Before issuing most bonds, the board must give public notice; if a qualifying petition is filed, the bonds cannot be issued unless an election is held and voters approve them.
Sec. 53.36. BOND RESOLUTION; NOTICE; ELECTION. (a) Before authorizing the issuance of bonds, other than refunding bonds, the board shall cause a notice to be issued stating that it intends to adopt a resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds, the maximum amount thereof, and the maximum maturity thereof. The notice shall be published once each week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper or newspapers having general circulation in the authority. The first publication shall be at least 14 days prior to the day set for adopting the bond resolution. (b) If, prior to the day set for the adoption of the bond resolution, there is presented to the secretary or president of the board a petition signed by not less than 10 percent of the qualified voters residing in the city or cities comprising the authority, who own taxable property in the authority and who have duly rendered it for taxation to the city in which such property is located or situated, requesting an election on the proposition for the issuance of the bonds, the bonds shall not be issued unless an election is held and a majority vote is in favor of the bonds. The election shall be called and held in accordance with the procedure prescribed in Chapter 1251, Government Code, with the board and the president and secretary performing the functions there assigned to the governing body of the city, the mayor and city secretary, respectively. If no such petition is filed, the bonds may be issued without an election. However, the board may call an election on its own motion without the filing of the petition. Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3072, ch. 1024, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1971. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 8.217, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Reenacted and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 641 (H.B. 2701), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.