BILL ANALYSIS
By: Seliger
Local Government Ways & Means
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Currently, the Midland County Hospital District (district) holds elections in May of even numbered years. Other political subdivisions in Midland county, including cities, school districts and the Junior College districts have their dates for elections in November. Traditionally, these political subdivisions held joint elections. S.B. 1752 which changes the Districts election date to the November uniform election date would realign these election dates to all coincide.
As it stands, other hospital districts in Texas have to follow certain advertising requirements for construction or purchases involving the expenditure of more than $25,000. Currently, the District is required to follow these advertising requirements for construction or purchases of more than $10,000. This bill would allow the district to use the limits currently set by Chapter 252 and 262 of the Texas Local Government Code.
Currently, the district maintains a bank depository for district funds for a period of two years. The bill would extend that period to four years giving the district more flexibility in choosing the bank or banks.
The district is not explicitly given the authority to donate to another governmental entity or to a charitable organization any surplus personal property or equipment. The bill would allow the district to donate surplus property or equipment so long as the donation serves a public purpose.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 5(g), Chapter 112, Acts of the 65th Legislature, Regular
Session, 1977 to move the election date for the board of directors of the Midland County Hospital District (district) from the first Saturday in May of each even number year to the November uniform election date under Section 41.001, Election Code.
SECTION 2. Amends Section 11, Chapter 112, Acts of the 65th Legislature, Regular Session, 1977, to allow the board of directors of the district (board) to donate personal property or equipment to a governmental entity or charitable organization as long as it serves a public purpose.
SECTION 3. Amends Section 12, Chapter 112, Acts of the 65th Legislature, Regular Session, 1977, to require the district to advertise in the manner provided in Chapter 252, Local Government Code, for construction or purchases involving the expenditure of more than $25,000, rather than $10,000.
SECTION 4. Amends Section 13(a), Chapter 112, Acts of the 65th Legislature, Regular Session, 1977, to require the board to name one or more banks within its boundaries to serve as the depository for the funds of the district for a period of four years, rather than two years. Requires the contract to be awarded to the bank or banks offering the most favorable terms and conditions for handling the district's money.
SECTION 5. Requires the board of directors to adjust the terms of office of directors to conform to the change of election date made under SECTION 1 of this bill.
SECTION 6. Effective Date
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2007.