duties.
(1) The board of trustees:
[
[
[
[
[
including the fixing of rates, fares, rentals, charges, and classifications thereof, and making and
enforcement of rules, regulations, contracts, practices, and schedules, for or in connection with any
transit facility owned or controlled by the district.
[
[
[
Constitution of the United States or of the state [
for the government and management of the affairs of the district for the execution of the powers
vested in the district and for carrying into effect the provisions of this part. On all ordinances, the roll
shall be called and the ayes and nays recorded. Resolutions and orders may be adopted by voice vote,
but on demand of any member the roll shall be called. No ordinance shall be adopted unless it is
introduced at least a day prior to the time of adoption except by unanimous vote of all members of
the board present at a meeting at which there is present not less than [
directors; provided, that in lieu of such previous introduction or unanimous vote, any ordinance may
be mailed by registered mail, postage prepaid, to each member of the board of directors at least five
days prior to the day upon which the ordinance shall be presented for adoption. All ordinances shall
take effect upon their adoption by the board, unless otherwise provided therein. The board shall fix
the location of the principal place of business of the district and the location of all offices and
departments.
[
[
independent certified public accountant, and shall as soon as practicable after the close of each fiscal
year submit to the chief administrative officers and legislative bodies of cities and counties within the
district a financial report showing the result of operations during the preceding fiscal year and the
financial status of the district on the final day thereof. Copies of the report shall be supplied to the
general public upon request in the quantity deemed appropriate by the board.
[
the payment of demands against the district, without prior specific approval by the board if the
demand is for a purpose for which an expenditure has been previously approved by the board and in
an amount no greater than the amount so authorized, and if the demand is approved by the general
manager or such other officer or deputy as the board may prescribe.
[
to properly carry out its duties. The board may appoint other officers of the district to conduct any
hearing who shall make findings and conclusions and report thereon to the board. Each director or
designated hearing officer may administer oaths and affirmations in any district investigation or
proceeding.
(2) The provisions of Title 17B, Chapter 2, Part 4, Board of Trustees, except Sections
17B-2-402 , 17B-2-403 , and 17B-2-404 , apply to each public transit district to the same extent as if
the public transit district were a local district under Title 17B, Chapter 2, Local Districts.
Section 121. Section 17A-2-1040 is amended to read:
17A-2-1040. District officers -- Appointment -- Duty -- Compensation -- Oath -- Bond.
(1) The officers of the district shall consist of: the members of the board of [
trustees; a president and vice president who shall be members of the board; a secretary, a general
manager, a general counsel, a treasurer, a comptroller, and any other officers, assistants, and deputies
the board [
(2) The general manager shall be a full-time officer appointed by the affirmative vote of a
majority of the members of the board. The general manager shall serve at the pleasure of the board
and may be removed by a majority vote of the board. All other officers and employees other than
those mentioned in Subsection (1) shall be appointed by the general manager and shall serve at his
pleasure.
(3) The compensation of all district officers and employees, except as otherwise provided in
this part, shall be fixed by ordinance or resolution of the board.
(4) The general counsel shall be a person admitted to practice law in the state [
shall have been actively engaged in the practice of law for not less than seven years next preceding
his appointment. The person appointed comptroller shall have been actively engaged in the practice
of accounting for not less than seven years next preceding his appointment.
(5) The oath of office of all officers appointed by the board of [
general manager of the district shall be taken, subscribed, and filed with the secretary of the district
at any time after the officer has notice of his appointment but not later than 15 days after the
commencement of his term of office. No other filing is required.
(6) The board may require officers, assistants, deputies, and employees to give bonds and fix
the amount thereof.
(7) The treasurer shall be the custodian of the funds of the district and make payments only
upon warrants duly and regularly signed by the president or vice president, secretary, or general
manager or other person authorized by the board. [
receipts and disbursements.
Section 122. Section 17A-2-1044 is amended to read:
17A-2-1044. Annual tax levy -- Election.
Before June 22, the board of [
the amount of money necessary to be raised by taxation during the fiscal year beginning January 1
next preceding to pay the district's operating needs and obligations for the fiscal year, and to
recommend to the governing body of each county within the district the rate of taxation for the areas
within the district. Upon receipt of the resolution by the board of [
the governing body of each county may levy a tax not to exceed .0004 per dollar of taxable value of
taxable property within the district. This tax may not be imposed unless the county legislative body
has provided by resolution [
within the county in which all electors situated both within and without the incorporated areas of the
county may participate and a majority of the electors voting on the proposal have approved it. The
county legislative body shall cause 15 days notice of the election to be given in the manner provided
by law for giving notice of general elections. The election shall be held, its results canvassed, and the
returns made under the provisions of the general election laws. If a majority of the electors voting on
the proposal to impose the additional tax have approved the proposal, the additional tax shall become
effective on the date fixed by the governing body.
Section 123. Section 17A-2-1048 is amended to read:
17A-2-1048. Annexations to or consolidations with municipalities already within
district.
Additional municipalities and county areas may be included within or become part of a district
by either of the following methods:
(1) If any area is annexed to or consolidated with any municipality which is a part of a district
organized under these provisions, the annexed or consolidated area shall by virtue of its annexation
or consolidation become part of the district and be taxable in accordance with the provisions of this
part to pay the indebtedness of the district outstanding at the time of annexation or consolidation.
(2) The governing body of any municipality or of any county may apply to and obtain from
the comptroller of the district a financial statement showing the financial condition of the district, its
assets and liabilities, taxable value of taxable property according to the last assessment, and the names
of the municipalities and a description of other areas included in the district. After consideration of
the statement, the governing body of the municipality or county may apply to the board of [
trustees of the district for consent to annex the municipality or described county area. The board of
[
in granting it may fix the terms and conditions upon which the area may be annexed. The action of
the board of [
to the governing body or bodies of the entities applying for annexation, which shall promptly submit
the proposition of annexation to the qualified electors of the area. Notice of election shall be given
by posting or publication. When notice is given by posting, notice shall be posted for at least ten days
in three public places in each area to be annexed. When notice is given by publication, notice shall
be published at least once ten days before the date fixed for election in a newspaper of general
circulation in the municipality and county area. Publication may be made in one newspaper having
general circulation in each of the areas sought to be annexed. Notice shall contain the substance of
the terms and conditions fixed by the board of [
returns canvassed by the governing bodies of the areas seeking annexation. If the annexation
proposition receives the affirmative vote of a majority of the electors, the governing body of the
municipality or county shall certify the election results to the board of [
district and a certificate of proceedings shall be made by the secretary of the district and filed with
the lieutenant governor. Upon filing the certificate in the office of the lieutenant governor, the
municipality or county area shall become an integral part of the district and the taxable property in
the municipality or area subject to taxation for the purposes of the district, including the payment of
bonds and other obligations of the district at the time authorized or outstanding.
(3) No action to contest the validity of annexation proceedings may be commenced more than
three months after the certificate of proceedings is filed with the lieutenant governor.
(4) Upon annexation the annexed area shall have a representative on the board of [
trustees on the same basis as it would have had if it had [
organized.
Section 124. Section 17A-2-1049 is amended to read:
17A-2-1049. Withdrawal from district.
Any municipality or unincorporated county area may withdraw from the district in the
following manner:
The governing body of such municipality, or unincorporated area, may submit to the electors
at a special election a proposition for withdrawal from the district. Notice of election shall be given
in the manner provided in Section 17A-2-1048 . Elections shall be conducted and returns canvassed
in the manner provided by law for the conduct of municipal elections. If a majority of the electors
voting thereon vote in favor of withdrawal, the result thereof shall be certified by the governing body
of the municipality or unincorporated area to the board of [
with the lieutenant governor. Withdrawal shall become effective upon filing the certificate with the
lieutenant governor. Taxable property within the withdrawn area at the time of exclusion shall
continue taxable for purposes of paying any bonded indebtedness or judgments against the district
incurred prior to the date of withdrawal.
Section 125. Section 17A-2-1050 is amended to read:
17A-2-1050. Conflict of interests prohibited -- Disclosure -- Violation -- Penalty.
(1) As used in this section, "relative" means any parent, spouse, child, grandparent,
grandchild, great grandparent, great grandchild, or sibling of a [
(2) Except as provided in this section, a [
of the district may not be interested in any manner, directly or indirectly, in any contract or in the
profits derived from any contract:
(a) awarded by the board of [
(b) made by any officer or employee pursuant to discretionary authority vested in him.
(3) Notwithstanding Subsection (2), when a [
of the district is a stockholder, bondholder, director, or other officer or employee of a corporation
contracting with the district, the district may contract with that corporation for its general benefit
unless the [
indirectly, stock or bonds in an amount greater than 5% of the total amount of outstanding stock or
bonds.
(4) (a) (i) A [
has, a substantial interest in any contract, sale, purchase, or service to the district shall disclose that
interest to the board of [
(ii) The board of [
of its meeting.
(b) A [
a substantial interest in any contract, sale, purchase, or service to the district may not vote upon or
otherwise participate in any manner as a [
or purchase.
(5) A [
by himself or by the district or in reliance on information to which he has access in his official capacity
and which has not been made public, commits misuse of official information if he:
(a) acquires a pecuniary interest in any property, transaction, or enterprise that may be
affected by the information or official action;
(b) speculates or wagers on the basis of the information or official action; or
(c) aids, advises, or encourages another to do so with intent to confer upon any person a
special pecuniary benefit.
(6) Each [
(a) is guilty of a class B misdemeanor; and
(b) if convicted, his board appointment or district employment is terminated.
Section 126. Section 17A-2-1051 is amended to read:
17A-2-1051. Members of board subject to recall.
Every member of the board of [
cause by the governing body of the municipality or unincorporated county area from which he is
appointed, and any member upon notice may resign his position as [
Section 127. Section 17A-2-1052 is amended to read:
17A-2-1052. Board may promulgate additional rules.
The board of [
provided in this part for the administration of districts.
Section 128. Section 17A-2-1054 is amended to read:
17A-2-1054. Fiscal year -- Annual statement of revenues and expenditures.
The fiscal year of any district incorporated hereunder shall commence on the first day of
January of each year and shall continue until the close of the 31st day of December. As promptly as
shall be possible after the close of each fiscal year, it shall be the duty of the comptroller of the district
to prepare and transmit to the chief executive officer of each municipality or unincorporated county
area within the district a statement of revenues and expenditures in the detail prescribed by the board
of [
Section 129. Section 17A-2-1056 is amended to read:
17A-2-1056. Claims against district -- Procedures.
Any person who believes [
damage alleged to have been caused by the negligent act or omission of the district shall:
(1) file a written notice of claim with the board of [
Chapter 30, [
(2) comply with all the requirements of Title 63, Chapter 30, [
Immunity Act, in seeking satisfaction of the claim.
Section 130. Section 17A-2-1326 is amended to read:
17A-2-1326. Administrative control board -- Powers -- Compensation.
(1) (a) The governing authority of a municipality or the county legislative body that has
established a service district may, by resolution adopted at the time of the establishment or at any time
afterwards, create an administrative control board for the service district.
(b) (i) The administrative control board shall consist of at least three and no more than seven
persons, each of whom is a qualified elector of the service district.
(ii) If a county establishes a service district that includes all or part of one or more
municipalities or one or more improvement districts organized under Title 17A, Chapter 2, Part 3,
County Improvement Districts for Water, Sewerage, Flood Control, Electric and Gas, to provide the
same service as the service district, the municipality or improvement district may appoint one member
to represent it on any administrative control board created.
(iii) That member may, but need not, be a qualified elector of the service district.
(c) (i) If a service district is providing commodities, services, or facilities to an institution of
higher education, that institution may appoint the number of members necessary to assure that it has
at least [
(ii) Those members may, but need not, be qualified electors of the service district.
(d) The number of members of the administrative control board shall be increased by the
number of improvement district, municipal, or institution of higher education members appointed.
(2) Members of the administrative control board other than improvement district, municipal,
or institution of higher education members shall be either appointed or elected as provided in Title
17A, Chapter 1, Part 3, Special District Board Selection Procedures.
(3) (a) If a service district was established to provide either water or sewerage service or
both, the governing authority may by resolution adopted at or after the time of establishment, or if
the service district was established before March 29, 1983, or within 90 days after that date, create
an administrative control board according to Subsection (1).
(b) A resolution creating a service district for water or sewerage purposes adopted under
Section 17A-2-1305 after March 29, 1983, shall identify all existing water and sewerage districts
within the area of the proposed service district.
(4) (a) One-half of the members initially elected or appointed shall serve two-year terms and
[
(b) The initial terms shall be determined by lot.
(5) (a) The governing authority of the municipality or the county legislative body that
established the service district may, by resolution, delegate any of its powers to the administrative
control board, including the power to act as the governing authority of the service district and to
exercise all or any of the powers provided for in Sections 17A-2-1314 , 17A-2-1316 , 17A-2-1320 ,
and 17A-2-1321 .
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this part, the governing authority of the
municipality or the county legislative body may not delegate the power to:
(i) levy a tax on the taxable property of the service district;
(ii) issue bonds payable from taxes;
(iii) call or hold an election for the authorization of the tax or bonds;
(iv) levy assessments for improvements in an improvement district created under Title 17A,
Chapter 3, Part 3, Municipal Improvement Districts, or Title 17A, Chapter 3, Part 2, County
Improvement Districts;
(v) issue interim warrants or bonds payable from those assessments; or
(vi) appoint a board of equalization under Section 17A-3-217 or Section 17A-3-317 .
(c) The administrative control board may not hold an election, levy a tax or assessment, or
issue bonds or interim warrants unless the county or municipal legislative body that created the
district has approved.
(d) The county or municipal legislative body that created the district may revoke in whole
or in part any power or authority delegated to an administrative control board or other officers or
employees.
(6) [
provided in Section 17B-2-404 to the same extent as if they were members of a board of trustees of
a local district.
[
Section 131. Section 17A-2-1402 is amended to read:
17A-2-1402. Short title -- Title of districts and bonds -- Requirements as to publication
-- Definitions.
This part is known as "Water Conservancy Act"; the districts created hereunder may be
termed "water conservancy districts"; and the bonds which may be issued hereunder may be called
"water conservancy bonds," and such designation may be engraved or printed on their face.
(1) Wherever the term "publication" is used in this part and no manner specified therefor, it
shall be taken to mean once a week for three consecutive weeks in at least one newspaper of general
circulation in each county wherein such publication is to be made. It shall not be necessary that
publication be made on the same day of the week in each of the three weeks, but not less than 14 days
(excluding the day of the first publication) shall intervene between the first publication and the last
publication, and publication shall be complete on the date of the last publication.
(2) Whenever the term "person" is used in this part, and not otherwise specified, it shall be
taken to mean a person, firm, copartnership, association or corporation, other than a county, town,
city, city and county, or other political subdivision. Similarly, the words "public corporation" shall
be taken to mean counties, city and counties, towns, cities, school districts, metropolitan water
districts, irrigation districts, water districts, park districts, subdistricts, and all other governmental
agencies of this state, clothed with the power of levying or providing for the levy of general or special
taxes or special assessments; and any political subdivision of another state of the United States.
(3) Whenever the word "board" is used in this part, and not otherwise specified, it shall be
taken to mean the board of [
(4) Whenever the term "works" is used in this part, it shall unless otherwise specified, be held
to mean dams, storage reservoirs, compensatory and replacement reservoirs, canals, conduits,
pipelines, drains, tunnels, power plants and any and all works, facilities, improvements, and property
necessary or convenient for the supplying of water for domestic, irrigation, power, milling,
manufacturing, mining, metallurgical and any and all other beneficial uses, and for otherwise
accomplishing the purposes of this part.
(5) Whenever the term "court" is used in this part, and not otherwise specified, it shall be
taken to mean the district court of that judicial district of the state [
the organization of a water conservancy district [
(6) Whenever the term "property" is used in this part, it shall unless otherwise specified, be
held to mean real estate and personal property.
(7) Whenever the term "land" or "real estate" is used in this part, it shall unless otherwise
specified, be held to mean real estate, as the words "real estate" are defined by the laws of the state
[
railroads, roads, streets, and street improvements, telephone, telegraph, and transmission lines, gas,
sewer and water systems, water rights, pipelines and rights of ways for public service corporations
and all other real property whether held for public or private use.
(8) Whenever the term "land" or "property" is used in this part with reference to benefits,
appraisals, assessments, or taxes, public corporations shall as political entities, according to benefits
received, be considered as included in such reference in the same manner as "land" or "property."
Section 132. Section 17A-2-1407 is amended to read:
17A-2-1407. Protest petition -- Objections -- Hearing -- Decree establishing district --
Meetings -- Dismissal of petition or proceedings -- Finality and conclusiveness of order --
Appeal.
(1) At any time after the filing of a petition for the organization of a conservancy district, and
not less than 30 days prior to the time fixed by the order of the court for the hearing upon the
petition, a petition protesting the creation of the district may be filed in the office of the clerk of the
court where the proceeding for the creation of the district is pending. The petition must be signed
by not fewer than 20% of the owners of the lands in the proposed district outside the limits of any
incorporated city or town, who have not signed the petition for creating the district. The aggregate
taxable value of their lands, together with improvements, shall equal at least 20% of the total taxable
value of land in the proposed district situated outside the limits of incorporated cities and towns. The
protesting petition must also be signed by not fewer than 20% of owners of lands within the limits
of each incorporated city and town situated in the proposed district who have not signed the petition
for creating the district. The aggregate taxable value of their lands, together with improvements, shall
equal at least 20% of the total taxable value of land within the limits of each incorporated city and
town in the proposed district. The signers of the protesting petition shall state in the petition:
(a) a description of the land owned by each signer; and
(b) the land's value as shown by the last preceding assessment.
(2) If a proposed water conservancy district will consist of more than one county, the lands
within a county shall be eliminated from the petition for organization of the district if a protesting
petition is filed, signed by the percentage of owners of land specified in Subsection (1) of the requisite
taxable value located in the protesting county.
(3) If a petitioner signs the petition as an owner of land situated both inside and outside a
municipality, [
municipality.
(4) After the protesting petition is filed, the clerk of the court shall make as many certified
copies of the petition, including the signatures, as there are counties in which any part of the proposed
district extends, and shall send a certified copy to the county treasurer of each of the counties. Prior
to the hearing date each county treasurer shall determine from the tax rolls of [
county, and certify to the district court under [
the tracts of land listed in the protest, situated in the proposed district within [
county. On the hearing date of the original petition, if it appears to the court from the certificate and
evidence that the protesting petition is not signed by the requisite number of owners of land and of
the requisite value as set forth in Subsection (1), the court shall:
(a) dismiss the protesting petition; and
(b) proceed with the original hearing as provided in this section.
(5) If the court finds that the protesting petition is signed by the requisite number of owners
of lands, and of the requisite values, the court shall dismiss the original petition for the creation of the
district. The finding and order of the court on the issues regarding total valuation, the genuineness
of the signatures, and all matters of law and fact incident to the determination shall be final and
conclusive on all parties in interest whether appearing or not, unless within 30 days from entry of the
order of dismissal an appeal is taken to the Supreme Court as provided in this section.
(6) (a) If any owner of real property in the proposed district did not individually sign a
petition for the organization of a conservancy district, and objects to the organization and
incorporation of the district, [
incorporation of the district on or before the date set for the hearing.
(b) The objection is limited to a denial of the statements in the petition and shall be heard by
the court as an advanced case without unnecessary delay.
(7) (a) The court shall, by order, adjudicate all questions of jurisdiction, declare the district
organized, and give it a corporate name, if it appears at the hearing that:
(i) a petition for the organization of a water conservancy district has been signed and
presented pursuant to this part;
(ii) the allegations of the petition are true; and
(iii) no protesting petition has been filed, or if filed has been dismissed as provided in this
section.
(b) The district shall be a political subdivision of the state [
with all the powers of a public or municipal corporation.
(8) (a) In the decree establishing the district, the court shall designate the place where the
office or principal place of the district shall be located, which shall be within the corporate limits of
the district, and may be changed by order of the court from time to time.
(b) The official records and files of the district shall be kept in the district office.
(c) The regular meetings of the board shall be held at the office or place of business, but may
be held at another convenient place. If a change in meeting place is proposed and the time and place
agreed upon by a majority of [
office or principal place of business, no other public notice of the changed meeting is required. If,
however, a change in the meeting place of the board is set at a place other than the district office or
principal place of business, and the time and place are not fixed in a prior meeting of the board at its
office or principal place of business during a regular meeting of the board, notice of the time and
place of the meeting shall be given by:
(i) posting notice at the district's office or principal place of business at least three days before
the meeting; and
(ii) by publication of a notice of the time and place of the meeting in one issue of a newspaper
with general circulation within the district at least three days before the meeting.
(9) The court shall dismiss the proceedings and adjudge the costs against the signers of the
petition proportionately and equitably if it finds that:
(a) the petition has not been signed and presented pursuant to this part; or
(b) the material facts are not as set forth in the petition.
(10) An appeal to the Supreme Court from the order of dismissal may be taken as provided
in this section. Nothing in this part shall be construed to prevent the filing of a subsequent petition
for similar improvements or water conservancy districts, and the right to renew the proceedings is
expressly granted.
(11) If an order is entered establishing the district, the order is final and shall conclusively
establish the regular organization of the district against all persons, unless an appeal is taken to the
Supreme Court as provided in this section or quo warranto proceedings attacking the order are
instituted on behalf of the state by the attorney general within three months of the order. The
organization of the district shall not be directly nor collaterally questioned in any suit, action, or
proceeding except as expressly authorized in this part.
(12) Any petitioner, protestant, or objector may appeal to the Supreme Court from the order
of the district court entered pursuant to this section. Those appeals shall be taken within 30 days
from the entry of the order in accordance with the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure.
Section 133. Section 17A-2-1409 is amended to read:
17A-2-1409. Board of trustees -- Selection of members -- Number -- Qualifications --
Terms -- Vacancies -- Surety bonds -- Meetings -- Reports.
(1) (a) Within 45 days after entry of the decree incorporating the district, the board of
[
(b) For a district that consists of a single county, the county legislative body of that county
shall appoint each [
(c) (i) For a district that consists of more than a single county, the governor, with the advice
and consent of the Senate, shall appoint each [
in this Subsection (1)(c).
(ii) (A) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(c)(ii)(B), in a division composed solely of
incorporated cities, the legislative body of each city within the division shall submit two nominees per
[
(B) Notwithstanding Subsection (1)(c)(ii)(A), the legislative body of a city may submit fewer
than two nominees per [
the legislative body is unable, after reasonably diligent effort, to identify two nominees who are
willing and qualified to serve as [
(iii) (A) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(c)(iii)(B), in all other divisions, the county
legislative body of the county in which the division is located shall submit three nominees per
[
(B) Notwithstanding Subsection (1)(c)(iii)(A), the county legislative body may submit fewer
than three nominees per [
governor that the county legislative body is unable, after reasonably diligent effort, to identify three
nominees who are willing and qualified to serve as [
(iv) If a [
governing bodies of those counties shall collectively compile the list of three nominees.
(d) In districts where substantial water is allocated for irrigated agriculture, one [
trustee appointed in that district shall be a person who owns irrigation rights and uses those rights as
part of that person's livelihood.
[
[
[
[
and
[
[
[
trustees for each district in the decree creating the district. The board of [
district shall consist of not more than 11 persons who are residents of the district. If the district
consists of five or more counties, the board of [
persons who are residents of the district.
[
board shall:
(i) give written notice of vacancies in any office of [
date of terms of office of [
and to the nominating entities and the governor in all other districts; and
(ii) publish the notice in a newspaper having general circulation.
[
notice of a vacancy in the office of [
legislative body, as the case may be, shall nominate candidates to fill the unexpired term of office
pursuant to Subsection (1).
(ii) If the entity charged with nominating candidates for appointment by the governor has not
submitted the list of nominees within 90 days after service of the notice, the governor shall make the
appointment from qualified candidates without consultation with the legislative body of the city or
the county legislative body.
(iii) If the governor fails to appoint, the incumbent shall continue to serve until [
successor is appointed and qualified.
(iv) Appointment by the governor vests in the appointee, upon qualification, the authority to
discharge the duties of [
[
until a successor is duly appointed and has qualified.
(3) Each [
in amount and form fixed and approved by the court, conditioned for the faithful performance of
duties as a [
[
[
including a financial report prepared by certified public accountants, shall be filed with:
(i) the clerk of the district court;
(ii) the governing bodies of counties with lands within the district; and
(iii) cities charged with nominating [
[
district shall have published at least once in a newspaper having general circulation within the district:
(i) a notice of the annual meeting; and
(ii) the names of the [
[
having general circulation within the district. The summary shall be published no later than 30 days
after the date the audit report required under Title 51, Chapter 2, Audits of Political Subdivisions,
Interlocal Organizations and Other Local Entities, is required to be filed with the state auditor.
[
of less than $1,000,000.
Section 134. Section 17A-2-1412 is amended to read:
17A-2-1412. Duties of secretary -- Board may employ chief engineer, attorney, and
other employees.
The secretary shall be custodian of the records of the district and of its corporate seal, and
shall assist the board in such particulars as it may direct in the performance of its duties. The
secretary shall attest, under the corporate seal of the district, all certified copies of the official records
and files of the district that may be required [
and paying the reasonable cost of transcription, and any portion of the record so certified and attested
shall prima facie import verity. [
may be an individual, copartnership or corporation; an attorney, and such other engineers, attorneys
and other agents and assistants as may be needful; and may provide for their compensation which,
with all other necessary expenditures, shall be taken as a part of the cost or maintenance of the
improvement. The chief engineer shall be superintendent of all the works and improvements, and
shall make a full report to the board each year, or oftener if required by the board, and may make such
suggestions and recommendations to the board as [
The secretary and treasurer and such other agents or employees of the district as the court may direct
shall furnish corporate surety bonds, at the expense of the district, in amount and form fixed and
approved by the court, conditioned upon the faithful performance of their respective duties.
Section 135. Section 17A-2-1413 is amended to read:
17A-2-1413. District powers -- Powers of board of trustees -- Other provisions
applicable.
(1) (a) Each water conservancy district established under this part:
(i) shall have perpetual succession;
(ii) except as provided in Subsection (1)(b), may exercise the power of eminent domain, as
provided by law, to take any property necessary to exercise powers granted to the district.
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (1)(a)(ii), a water conservancy district may not:
(i) exercise the power of eminent domain to acquire title to or beneficial use of vested water
rights for transmountain diversion; and
(ii) carry or transport water in transmountain diversion, the title to which has been acquired
by a municipality by virtue of eminent domain proceedings.
(2) The board [
[
[
enjoy water, waterworks, water rights, sources of water supply, and any real and personal property
within or without the district necessary or convenient to [
[
rights, and sources of water supply for any beneficial use within or without the district, and [
rates and terms for the sale, lease, or other disposal of water;
[
the district necessary or convenient to exercise its powers;
[
[
[
[
property of this state in accordance with [
Management Act, and Title 65A, State Lands, except that any such action upon school or institutional
trust lands may only be undertaken with the consent of the director of the School and Institutional
Trust Lands Administration, acting pursuant to Sections 53C-1-102 and 53C-1-303 ; or
[
[
private, for the construction, preservation, operation, or maintenance of tunnels, drains, pipelines,
reservoirs, regulating basins, diversion canals and works, dams, power plants, and any necessary
incidental works;
[
[
corporations, public and private;
[
irrigation from district sources and to make an allotment of water to all those lands, which allotment
of water may not exceed the maximum amount that the board determines could be beneficially used
on the lands;
[
which water is allotted on the basis of:
[
[
divides the district into units and fixes a different value per acre-foot of water in the respective units;
[
at rates that are equitable, although not necessarily equal or uniform, for like classes of service;
[
[
organized;
[
[
state;
[
[
[
reservoirs, canals, conduits, pipelines, tunnels, power plants, and any works, facilities, improvements,
and property necessary or convenient for those purposes;
[
operated, licensed, or leased by the district if, as determined by the board, the electric power plant
was acquired or constructed as an incidental and not the primary purpose of a project for the
conservation, development, storage, transportation, or distribution of water;
[
7, State Money Management Act;
[
the board;
[
[
[
condemnation held by the district for a term of not less than 50 years under lease, easement, or
otherwise and to issue bonds to pay the costs for which bonds may be issued as in this part;
[
[
for the water and services supplied; however, no sale of water for domestic or culinary use shall be
made to a customer located within the limits of any incorporated municipality without the consent
of the municipality, except as provided by Subsection 17A-2-1439 (7);
[
for permitting and supervising the making of the connections;
[
the construction or acquisition of facilities, payment of principal of and interest on bonds, and the
creation of a reserve for such purposes;
[
municipalities; and
[
(3) (a) The provisions of Title 17B, Chapter 2, Part 4, Board of Trustees, except Section
17B-2-402 , apply to each water conservancy district to the same extent as if the water conservancy
district were a local district under Title 17B, Chapter 2, Local Districts.
(b) (i) If a change in the expiration date of the term of a board of trustees member is
necessary to comply with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-403 (1), the term of each board
member whose term expires on a day other than the first Monday in January shall be extended to the
first Monday in January after the normal expiration date next following the special district election
date under Section 17A-1-305 .
(ii) If a change in the length of the term of a board of trustees member is necessary to comply
with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-403 (2), the change may not take effect until the expiration
of the term of the member whose term length is to be changed.
Section 136. Section 17A-2-1420 is amended to read:
17A-2-1420. Organization of subdistricts -- Authority -- Bonds -- Board of trustees --
Powers -- Validation of proceedings -- Separability clause.
(1) Subdistricts may be organized upon the petition of owners of real property, within or
partly within and partly without the district, which petition shall be in substantially the same form and
shall fulfill the same requirements concerning the subdistricts as the petition outlined in Section
17A-2-1404 is required to fulfill concerning the organization of the main district. The petition shall
also contain a statement of the initial quantity of water which the subdistrict proposes to acquire from
the district for perpetual use, and the court shall, prior to the entry of its decree organizing a
subdistrict, require that the petitioners attach to the petition written evidence of the consent of the
board of [
the purpose specified. Petitions for the organization of subdistricts shall be filed with the clerk of the
court and shall be accompanied by a bond as provided for in Section 17A-2-1405 . The procedure for
the organization of subdistricts shall be the same as for the organization of districts, except that the
provisions of Section 17A-2-1404 respecting the minimum taxable value of land and improvements
within districts does not apply to subdistricts. A subdistrict shall be a separate entity within the
district, may contract with the district for the furnishing of water and for other purposes, and in
addition to any other authority granted under this part, may issue its bonds pursuant to and in
conformity with the provisions of this part for the following purposes: (a) acquiring or constructing
all or part of an irrigation water system to be operated by the subdistrict for the purpose of providing
irrigation water for agricultural and residential land within the boundaries of the subdistrict, including
as a part of the subdistrict, the purchase or acquisition of stock in canal companies, water companies,
and water users' associations and the acquisition or purchase of water rights and sources of water
supply; and (b) constructing water pipelines and storage works, purchase of water and water rights,
operation of waterworks systems for the purpose of providing municipal water within the boundaries
of the subdistrict and for this purpose the subdistrict board has the same powers, rights, and privileges
granted to a district board referred to in Sections 17A-2-1413 , 17A-2-1421 , 17A-2-1422 , and
17A-2-1424 , to carry out its separate purposes under the provisions of this part. The subdistrict board
may contract with the district for the furnishing of water for the purposes as stated in the initial
petition as well as other purposes. Within 30 days after entering the decree incorporating a
subdistrict, the county legislative body of the county shall appoint a board of [
the subdistrict not exceeding seven persons who are owners of real property in the subdistrict and
who are not [
legislative body of the county. The board of [
rights, and privileges granted to a district board, including specifically, but not limited to, the right
of the subdistrict board to levy and collect taxes and assessments referred to in Sections 17A-2-1423
through 17A-2-1430 , to carry out its separate purposes, including the payment of principal and
interest on bonds payable in whole or in part from the proceeds of assessments and taxes levied under
this part issued by the subdistrict under this part. These taxes and assessments may be levied and
collected by a subdistrict, notwithstanding the fact that taxes and assessments are being levied and
collected by the district in which the subdistrict may lie, to carry out the district purposes; but the
taxes levied and collected pursuant to Section 17A-2-1423 may not exceed .0002 per dollar of taxable
value of taxable property within the subdistrict to pay the expenses of its organization and
administration and may not exceed .0002 per dollar of taxable value of taxable property for all
purposes.
(2) Each subdistrict created under this section may exercise all powers granted to subdistricts
under this part, it being expressly found and determined that all taxable property lying in each
subdistrict will be [
acquired or constructed by the district to an amount not less than the aggregate of the taxes and
assessments levied against the property to pay for the cost of acquisition or construction. Wherever
proceedings are adopted under authority of this part purporting to create any subdistrict, all
proceedings in connection with the creation of each subdistrict are validated, ratified, and confirmed,
notwithstanding any failure to comply with any one or more pertinent statutory provisions; and each
subdistrict is declared to be a validly created and existing subdistrict under authority of law.
(3) If any provision of this part, or the application of any provision to any person or
circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of this part is not affected.
Section 137. Section 17A-2-1425 is amended to read:
17A-2-1425. Board may sell or lease water to irrigation districts -- Levy and collection
of special assessments under class C.
To levy and collect special assessments upon lands under class C as herein provided, the board
shall make an allotment of water to each of the petitioning irrigation districts within the district in the
manner as hereinafter provided in such quantity as will in the judgment of the board, when added to
the present supply of water of such irrigation district, make an adequate supply of water for such
irrigation district, and shall fix and determine the rates per acre-foot or other unit of measurement,
the service, turnout, connection, distribution system charges or other charges and terms at and upon
which water shall be sold, leased or otherwise disposed of to such irrigation district; provided,
however, that such rates and charges shall be equitable although not necessarily equal or uniform for
like classes of services throughout the district. [
desires to purchase, lease, or otherwise obtain the beneficial use of waters of the district, the board
of such irrigation district shall by resolution authorize and direct its [
to petition the board for an allotment of water, upon terms prescribed by the board, which petition
shall contain, inter alia, the following:
(1) Name of irrigation district.
(2) Quantity of water to be purchased or otherwise acquired.
(3) Price per acre-foot or other unit of measurement and the amount of any service,
connection, distribution system charge or other charges to be paid.
(4) Whether payments are to be made in cash or annual installments.
(5) Agreement by such irrigation district to make payments for the beneficial use of such
water, together with annual maintenance and operating charges, and to be bound by the provision of
this part and the rules and regulations of the board.
The secretary of the board shall cause notice of the filing of such petition to be given and
published, which notice shall state the filing of such petition and giving notice to all persons interested
to appear at the office of the board at a time named in [
if any they have, why the petition should not be granted. The board at the time and place mentioned
in [
adjourned, shall proceed to hear the petition and objections thereto, presented, in writing, by any
person showing cause [
person interested to show cause in writing, as aforesaid, shall be [
an assent [
or reject the [
[
from and after such order, the irrigation district, and/or persons therein shall be deemed to have
purchased, leased, or otherwise acquired the beneficial use of water as set forth in [
If [
necessary to be raised by special assessment on lands within such irrigation district and shall
determine whether such special assessment shall be levied by the district or by the irrigation district.
If the board determines that such assessments shall be levied by the district, it shall certify to the
county auditor of the county in which the lands of such irrigation district are located the amount of
the assessment, plus a fair proportionate amount of the estimated operating and maintenance charges
for the next succeeding year on each tract of land on or before the 1st day of July of each year, and
such county auditor shall extend the amount of such special assessment, plus [
maintenance charges on the tax roll as a special assessment against the lands on which [
special assessment is made. If the board determines that such assessments shall be levied by the
irrigation district, the district shall make a contract with the irrigation district which shall provide
among other things for the annual payment to the district of an amount to be obtained from the levy
by the irrigation district of annual assessments in accordance with the irrigation district law. If
subdistrict or subdistricts are organized as herein provided, assessments of special benefits shall be
made, spread on the tax rolls and collected in the same manner as herein provided in the case of
irrigation districts.
Section 138. Section 17A-2-1437 is amended to read:
17A-2-1437. Change of boundaries -- Petitions for and against inclusion within district
-- Hearing -- Petition protesting inclusion -- Hearing -- Appeal -- Annexation -- Hearings --
Objections -- Order of inclusion -- Findings and decrees -- Appeal.
(1) The boundaries of any district organized under this part may be changed as provided by
this section, but the change of boundaries of the district shall not impair or affect:
(a) its organization;
(b) its rights in or to property;
(c) any of its other rights or privileges; or
(d) any contract, obligation, lien, or charge for or upon which it might be liable or chargeable
had the change of boundaries not been made.
(2) (a) (i) The owners of lands which are either contiguous or noncontiguous to the district
and to each other may file a written petition with the board requesting that their lands be included in
the district. The petition shall contain:
(A) a description of the tracts or body of land sought to be included; and
(B) the signatures, acknowledged in the same form as conveyances of real estate, of the
owners of the lands.
(ii) A petition filed in this form will be considered to give assent of the petitioners to the
inclusion within the district of the lands described in the petition.
(b) The board shall, within 90 days after the filing of the petition, set and convene a hearing
to consider the petition and all objections.
(c) The secretary of the board shall cause notice of the filing of the petition to be given and
published in the county in which the lands are situated. This notice shall state:
(i) the names of petitioners;
(ii) a description of lands mentioned;
(iii) the request of the petitioners; and
(iv) that all persons interested must appear at the office of the board at the time named in the
notice and state in writing why the petition should not be granted.
(d) The board shall at the appropriate time, proceed to hear the petition and review the
written objections to the petition. The failure of any person to show cause, in writing, shall be
considered to be [
(e) If any of the lands proposed for inclusion in the district are located within a municipality,
the petitioners shall, before the date of the hearing set by the board, obtain from the municipality's
governing body its written consent to the inclusion of the land located within the municipality.
(f) (i) If any of the lands proposed for inclusion in the district are located within a
municipality's proposed municipal expansion area established by the municipality's annexation policy
declaration adopted under Title 10, Chapter 2, Part 4, [
board, obtain from that municipality's governing body its written consent to the inclusion of the land
located within the area proposed for municipal expansion.
(ii) Subsection (2)(f)(i) does not apply if the land proposed for inclusion in the district is
located within the proposed municipal expansion area of more than one municipality in a county of
the first class.
(g) If any of the lands proposed for inclusion in the district are located within a county not
previously containing any part of the district, the petitioners shall, before the date of the hearing set
by the board, obtain from the county's legislative body its written consent to the inclusion of the land
located within that county.
(h) If any of the lands proposed for inclusion in the district are located within the
unincorporated portion of a county, the petitioners shall, before the date of the hearing set by the
board, obtain from the county's legislative body its written consent to the inclusion of that land.
(i) If the petition is granted, the board shall make an order to that effect and file the petition
with the clerk of the court and upon order of the court the lands shall be included in the district.
(3) (a) In addition to the method provided in Subsection (2), additional areas may be included
in a district by petition as described in this subsection. A written petition may be filed to include:
(i) irrigated lands;
(ii) nonirrigated lands;
(iii) land in towns and cities;
(iv) other lands; or
(v) any combination of lands under this Subsection (3)(a). These lands may be contiguous
or noncontiguous to the district and to each other.
(b) The petition [
(i) be filed in the district court of the county in which the petition for organization of the
original district was filed;
(ii) include the signatures, acknowledged in the same form as conveyances of real estate, of
not fewer than 20% or 500, whichever is the lesser, of the owners of irrigated lands in the area, but
outside the corporate limits of a city or town;
(iii) include the signatures, acknowledged in the same form as conveyances of real estate, of
not fewer than 5% or 100, whichever is the lesser, of the owners of nonirrigated lands and lands
within the incorporated limits of a city or town, which are within the area specified in the petition;
(iv) list a description of each tract of land owned by the signer opposite the name of the
signer, with an indication that each tract, together with its improvements, has a taxable value of not
less than $300; and
(v) set forth:
(A) a general description of the territory in the area sought to be included in the district;
(B) the name of the district in which it is sought to be included;
(C) the terms and conditions upon which inclusion is sought;
(D) a statement that the property sought to be included will be [
accomplishment of the purposes for which the original district was formed; and
(E) a request for inclusion of the area in the district.
(c) No petition with the requisite signatures [
alleged defects, but the court may permit the petition to be amended to conform to the facts by
correcting any errors. However, similar petitions or duplicate copies of the petition for the inclusion
of the same area may be filed and shall together be regarded as one petition. All petitions filed prior
to the hearing on the first petition shall be considered by the court the same as though filed with the
first petition. In determining whether the requisite number of landowners has signed the petition, the
names as they appear upon the tax roll shall be prima facie evidence of their ownership.
(d) At the time of filing the petition or at any time before, and prior to the time of hearing on
the petition, a bond shall be filed, with security approved by the court sufficient to pay all expenses
connected with the proceedings in the case. If at any time during the proceeding the court determines
that the first bond is insufficient, the court may require that an additional bond be obtained within ten
days following the court's request. If the petitioner fails to obtain a bond, the petition shall be
dismissed.
(e) Immediately after the filing of the petition, the district court of the county where the
petition is filed shall fix a place and time between 60 and 90 days after the petition is filed for a
hearing. The clerk of the court shall then publish notice of the pendency of the petition and of the time
and place of hearing. The clerk of the court shall also mail a copy of the notice by registered mail to:
(i) the board of [
(ii) the county legislative body of each of the counties with land within the area proposed to
be included in the district; and
(iii) the governing body of each of the cities or towns having territory within the area
proposed to be included within the district.
(f) If any of the lands proposed for inclusion in the district are located within a municipality,
the petitioners shall, before the date of the hearing set by the district court, obtain from the
municipality's governing body its written consent to the inclusion of the land located within the
municipality.
(g) (i) If any of the lands proposed for inclusion in the district are located within a
municipality's proposed municipal expansion area established by the municipality's annexation policy
declaration adopted under Title 10, Chapter 2, Part 4, [
board, obtain from that municipality's governing body its written consent to the inclusion of the land
located within the area proposed for municipal expansion.
(ii) Subsection (3)(g)(i) does not apply if the land proposed for inclusion in the district is
located within the proposed municipal expansion area of more than one municipality in a county of
the first class.
(h) If any of the lands proposed for inclusion in the district are located within a county not
previously containing any part of the district, the petitioners shall, before the date of the hearing set
by the district court, obtain from the county's legislative body its written consent to the inclusion of
the land located within that county.
(i) If any of the lands proposed for inclusion in the district are located within the
unincorporated portion of a county, the petitioners shall, before the date of the hearing set by the
district court, obtain from the county's legislative body its written consent to the inclusion of that
land.
(j) After the filing of a petition for inclusion of an additional area and at least 30 days prior
to the time fixed by the court for the hearing on the petition, a petition protesting the inclusion of the
lands within the district may be filed in the clerk's office of the court where the proceeding for
inclusion is pending. The protest petition must contain:
(i) the signatures, acknowledged in the same form as conveyances of real estate, of at least:
(A) 35% of the owners of irrigated lands in the area sought to be included, but not within the
incorporated limits of a city or town; and
(B) 20% of the owners of nonirrigated lands and lands within the incorporated limits of a city
or town within the area proposed to be included within the district; and
(ii) a description of each tract of land opposite the name of the signer, with an indication that
each tract, together with its improvements, has an assessed value of at least $300.
(k) A landowner may protest if he:
(i) did not sign the petition for inclusion; and
(ii) owns land, including improvements thereon, which had a taxable value of at least $300
as shown by the last preceding assessment.
(l) If a petitioner signs the petition both as owner of irrigated and nonirrigated land, his name
counts only as an owner of irrigated lands.
(m) On the day set for the hearing on the original petition, if it appears to the court that the
protesting petition does not meet the requirements of Subsection (3)(j), the court shall dismiss the
protesting petition and proceed with the original hearing as provided in this section. If the court finds
from the evidence that the protesting petition does qualify, the court shall dismiss the original petition
for inclusion. The finding of the court upon the question of valuation, the genuineness of the
signatures, and all matters of law and fact incident to this determination shall be final and conclusive
on all parties in interest whether appearing or not, unless within 30 days from entry of the order of
dismissal an appeal is taken to the Supreme Court.
(n) (i) Any owner of real property in the proposed area who did not individually sign a
petition for the inclusion, but who desires to object to the inclusion, may, on or before ten days prior
to the date set for the cause to be heard, file an objection to the inclusion. This objection shall be
heard by the court as an advanced case without unnecessary delay.
(ii) An owner of irrigated lands may file a petition asking to have [
lands excluded from the inclusion pursuant to the requirements of Subsection (3)(n)(i). This petition
shall be heard by the district court on the date set for the hearing of the petition for inclusion of the
area and the district court shall exclude these irrigated lands from the area proposed for inclusion
within the district.
(o) If it appears at the hearing that a petition for the inclusion has been signed and presented
as provided in Subsections (3)(a) and (b), that each written consent required by Subsections (3)(f),
(g),(h), and (i) has been obtained, that the allegations of the petition are true, and that no protesting
petition has been filed, or if filed has been dismissed as provided in Subsection (3)(m), the court shall:
(i) adjudicate all questions of jurisdiction;
(ii) find that the property described in the petition will, if included, be [
by the accomplishment of the purposes for which the original district was formed;
(iii) declare the area included in the district;
(iv) declare whether the area is annexed to an existing division, or constitutes a separate
division; and
(v) declare whether the area can be properly represented by existing [
whether the number of [
annexed. However, prior to the entry of its decree including such area within the district, the court
shall obtain the verified consent of the board of [
such area.
(p) If the court finds that the petition for inclusion has not been signed and presented
pursuant to this section, that any written consent required by Subsections (3)(f), (g), (h), and (i) has
not been obtained, or that the material facts are not as set forth in the petition filed, it shall dismiss
the proceedings and adjudge the costs against the signers of the petition in such proportion as it
considers just and equitable. An appeal to the Supreme Court shall lie from an order dismissing the
proceeding. Nothing in this part shall be construed to prevent the filing of a subsequent petition or
petitions for similar purposes, and the right to renew such proceeding is expressly granted.
(4) (a) If lands are annexed into a public corporation which corporation is already part of the
district described in this part and these annexed lands are not located within the district's boundaries,
the board may make a finding that these lands are not part of the district, and that these lands are or
may be [
board shall set a time and place for a public hearing to hear objections as to why these lands should
not be annexed and included within the district. The secretary of the board shall cause notice of the
time and place of the hearing to consider the inclusion of the lands within the district to be given and
published in the county in which the lands are situated. The notice shall:
(i) state a general description of the lands;
(ii) state that the lands are being considered for inclusion within the district; and
(iii) give notice to all interested persons to appear at the time and place named in the notice
and show cause, in writing, as to why the lands should not be included within the district. The
secretary shall mail a copy of the notice by registered mail to the governing body of the public
corporation and to the landowners.
(b) Before the date set for the hearing, the board shall obtain the written consent of the public
corporation's governing body to the inclusion of the lands into the district.
(c) The board shall, at the time and place named in the notice or at any time at which the
hearing may be adjourned, proceed to hear all objections to the inclusion of the lands within the
district. The failure of any interested person to appear or show cause, in writing, shall be [
considered as an assent on his part to the inclusion of the lands within the district. If, after hearing
all objections to the inclusion of the land within the district, the board has obtained the consent of the
public corporation's governing body as required in Subsection (4)(b) and determines that the lands
will be [
effect. Upon filing the order with the clerk of the court and upon order of the court, the lands shall
be included in the district.
(d) A finding by the board that the lands will not be [
the district shall not preclude the board at any subsequent date from finding that changed conditions
or circumstances now benefit the lands. After making this finding the board may renew the
proceedings for inclusion of these lands in whole or in part and find that the lands will be [
benefitted by inclusion in the district and make an order to that effect. Upon filing the order with the
clerk of the court and upon order of the court, the lands shall be included in the district.
(e) If the board finds that any portion of land to be annexed into the district is presently
receiving water from another public water system, the board shall exclude that portion of land from
the land to be annexed into the district.
(5) Upon the entry of the decree, the clerk of the court shall transmit to the Division of
Corporations and Commercial Code and the county recorder in each of the counties having lands in
the area, copies of the findings and decrees of the court. The findings and decrees shall be filed with
the Division of Corporations and Commercial Code pursuant to the general laws concerning
corporations. Copies shall also be filed in the office of the county recorder in each county in which
the district is located where they will become permanent records. The recorder in each county shall
receive the fee designated by the county legislative body for filing and preservation. The Office of
the Lieutenant Governor shall receive fees as may be provided by law for like services in similar cases.
(6) If an order is entered establishing the inclusion of the area into the district, such order
shall be final unless within 30 days an appeal is taken to the Supreme Court. The entry of a final order
shall conclusively establish the inclusion of the area against all persons, except that the state may
attack the order in an action in the nature of a writ of quo warranto, commenced by the attorney
general within three months after the decree declaring the area included. The inclusion of the area
shall not be directly or collaterally questioned in any suit, action, or proceeding, except as expressly
authorized.
(7) Any area included in a district pursuant to this part shall be subject to taxes and
assessments levied for the payment of indebtedness of the district which was outstanding at the time
of the entry of the order for inclusion, and for the payment of indebtedness thereafter incurred as if
the area were a part of the district as originally established.
(8) The boundaries of any subdistrict may be changed in the manner provided in this part for
the change of the boundaries of districts.
Section 139. Section 17A-2-1439 is amended to read:
17A-2-1439. Contracts providing for payment in installments -- Issuance and sale of
bonds -- Sinking fund -- Covenants -- Default -- Revenue obligations -- Refunding bonds.
(1) (a) (i) To pay for construction, operation, and maintenance of works, and expenses
preliminary and incidental to them, the board may enter into contracts with the United States of
America or its agencies, providing for payment in installments.
(ii) To pay for all or part of the cost of the construction or acquisition of any works, to pay
for the improvement and extension of them, to pay expenses preliminary and incidental to them, to
pay interest on the bonds during acquisition and construction, to provide for necessary reserves, and
to pay costs of issuance and sale of the bonds (including, without limitation, printing, registration and
transfer costs, legal fees, financial advisor's fees, and underwriter's discount), the board may issue the
bonds of the district as provided in this section.
(b) The indebtedness or obligation represented by any bonds issued by or any contract
entered into by the board may be payable in whole or in part from all or part of the revenues derived
by the district from the operation of all or any designated portion of its works, from the proceeds of
assessments and taxes levied under this part, or from any combination of those revenues, assessments,
and taxes.
(c) The indebtedness or obligation represented by any bonds issued by or any contract
entered into by the board may be incurred for the acquisition, construction, or both, of all or part of
any works, for the improvement or extension of any works, or for a system of works for the
distribution of water or for the treatment of water or both, whether or not the works of the district
so acquired, constructed, improved, or extended include a source of water supply.
(d) (i) These bonds shall be issued and sold in compliance with Title 11, Chapter 14, Utah
Municipal Bond Act, and may be in the form and denominations and have provisions and details
permitted by the Utah Municipal Bond Act, except that the bonds shall mature serially or otherwise
and contract payment installments shall fall due at any time or times not later than 50 years from their
date.
(ii) The bonds and any evidences of participation interests in the bonds may be issued,
executed, authenticated, registered, transferred, exchanged, and otherwise made to comply with Title
15, Chapter 7, Registered Public Obligations Act, or any other statute relating to the registration of
bonds enacted to meet the requirements of Section 103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as
amended, or any similar or successor federal law, and applicable regulations.
(2) (a) Bonds may be issued hereunder at one time or from time to time.
(b) If more than one issue or series of bonds is delivered hereunder, the bonds of the
respective issues or series shall have priorities of payment as provided in the proceedings authorizing
the bonds.
(3) (a) Any resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds or the entering into of a contract
indebtedness or obligation payable in installments hereunder shall provide for the creation of a sinking
fund into which shall be paid from the revenues, assessments, and taxes, any or all, pledged to the
payment in the authorizing resolution sums fully sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the
bonds or on the contract indebtedness or obligation and to create a reserve for contingencies as
required by the resolution.
(b) Any resolution so authorizing bonds or the entering into of a contract indebtedness or
obligation may contain those covenants with the future holders of the bonds or the other contracting
party as to the management and operation of the properties and works of the district, the imposition
and collection of fees and charges, including taxes and assessments, for the water and services
furnished thereby, the disposition of the fees and revenues, the issuance of future bonds and the
incurring of future contract indebtedness or obligations and the creation of future liens and
encumbrances against the works and the revenues thereof, the carrying of insurance on the works and
the disposition of the proceeds of insurance, the sale, disposal, or alienation of the works, and other
pertinent matters [
of the bonds or the execution of the contract.
(c) These covenants and agreements may not be inconsistent with this section.
(4) (a) It may be provided in the resolution that any holder of the bonds or any contracting
party may by appropriate legal action compel performance of all duties required of the board and the
officials of the district by this part and the resolution authorizing the bonds or contract.
(b) If any bond issued or any contract entered into hereunder is permitted to go into default
as to any installment of principal or interest, any court of competent jurisdiction may, pursuant to the
application of the holder of any bond or of the other contracting party, appoint a receiver to operate
the works of the district and to collect and distribute the revenues thereof under the resolution, this
part, and as the court may direct.
(5) (a) When the district has issued bonds or entered into a contract and pledged any
revenues of the works for the payment of them as provided in this part, the district shall impose and
collect fees and charges for water and services furnished by the works in that amount and at those
rates fully sufficient at all times (in conjunction with the proceeds of available taxes and assessments
if the bonds or contract indebtedness or obligation are also payable in part from the proceeds of
assessments and taxes levied under this part) to pay the expenses of operating and maintaining the
works, to provide a sinking fund sufficient to assure the prompt payment of principal of and interest
on the bonds or contract indebtedness or obligation as principal and interest fall due, and to provide
those funds for reserves and contingencies and for a depreciation fund for repairs, extensions, and
improvements to the works as [
service, all as may be required by the resolution.
(b) No board or commission other than the board of [
authority over or is required to approve the making or fixing of fees and charges, the acquisition of
property by the district, the issuance of its bonds, or the entering into of a contract.
(6) (a) The board of any district that issues or has issued any bonds under this part, or that
enters or has entered into any contracts under this part, may issue bonds hereunder for the purpose
of refunding all or any part of the outstanding bonds, or the outstanding indebtedness or obligation
represented by the contracts, or in part for the purpose of the refunding and in part for the purpose
of acquiring, constructing, improving, or extending works for the district.
(b) If bonds are issued solely for refunding purposes, the election required by Section
17A-2-1440 is not a condition precedent to the issuance of the bonds.
(c) Refunding bonds so authorized:
(i) may be sold and the proceeds thereof applied to or deposited in an escrow and invested
pending the retirement of the outstanding bonds; or
(ii) may be delivered in exchange for the outstanding bonds.
(d) The refunding bonds shall be authorized and secured in the manner herein provided for
the issuance and securing of other bonds and may, but are not required to, have the same source of
security and payment as the bonds refunded.
(7) (a) If bonds have been issued or a contract indebtedness or obligation has been incurred
hereunder payable in whole or in part from revenues to be derived from supplying water to the
inhabitants of territory which was not at the time of the issuance of the bonds or the entering into of
the contract contained within the corporate limits of any municipality or any other district created for
the purpose of supplying water to the territory, the district shall thereafter be the sole public
corporation or political subdivision authorized to supply water to this area.
(b) No municipal corporation or other district into which any part of the territory is
incorporated or included has authority either to supply water to the inhabitants of the corporation or
district or to grant a franchise for the supplying of the water.
(c) Nothing contained in this Subsection (7) prevents the modification of this restriction
contained by the district if modification does not in any way jeopardize the prompt payment of
principal of and interest on the bonds of the district then outstanding or of the payment of installments
of indebtedness or obligation under a contract.
Section 140. Section 17A-2-1440 is amended to read:
17A-2-1440. Election for issuance of bonds or incurring contract indebtedness or
obligation -- When an election is not required.
(1) If the majority of a water conservancy district board approves a resolution determining
that the interests of the district and the public interest or necessity demand the acquisition,
construction, or completion of any water supply, waterworks, improvements, or facilities, or the
making of any contract with the United States or other persons or corporations, public or private, to
carry out the purposes of the district, wherein an indebtedness or obligation is created, to satisfy
which requires an expenditure greater than the ordinary annual income and revenue of the district,
the board shall adopt a resolution directing that an election be held to determine whether bonds shall
be issued, or an indebtedness or obligation under a contract shall be incurred in the amount and for
the purposes specified in the resolution.
(2) The following shall be subject to the conditions provided in Title 11, Chapter 14, Utah
Municipal Bond Act:
(a) adoption of the resolution calling the election;
(b) giving notice of the election;
(c) conduct of the election;
(d) determination of voters' qualifications; and
(e) canvassing of election results.
(3) The board may, for purposes of the election:
(a) treat the entire district as a single precinct or divide the district into precincts; and
(b) fix polling places.
(4) If bonds or the indebtedness or obligations under a contract are payable solely from
revenues derived from the operation of all or any part of the district's works, no election is required
under this section prior to issuance of the bonds or the entering into of the contract, except as
provided in Subsection (5).
(5) No district may issue bonds or incur an indebtedness or obligation under a contract
payable solely from revenues unless:
(a) the issuance of the bonds or the incurring of the contract indebtedness or obligation has
been approved at an election called and held as provided in this section; or
(b) the board of [
to issue bonds or incur a contract indebtedness or liability payable solely from revenues in the amount
and for the purpose provided in the resolution and directs that notice of this intention be published
once in a newspaper of general circulation in the district.
(i) The notice of intention shall set forth:
(A) the amount and purpose of the proposed bond issue or contract; and
(B) when and where petitions may be filed requesting the calling of an election to determine
whether the bonds may be issued or the contract indebtedness or obligation may be incurred.
(ii) The resolution of the board shall specify the form of the petitions.
(iii) If, within 30 days after the publication of the notice of intention, a petition is filed with
the secretary of the board, signed by not less than 5% of the qualified electors of the district,
requesting that an election be called to authorize the issuance of the bonds or the incurring of the
contract indebtedness or liability payable solely from revenues, then the board shall proceed to call
and hold an election as provided in this section. The qualified electors of the district shall be certified
to the board, prior to the adoption of the resolution, by the clerks of the counties in which portions
of the district are located.
(iv) If no petition is filed, or if the number of signatures filed within the 30-day period is less
than the required number, the board of [
issue the bonds or enter into the contract.
Section 141. Section 17A-2-1442 is amended to read:
17A-2-1442. Board may petition district court for judicial determination of its acts --
Procedure.
The board may, in its discretion, at any time file a petition in the court, praying a judicial
examination and determination of any power conferred hereby or by any amendment hereto or of any
tax or assessment levied or of any act, proceeding or contract of the district, whether or not [
the contract shall have been executed, including proposed contracts for the acquisition, construction,
maintenance or operation of works for the district. Such petition shall set forth the facts whereon the
validity of such power, assessment, act, proceeding or contract is founded and shall be verified by the
[
the court, under the seal thereof, stating in brief outline the contents of the petition and showing
where a full copy of any contract or contracts, therein mentioned, may be examined. [
notice shall be served by publication at least once a week for five consecutive weeks (five issues) in
a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the principal office of the district is located,
and by posting the same in the office of the district at least 30 days prior to the date fixed in [
the notice for the hearing on [
interested in the contract or proposed contract may appear and demur to or answer [
at any time prior to the date fixed for [
by the court; and the petition shall be taken as confessed by all persons who fail so to appear. The
[
shall examine into and determine all matters and things affecting the question submitted, shall make
such findings with reference thereto and render such judgment and decree thereon as the case
warrants. Costs may be divided or apportioned among the contesting parties in the discretion of the
trial court. Review of the judgment of the court may be had as in other similar cases, except that such
review must be applied for within 30 days after the time of the rendition of such judgment, or within
such additional time as may be allowed by the court within 30 days. The [
Procedure shall govern in matters of pleading and practice where not otherwise specified herein. The
court shall disregard any error, irregularity or omission which does not affect the substantial rights
of the parties.
Section 142. Section 17A-2-1448 is amended to read:
17A-2-1448. Validation of proceedings -- Changes.
[
had in connection with the creation of each such district are hereby validated, ratified and confirmed
notwithstanding any failure to comply with any one or more pertinent statutory provisions and each
such district is declared to be a validly created and existing district under authority of [
It is expressly found and determined that all taxable property lying in each such district will be
[
an amount not less than the aggregate of the taxes and assessments to be levied against such property
to pay for the cost of such improvements. All proceedings had in connection with the appointment
election and organization of board of [
approved and each such board of [
body of each such district. [
the approval of a contract with the United States of America or on the issuance of the bonds of the
district or both, all proceedings had in connection with the calling and holding of each such election
are validated, ratified and confirmed despite any irregularity which may have occurred therein and any
contract so approved by any such election and any bonds so authorized at any such election are
validated and confirmed and the board of [
authorized and empowered to proceed to do all things necessary to the execution of such contract
or to the issuance of such bonds as the case may be and each such contract when duly executed and
all such bonds when delivered and paid for are declared to be valid and binding obligations of such
district in accordance with the terms thereof and to be fully negotiable for all purposes. All
construction contracts heretofore entered into by any such district for the construction or acquisition
of works or facilities for such district are validated, ratified, and confirmed and declared to be valid
obligations of such district in accordance with the terms thereof. The board of directors of any such
district may make such changes in any contract or in any bond proceedings or bonds hereby validated
as may in its opinion be desirable for the best interests of such district without in any wise impairing
or making ineffective any of the curative effect of this section. Any such change or changes may be
so made despite the fact that such change or changes may be inconsistent with the proceedings at
which any such contract, if voted at an election, or any such bonds, where voted, and no new election
to approve or authorize such change or changes shall be necessary.
Section 143. Section 17A-2-1449 is amended to read:
17A-2-1449. Validation of proceedings and actions -- Changes in validated contracts,
bond proceedings or bonds authorized.
All proceedings that have been adopted and actions taken before May 13, 1969, under
authority of [
district thereunder or purporting to provide for the inclusion of any additional area or areas in any
such district, including all petitions filed and all notices given, published and mailed in connection with
any such creation and any such inclusion, are hereby validated, ratified and confirmed,
notwithstanding any failure to comply with any one or more pertinent statutory provisions and each
such district as so created or enlarged is declared to be a validly created and existing district. It is
expressly determined that all taxable property lying in each such district shall be [
by any improvements constructed before or after this part takes effect to an amount not less than the
aggregate of the taxes and assessments levied against such property to pay for the cost of such
improvements. All proceedings and actions taken with respect to the appointment, election and
organization of a board of [
ratified and confirmed and each such board of [
de jure governing body of each such district. [
before May 13, 1969, on the question of approving a contract with the United States of America or
on the question of the issuance of the bonds of the district, or both, all proceedings and actions
concerned with the calling, holding and conduct of any such elections are validated, ratified and
confirmed despite any irregularities which may have occurred in connection therewith. Any contract
so approved at such an election and any bonds so authorized at such an election are validated, ratified
and confirmed. The board of [
necessary to execute any such contract or issue such bonds, and each such contract when executed
and all such bonds when delivered and paid for shall be valid and binding obligations of such district
in accordance with the tenor and terms thereof. Any contracts made by such district for the
construction or acquisition of works or facilities for such district are validated, ratified and confirmed
and shall be valid obligations of such district in accordance with the terms thereof. Changes made
after May 13, 1969 by the board of directors of any such district in any contract, bond proceedings
or bonds hereby validated shall be considered not to nullify any curative effect of this section.
Section 144. Section 17A-2-1454 is amended to read:
17A-2-1454. Terms of trustees representing excluded lands cease.
If land being excluded from a district constitutes all or substantially all of the land in a division
of the district:
(1) on the effective date of the exclusion the [
shall cease to be [
(2) the court shall issue an order amending the decree which created the district to show:
(a) a reduction in the number of [
(b) the elimination of the [
Section 145. Section 17A-2-1808 is amended to read:
17A-2-1808. Board of trustees -- Selection procedure -- Other provisions applicable.
(1) Each regional service area organized under this part shall be governed by a board of
trustees [
(2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, members of the board of trustees shall be
elected by following the procedures and requirements of Title 17A, Chapter 1, Part 3, Special District
Board Selection Procedures.
(3) Candidates for election to the board of trustees shall be taxpayers and qualified voters in
the regional service area.
(4) Those persons serving on the board of trustees of the county service area when the
county service area is reorganized as a regional service area shall be the initial board of trustees of
the regional service area for the remainder of the term to which they were each elected or appointed
as trustees of the county service area.
[
[
board of trustees following the procedures of Section 17A-1-302 .
[
(6) (a) The board of trustees may, at any time, divide the regional service area into districts
for the purpose of electing some or all of the trustees. Before dividing the regional service area, the
board of trustees shall:
(i) prepare a districting proposal that includes the boundaries of the proposed election
districts; and
(ii) hold a public hearing at which any interested person may appear and speak for or against
the districting proposal.
(b) If trustee election districts are established, each election district shall be as nearly equal
in population as practicable and shall be of a compact form.
(c) Except for land excluded from or annexed to the regional service area under this part, the
boundaries of established trustee election districts may not be changed more often than once every
five years and election district boundaries shall be reviewed at least every ten years.
(d) After election districts are established, every part of the regional service area shall be
included in a trustee election district.
(e) One or more trustee position may be an at large position to be voted upon by all
registered voters within the regional service area.
[
[
[
[
[
area may vote in trustee elections.
[
and ordinances coming before the board.
[
[
[
[
[
17A-1-302 .
(10) (a) The provisions of Title 17B, Chapter 2, Part 4, Board of Trustees, apply to each
regional service area to the same extent as if the regional service area were a local district under Title
17B, Chapter 2, Local Districts.
(b) (i) If a change in the number of board of trustees members is necessary to comply with
the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-402 (1), the board of trustees may by majority vote,
notwithstanding Subsection 17B-2-402 (3), change the number of board members to the next odd
number higher or lower than the number of current board members.
(ii) If a change under Subsection (10)(b)(i) decreases the number of board members, the
change may not take effect until the expiration of the term of the member whose term next expires.
(iii) If a change in the number of board members necessitated by Subsection 17B-2-402 (1)
would cause the district to violate a provision of bonds issued by the district, the number of board
members may be modified to the extent necessary to avoid a violation.
(c) (i) If a change in the expiration date of the term of a board of trustees member is
necessary to comply with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-403 (1), the term of each board
member whose term expires on a day other than the first Monday in January shall be extended to the
first Monday in January after the normal expiration date next following the special district election
date under Section 17A-1-305 .
(ii) If a change in the length of the term of a board of trustees member is necessary to comply
with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-403 (2), the change may not take effect until the expiration
of the term of the member whose term length is to be changed.
Section 146. Section 17B-2-203 is amended to read:
17B-2-203. Process to initiate the creation of a local district -- Petition or resolution.
(1) The process to create a local district may be initiated by:
(a) subject to Section 17B-2-204 , a petition signed by the owners of private real property
that:
(i) is located within the proposed local district;
(ii) covers at least 33% of the total private land area within the proposed local district as a
whole and within each applicable area;
(iii) is equal in value to at least 25% of the value of all private real property within the
proposed local district as a whole and within each applicable area; and
(iv) complies with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-205 (1) and Section 17B-2-208 ;
(b) subject to Section 17B-2-204 , a petition that:
(i) is signed by registered voters residing within the proposed local district as a whole and
within each applicable area, equal in number to at least 33% of the number of votes cast in the
proposed local district as a whole and in each applicable area, respectively, for the office of governor
at the last regular general election prior to the filing of the petition; and
(ii) complies with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-205 (1) and Section 17B-2-208 ; or
(c) a resolution proposing the creation of a local district, adopted by the legislative body of
each county whose unincorporated area includes and each municipality whose boundaries include any
of the proposed local district.
(2) (a) Each resolution under Subsection (1)(c) shall:
(i) describe the area proposed to be included in the proposed local district;
(ii) be accompanied by a map that shows the boundaries of the proposed local district;
(iii) describe the service proposed to be provided by the proposed local district;
(iv) explain the anticipated method of paying the costs of providing the proposed service;
[
(v) state the estimated average financial impact on a household within the proposed local
district[
(vi) state the number of members that the board of trustees of the proposed local district will
have, consistent with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-402 (1).
(b) Each county or municipal legislative body adopting a resolution under Subsection (1)(c)
shall, on or before the first public hearing under Section 17B-2-210 , mail or deliver a copy of the
resolution to the responsible body if the county or municipal legislative body's resolution is one of
multiple resolutions adopted by multiple county or municipal legislative bodies proposing the creation
of the same local district.
Section 147. Section 17B-2-208 is amended to read:
17B-2-208. Additional petition requirements and limitations.
(1) Each petition shall:
(a) be filed with the responsible clerk; [
(b) separately group signatures by county and municipality, so that all signatures of the
owners of real property located within or of registered voters residing within each county whose
unincorporated area includes and each municipality whose boundaries include part of the proposed
local district are grouped separately[
(c) state the number of members that the board of trustees of the proposed local district will
have, consistent with the requirements of Subsection 17B-2-402 (1).
(2) (a) A petition may not propose the creation of a local district that includes an area located
within the unincorporated part of a county or within a municipality if the legislative body of that
county or municipality has adopted a resolution under Subsection 17B-2-212 (1) indicating that the
county or municipality will provide to that area the service proposed to be provided by the proposed
local district.
(b) Subsection (2)(a) does not apply if the county or municipal legislative body is considered
to have declined to provide the requested service under Subsection 17B-2-212 (3).
(c) Subsection (2)(a) may not be construed to prevent the filing of a petition that proposes
the creation of a local district whose area excludes that part of the unincorporated area of a county
or that part of a municipality to which the county or municipality has indicated, in a resolution
adopted under Section 17B-2-212 , it will provide the requested service.
(3) A petition may not propose the creation of a local district whose area includes:
(a) some or all of an area described in a previously filed petition that, subject to Subsection
17B-2-202 (4)(b):
(i) proposes the creation of a local district to provide the same service as proposed by the
later filed petition; and
(ii) is still pending at the time the later petition is filed; or
(b) some or all of an area within a political subdivision that provides in that area the same
service proposed to be provided by the proposed local district.
(4) A petition may not be filed more than 12 months after a county or municipal legislative
body declines to provide the requested service under Subsection 17B-2-212 (1) or is considered to
have declined to provide the requested service under Subsection 17B-2-212 (2) or (3).
Section 148. Section 17B-2-401 is enacted to read:
17B-2-401. Board of trustees duties and powers.
(1) (a) Each local district shall be governed by a board of trustees which shall manage and
conduct the business and affairs of the district and shall determine all questions of district policy.
(b) All powers of a local district are exercised through the board of trustees.
(2) The board of trustees may:
(a) fix the location of the local district's principal place of business and the location of all
offices and departments, if any;
(b) select and use an official district seal;
(c) employ employees and agents, or delegate to district officers power to employ employees
and agents, for the operation of the local district and its properties and prescribe or delegate to
district officers the power to prescribe the duties, compensation, and terms and conditions of
employment of those employees and agents;
(d) require district officers and employees charged with the handling of district funds to
provide surety bonds in an amount set by the board or provide a blanket surety bond to cover all
those officers and employees;
(e) contract for or employ professionals to perform work or services for the local district that
cannot satisfactorily be performed by the officers or employees of the district;
(f) through counsel, prosecute on behalf of or defend the local district in all court actions or
other proceedings in which the district is a party or is otherwise involved;
(g) adopt bylaws for the orderly functioning of the board;
(h) adopt rules and regulations for the orderly operation of the local district and for carrying
out the purposes for which the district was created;
(i) prescribe a system of civil service for district employees;
(j) on behalf of the local district, enter into contracts that the board considers to be for the
benefit of the district;
(k) acquire, construct or cause to be constructed, operate, occupy, control, and use buildings,
works, or other facilities for carrying out the purposes of the local district;
(l) on behalf of the local district, acquire, use, hold, manage, occupy, and possess property
necessary to carry out the purposes of the district, dispose of property when the board considers it
appropriate, and institute and maintain in the name of the district any action or proceeding to enforce,
maintain, protect, or preserve rights or privileges associated with district property; and
(m) exercise all powers and perform all functions in the operation of the local district and its
properties as are ordinarily exercised by the governing body of a political subdivision of the state and
as are necessary to accomplish the purposes of the district.
Section 149. Section 17B-2-402 is enacted to read:
17B-2-402. Number of board of trustees members.
(1) The number of members of each board of trustees shall be an odd number that is no less
than three and no more than nine.
(2) For a newly created local district, the number of members of the initial board of trustees
shall be the number specified:
(a) for a local district whose creation was initiated by a petition under Subsection
17B-2-203 (1)(a) or (b), in the petition; or
(b) for a local district whose creation was initiated by a resolution under Subsection
17B-2-203 (1)(c), in the resolution.
(3) (a) For an existing local district, the number of members of the board of trustees may be
changed by a two-thirds vote of the board of trustees.
(b) No change in the number of members of a board of trustees under Subsection (3)(a) may:
(i) violate Subsection (1); or
(ii) serve to shorten the term of any member of the board.
Section 150. Section 17B-2-403 is enacted to read:
17B-2-403. Term of board of trustees members -- Oath of office -- Bond.
(1) The term of each member of a board of trustees shall begin at noon on the first Monday
of January following the member's election or appointment.
(2) (a) The term of each member of a board of trustees shall be four years, except that
approximately half the members of the initial board of trustees, chosen by lot, shall serve a two-year
term so that the term of approximately half the board members expires every two years.
(b) Each board of trustees member shall serve until a successor is duly elected or appointed
and qualified, unless the member earlier is removed from office or resigns or otherwise leaves office.
(3) (a) Before entering upon the duties of office, each member of a board of trustees shall
take the oath of office specified in Utah Constitution Article IV, Section 10.
(b) The failure of a board of trustees member to take the oath required by Subsection (3)(a)
does not invalidate any official act of that member.
(4) A board of trustees member is not limited in the number of terms the member may serve.
(5) Except as provided in Subsection (6), each midterm vacancy in a board of trustees
position shall be filled as provided in Section 20A-1-512 .
(6) (a) For purposes of this Subsection (6):
(i) "Appointed official" means a person who:
(A) is appointed as a member of a local district board of trustees by a county or municipality
entitled to appoint a member to the board; and
(B) holds an elected position with the appointing county or municipality.
(ii) "Appointing authority" means the county or municipality that appointed the appointed
official to the board of trustees.
(b) The board of trustees shall declare a midterm vacancy for the board position held by an
appointed official if:
(i) during the appointed official's term on the board of trustees, the appointed official ceases
to hold the elected position with the appointing authority; and
(ii) the appointing authority submits a written request to the board to declare the vacancy.
(c) Upon the board's declaring a midterm vacancy under Subsection (6)(b), the appointing
authority shall appoint another person to fill the remaining unexpired term on the board of trustees.
(7) (a) Each member of a board of trustees shall give a bond for the faithful performance of
the member's duties, in the amount and with the sureties prescribed by the board of trustees.
(b) The local district shall pay the cost of each bond required under Subsection (7)(a).
Section 151. Section 17B-2-404 is enacted to read:
17B-2-404. Annual compensation -- Per diem compensation -- Participation in group
insurance plan -- Reimbursement of expenses.
(1) (a) A member of a board of trustees may receive compensation for service on the board,
as determined by the board of trustees.
(b) The amount of compensation under this Subsection (1) may not exceed $3,500 per year.
(c) (i) As determined by the board of trustees, a member of the board of trustees may
participate in a group insurance plan provided to employees of the local district on the same basis as
employees of the local district.
(ii) The amount that the local district pays to provide a member with coverage under a group
insurance plan shall be included as part of the member's compensation for purposes of Subsection
(1)(b).
(2) (a) As determined by the board of trustees, a member of a board of trustees may receive
per diem compensation, in addition to the compensation provided in Subsection (1), for attendance
at up to 12 meetings or activities per year related to any district business.
(b) The amount of per diem compensation under Subsection (2)(a) shall be as established by
the Division of Finance for policy boards, advisory boards, councils, or committees within state
government.
(3) In addition to any compensation a member receives under this section, each member of
a board of trustees shall be reimbursed by the local district for all actual and necessary expenses
incurred in attending board meetings and in performing the member's official duties.
Section 152. Section 17B-2-405 is enacted to read:
17B-2-405. Board officers -- Term.
(1) (a) The board of trustees shall elect from their number a chair and may elect other officers
as the board considers appropriate.
(b) The offices of treasurer and clerk may not be held by the same person.
(2) Each officer serves at the pleasure of the board of trustees, but the board may designate
a set term for officers.
Section 153. Section 17B-2-406 is enacted to read:
17B-2-406. Quorum of board of trustees -- Meetings of the board.
(1) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(b), a majority of the board of trustees constitutes
a quorum for the transaction of board business, and action by a majority of a quorum constitutes
action of the board.
(b) (i) Subject to Subsection (1)(b)(ii), a board may adopt bylaws or other rules that require
more than a majority to constitute a quorum or that require action by more than a majority of a
quorum to constitute action by the board.
(ii) Except for board action to dispose of real property owned by the local district, board
bylaws or rules may not require a vote of more than two-thirds vote of the board to constitute board
action.
(2) The board of trustees shall hold such regular and special meetings as the board determines
at a location that the board determines.
(3) Each meeting of the board of trustees shall comply with Title 52, Chapter 4, Open and
Public Meetings.
Section 154. Repealer.
This act repeals:
Section 17A-2-209, Terms of office.
Section 17A-2-215, Board of cemetery maintenance commissioners -- Organization --
Vacancies -- Officers -- Certified copies of appointments -- Regular and special meetings --
Bills payable-- Oath of office and bond.
Section 17A-2-218, Powers of commissioners.
Section 17A-2-220, Compensation and expenses of commissioners -- Compensation of
agents and employees.
Section 17A-2-508, Bonds of supervisors.
Section 17A-2-510, Duties of president.
Section 17A-2-513, Meetings of the board -- Records.
Section 17A-2-1410, Directors to take oath -- Chairman, president, and secretary --
Compensation.
Section 17A-2-1411, Quorum.
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