THE OPEN MEETING ACT. FOR THIS REASON AS WELL, SUCH DISTRICTS ARE PUBLIC BODIES UNDER THE OPEN MEETING ACT.
FINALLY, IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE RURAL WATER DISTRICTS ACT SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZES THE OWNERS OF LAND WITHIN AN ESTABLISHED DISTRICT TO SELECT A BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND TO ADOPT BY-LAWS FOR ADMINISTERING THE DISTRICT'S AFFAIRS. 82 O.S. 1324.7 (1991). THESE PROVISIONS EVINCE THE LEGISLATURE'S INTENT TO ENCOURAGE CITIZENS TO BECOME INVOLVED IN GOVERNING RURAL WATER DISTRICTS. FINDING RURAL WATER DISTRICTS TO BE PUBLIC BODIES FURTHERS THE PURPOSES OF BOTH THE RURAL WATER DISTRICTS ACT AND THE OPEN MEETING ACT BY ENCOURAGING CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE DISTRICTS THROUGH COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETING ACT'S REQUIREMENTS.
(BABINDRANATH RAMANA