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2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1303 - Contents of petition

48-1303.
Contents of petition
The petition to establish the district shall include:
1. The signature,  name and address of each producer included in the proposed district.
2. The producer's farm number established by the council.
3. The boundaries of the proposed district.
4. A list of the proposed board of directors of the district.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1304 - Notice of petition and hearing

48-1304.
Notice of petition and hearing
On receiving the petition,  the council shall determine whether the petition meets the requirements of section 48-1303. If the petition meets those requirements,  the council shall notify the petitioners of the proposed district of a hearing on the proposed district to be held at least thirty days after the petition was received.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1305 - Hearing; approval or denial

48-1305.
Hearing;  approval or denial
A. The council shall hold a hearing to receive comments from the petitioners of the proposed district.
B. The council shall announce its findings within thirty days after the hearing and either approve or deny the formation of the district.
C. If the council denies the formation of the district:
1. Within ten days the council shall state its reasons for denial in writing.
2. Producers or owners who are qualified pursuant to section 48-1302 may submit a new petition to the council at any time.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1306 - Board of directors; officers

48-1306.
Board of directors;  officers
A. A district shall be governed by a board of at least five but not more than eleven directors. Only producers in the district are eligible to serve as a director.
B. Within ten days upon approval of the district by the council,  the board shall meet and elect a chairman,  vice-chairman and secretary from among its members.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1307 - Administrative powers

48-1307.
Administrative powers
The board may:
1. Spend district monies as necessary to implement the pest control programs of the district.
2. Employ or contract with persons as necessary to meet the district's needs and set the compensation for employees as is appropriate.
3. Provide any other programs the board deems appropriate.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1308 - Financial report and budget

48-1308.
Financial report and budget
A. The board shall issue an annual financial report showing the receipts and expenditures of all monies and the district's assets and liabilities at the end of the fiscal year.
B. The board shall prepare an annual budget of proposed revenues and expenditures at least sixty days before the beginning of the fiscal year.
C. The board may choose to deposit district monies with the council to be spent at the board's direction.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1309 - Assessments and fees

48-1309.
Assessments and fees
A. Each year after adopting its budget,  the board shall levy an assessment based on either:
1. The number of bales of cotton that are produced in the district.
2. The number of acres of cotton that are farmed in the district.
3. Any other method in the district that may be appropriate to raise sufficient monies to carry out the district's pest control program.
B. The board shall not levy an assessment on any other crop.
C. The board shall prescribe the schedule,  procedure and forms for use in paying,  collecting and remitting the annual assessment. The board may provide for collection and remission of the assessment in the manner prescribed by the board.
D. If the district contracts with the council for a pest control management program,  the board shall charge a fee before producers plant cotton in the district in an amount that will raise sufficient monies to carry out the contracted program. A producer shall pay the fee in full before the planting date unless payment is guaranteed by the producer's lender or other arrangements are made to the board's satisfaction. If a producer fails to pay a fee or assessment before the planting date,  the council may abate the fields and assess the costs of abatement to the producer. Before any abatement action,  the council shall notify the producer in writing and provide for a hearing within ten days after the notice. The council shall issue its decision in writing within five days after the hearing. An abatement action may be appealed to the superior court.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1311 - Enlarging district boundaries

48-1311.
Enlarging district boundaries
A. At any time after the district has been formed,  the district may adjust its boundaries by a vote of the board and upon approval of the council pursuant to subsection B.
B. To expand the district all producers in the expansion area must petition the council to be included in the district. Within thirty days after receiving the petition the council shall notify all cotton producers in the district and the expansion area of the receipt of the petition and of a hearing on the petition.
C. The council shall hold the hearing as provided by the notice to receive oral and written comments favoring and opposing the proposed expansion.
D. The council shall announce its finding within thirty days after the hearing and either approve or deny the expansion.
E. If the council denies the expansion:
1. Within ten days the council shall state in writing the reasons for denial.
2. The proponents of expansion may submit a new petition to the council at any time.
F. A decision by the council to approve the expansion is final.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1312 - Dissolution

48-1312.
Dissolution
A. Districts may be dissolved by a majority vote of the board of directors of the district.
B. If the district is dissolved,  the council,  within sixty days after the action taken under subsection A,  shall:
1. Dispose of the district's assets,  if any.
2. Pay the district's outstanding obligations.
3. Distribute any remaining district monies to producers in proportion to the last assessment paid by the producer.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1313 - Annual election to participate

48-1313.
Annual election to participate
A. In the year of formation and in any subsequent growing season for which a cotton producer has not exercised his or her right to terminate participation in a district formed under this chapter,  the cotton producer shall be required to participate for the entire growing season before electing to terminate such participation.
B. Each year on or before the date specified by the board of directors of the district,  or if no date has been specified,  before March 15 of the next cotton growing season,  a participant in a district formed under this chapter may elect by written notice not to participate further in such district. In order to exercise its election as provided in this section,  cotton producers shall provide written notice of election by the applicable date set forth in this section. Such written notice shall state the producer's name,  address and farm number as assigned by the district.
C. Any producer who shall have elected to terminate participation in a district formed under this chapter shall have the right to reelect participation in the district in any subsequent growing season by providing written notice as required by the district or,  if no requirements are set forth by the district,  on or before March 15 of such subsequent growing season. Such written notice shall state the producers name,  address and farm number as assigned by the district.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1401 - Validation of existing road districts

48-1401.
Validation of existing road districts
All entities which have been in existence and have operated as special road districts for six months,  as of the effective date of this section,  are deemed to be legally and properly formed under the laws and constitution of this state,  regardless of any defects in their original formation.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1404 - Election of trustees; vacancies

48-1404.
Election of trustees;  vacancies
A. An election shall be held in the special road district on the fourth Tuesday in February of each year to elect trustees to fill vacancies caused by expiration of term of office or otherwise. The trustee elected to succeed the trustee whose term has expired shall hold office for three years from the first Saturday in March next succeeding his election. Persons elected to fill a vacancy shall serve during the remainder of the term.
B. The election shall be held at such places as the board of trustees shall by resolution determine,  after notice thereof posted for ten days next preceding the election in three conspicuous places in each precinct into which the district may be divided for the purposes of election. Candidates for the office of trustee shall file nominating petitions with the board of supervisors as prescribed by title 16,  chapter 3. If only one person files or no person files a nominating petition for an election to fill a district office,  the board of supervisors may cancel the election for the position and appoint the person who filed the nominating petition to fill the position. If no person files a nominating petition for an election to fill a district office,  the board of supervisors may cancel the election for that office and that office is deemed vacant and shall be filled as otherwise provided by law. A person who is appointed pursuant to this section is fully vested with the powers and duties of the office as if elected to that office.
C. The returns of election shall be made to the board of supervisors,  which shall canvass the returns and issue certificates of election.
D. The office of a trustee who removes from the district or who ceases to possess the qualifications of a trustee,  as prescribed by this article,  shall become vacant. The remaining members of the board of trustees in which a vacancy occurs shall within thirty days by resolution declare the office vacant,  appoint a successor to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term and certify the appointment to the board of supervisors,  which shall issue a certificate of the appointment. If the members of the board of trustees do not constitute a quorum,  the county board of supervisors shall make the appointment to fill the vacancy.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1405 - Powers and duties of trustees

48-1405.
Powers and duties of trustees
The trustees of the special road district shall:
1. Have charge and control of the establishment,  maintenance and repair of roads,  driveways and bridges within the district,  other than county and state highways,  and to that end may,  in the name of the district,  hold and convey property for the use and benefit of the district.
2. Sue and be sued.
3. Make contracts,  employ labor and purchase material for the construction,  maintenance and repair of roads,  driveways,  highways and bridges within the district and keep such highways and bridges within the district free from obstructions.
4. Control the funds of the district,  which shall be paid out only on written order containing an itemized statement of the charge for which the order is drawn,  and signed by at least two members of the board of trustees.
5. Promulgate standards for building and paving roads,  which have the effect of law.
6. Levy and collect civil penalties from persons who build or pave roads that are not in compliance with standards established by the trustees.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1406 - Special road tax; limitation on amount; election to exceed limits

48-1406.
Special road tax;  limitation on amount;  election to exceed limits
A. For the purpose of construction,  maintenance and repair of the roads,  driveways,  highways and bridges within the special road district,  a special road tax shall be levied on all real property and mobile homes within the district. The board of trustees shall on or before July 1 in each year certify to the board of supervisors the amount of money required by the district for the ensuing fiscal year,  and thereupon the board of supervisors shall levy a special tax upon all real property and mobile homes within the district sufficient to produce the amount so certified,  not exceeding seventy-five cents per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation of the real property and mobile homes in the district,  except as otherwise provided in this article.
B. The tax shall be levied and collected as county taxes are levied and collected,  and when collected shall be kept by the county treasurer in a special fund designated " road district no. ..... fund"  to be paid out only on the order of the trustees of the district.
C. If it is deemed necessary or advisable by the board of trustees to expend for that purpose a larger amount annually for not exceeding five years than can be raised by the taxes provided by this section,  it shall call a special election of qualified electors of the district to determine whether a greater tax levy shall be made annually for that period.
D. The election shall be called by the board of trustees by posting notice thereof in three public places in the district at least ten days before the election,  stating the time,  place and purpose of the election.
E. The ballots at the election shall have printed on them " for a tax levy to produce the sum of (here insert amount desired) dollars annually for ++++++ years" ,  " yes"  and " no" ,  with the words " yes"  and " no"  followed by a square in which the voter may express his choice by marking a cross. The election shall be conducted and canvassed as nearly as possible as elections of school district governing board members are conducted.
F. If a majority of the votes cast at the election are in favor of an increased tax levy,  the board of supervisors shall levy annually for the period of the annual expenditures upon all real property and mobile homes of the district such a tax as will produce the amount voted,  which shall be collected as other county taxes are collected and shall be placed to the credit of the road district.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1407 - Road improvement bonds; call for special election

48-1407.
Road improvement bonds;  call for special election
If it is deemed necessary or advisable by the board of trustees of the district to expend in the construction or maintenance of roads,  bridges,  driveways and highways within the district a larger amount of money than can be raised by the seventy-five cent tax levy per one hundred dollars as specified in this article,  the board of trustees may call an election and submit to the qualified electors of the district the question of whether or not bonds of the district shall be issued and sold to raise money to make road improvements within the district.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1408 - Notice of election

48-1408.
Notice of election
A. The election shall be called by posting notices signed by the board in three public places in the district for not less than twenty days before the election. If there is a newspaper published in the county,  notice shall also be given by publishing the notice therein for not less than once a week for two successive weeks prior to the election.
B. The notice shall contain:
1. The name and place of holding the election.
2. The names of three judges to conduct the election.
3. The hours during the day,  not less than six,  in which the polls shall be open.
4. The amount and denomination of the bonds and the maximum rate of interest to be borne on the bonds.
5. The terms of the bonds,  not exceeding twenty years.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1409 - Conduct of election

48-1409.
Conduct of election
A. The election shall be held,  except as otherwise provided by this article,  in conformity with the general election laws of the state,  except that:
1. The election shall be held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November as prescribed by section 16-204,  subsection B,  paragraph 1,  subdivision (d).
2. The words to appear on the ballots shall be " bonds,  yes. ( ),  " bonds,  no. ( )" .
3. The returns of election shall be made to the board of trustees of the district.
B. On the seventh day after the election at 1:00 p.m.,  the board of trustees shall meet and canvass the returns,  and if a majority of the votes cast at the election is in favor of issuing the bonds,  then the board of trustees shall make an entry of that fact upon their minutes,  and certify to the board of supervisors all proceedings had in the premises.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1410 - Issuance of bonds

48-1410.
Issuance of bonds
A. The board of supervisors shall issue the bonds of the district in the number and amount provided in the proceedings,  payable from the road fund of the district,  naming the district. The money for redemption of the bonds and payment of interest thereon shall be raised by taxation upon all real property and mobile homes in the district.
B. The board of supervisors shall prescribe the form of the bonds and the interest coupons attached thereto,  and fix the time,  not to exceed twenty years from the date thereof,  when the whole or any part of the principal of the bonds shall be payable. The bonds shall bear interest,  payable semiannually,  at the rate or rates set by the accepted bid which shall not exceed the maximum rate of interest set forth in the resolution calling the election and shall be sold in the manner prescribed by the board of supervisors,  but for not less than par. The proceeds of the sale shall be deposited in the county treasury to the credit of the road district,  to be withdrawn for the purposes provided by this article as other road district money is drawn.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1411 - Payment of bonds; tax levy

48-1411.
Payment of bonds;  tax levy
A. The board of supervisors,  at the time of making the levy of taxes for county purposes,  shall levy a tax for that year upon all real property and mobile homes in the district for the interest and redemption of the bonds for an amount sufficient to pay the interest on the bonds for that year,  for the portion of the principal becoming due during that year,  and in all events sufficient to raise annually for the first half of the term of the bonds an amount sufficient to pay the interest thereon and,  during the balance of the term,  sufficient to pay the annual interest and also to pay annually a portion of the principal of the bonds equal to a sum produced by taking the whole amount of the bonds outstanding and dividing it by the number of years the bonds have to run.
B. All taxes so levied,  when collected,  shall be paid into the county treasury to the credit of the bond fund of the district to be used solely for payment of principal and interest on the bonds. The principal and interest on the bonds shall be paid by the county treasurer on the warrant of the board of trustees from funds provided therefor and the board of trustees shall cancel and file with the board of supervisors the bonds when paid.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1412 - Effect of special road tax upon collection of general county tax within district

48-1412.
Effect of special road tax upon collection of general county tax within district
The levy and collection of the special road taxes within the district shall not exempt the property within the district from the levy and collection of the general county road tax by the board of supervisors,  but the board shall appropriate annually to the use of the special road district an amount which in their judgment is equitable and just,  not less than forty nor more than sixty-five per cent of the amount of road tax levied and collected within the special road district.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1413 - Dissolution of district

48-1413.
Dissolution of district
A. When a petition signed by twenty-five electors within a special road district is presented to the board of supervisors of the county in which the special road district is located,  requesting the dissolution of the district,  the board,  within twenty days,  shall call an election of the electors within the special road district to vote for or against the dissolution of the district. An election may be called and a special road district may dissolve only if there is another governmental entity which will accept dedication of the roads in that special road district. The petition shall state its purpose clearly and concisely and shall be in the form and signed and verified as generally provided for initiative petitions.
B. Notice of the time,  place and purpose of the election shall be posted,  the election officers shall be appointed,  the election shall be conducted,  returned and canvassed,  and the ballots shall be similar in form,  as prescribed by this article for bond elections of a district,  except that the date requirements that apply to bond elections do not apply to an election on the dissolution of the district.
C. The board of trustees of a special road district by a vote of a majority of the board of trustees,  or if a joint special road district,  by a vote of a majority of its joint board,  also may request the dissolution of the district.
D. If a majority of the votes cast at the election favors the dissolution,  or if the board of trustees of the district requests it,  the board of supervisors shall enter in its records an order declaring the dissolution of the district,  and from that time the district ceases to exist,  except that all real property and mobile homes in the district remain subject to taxation for all the bonds outstanding at the time of dissolution.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1415 - Joint special road districts; trustees; authority; actions; bonds; approval

48-1415.
Joint special road districts;  trustees;  authority;  actions;  bonds;  approval
A. Two or more special road districts may by agreement,  whether before or after the effective date of this section,  act as a joint special road district in exercising all of the powers and authority of a special road district subject to the provisions of this section.
B. The board of trustees of the joint special road district may take action by a simple majority of the trustees voting at a meeting.
C. A special road district which is a part of a joint special road district may withdraw according to the terms of the joint agreement and operate independently as a special road district,  but all real property and mobile homes of the joint district remain subject to taxation for all bonds issued or obligations incurred before the effective date of withdrawal,  until they are paid in full,  as if the withdrawal had not occurred.
D. Except as provided in subsection F of this section,  approval of the issuance of joint special road district bonds at an election held pursuant to section 48-1407 requires a majority of the votes cast in each special road district to be in favor of issuance of the bonds.
E. The levy of taxes for all joint special road district purposes under this chapter shall be on all real property and mobile homes in the joint special road district,  and the proceeds of bonds issued and other monies of the special road district shall be used for the purposes provided by this chapter for the joint special road district as if it were a single district.
F. Bonds of a joint special road district may be issued by the board of supervisors,  without the requirement of a new election,  under any outstanding authorization of unissued bonds from an election held in a special road district included within the joint special road district,  if the joint agreement was approved by a two-thirds majority of those voting at elections held in each special road district or joint special road district included in the joint special road district. If approved,  the bond authorization for the joint special road district is the total of the outstanding unissued authorizations in each special road district included in the joint special road district. If a district withdraws from the joint district,  it shall have allocated to it its pro rata share of any authorization remaining unissued from those authorizations existing in the special road districts before voter approval of the joint agreement.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1417 - Bonds; submittal to attorney general

48-1417.
Bonds;  submittal to attorney general
If requested by the board of trustees of a special road district,  a joint special road district or a merged special road district,  the board of supervisors shall submit to the attorney general any bond to be offered after the board of supervisors has taken all actions for the authorization of the bond pursuant to section 48-1410. The attorney general shall examine and pass on the validity of any bond submitted and the regularity of all proceedings in connection with the bond. If the proceedings conform to this chapter and the bond is a binding and legal obligation,  after it is delivered and paid for,  of the special road district,  the joint special road district or the merged special road district,  the attorney general shall certify on the bond,  or any certificate used to indicate ownership,  that the bond is issued in accordance with the constitution and laws of this state.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1501 - Powers of district; same general system of works defined

48-1501.
Powers of district;  same general system of works defined
A. Power districts,  after they are organized,  shall have the powers,  rights and duties which are conferred by law upon power districts.
B. The same general system of works,  as used in this chapter,  means and includes any system for generating or distributing power of whatever character,  combination or construction,  and by whatever means operated,  consisting of one or more connected or disconnected parts,  and having one or more outlets or other means of disposing of power generated or controlled by the works.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1502 - Petition for organization; publication; notice; qualification of petitioners

48-1502.
Petition for organization;  publication;  notice;  qualification of petitioners
A. When five or more holders of title,  or evidence of title,  as provided by this section,  to agricultural lands which are susceptible of cultivation by the same general system,  or by individual system of works,  desire to provide for the cultivation of such lands,  they may propose the organization of a power district under the provisions of this chapter.
B. In order to propose the organization of a power district,  a petition shall be presented to the board of supervisors of the county in which the lands within the proposed district,  or the greater portion thereof,  are located,  signed by the required number of holders of title,  or evidence of title,  to the land within the proposed district.
C. The petition shall set forth and particularly describe the proposed boundaries of the district and shall pray that the lands therein be organized as a power district under the provisions of this chapter. The petitioners shall accompany the petition with a good and sufficient bond to be approved by the board of supervisors in the amount of the probable cost necessary to be incurred by the board of supervisors in organizing the district,  conditioned that the obligors will pay all costs if the organization is not effected.
D. The petition shall be presented at a regular meeting of the board of supervisors after having been published for at least three weeks prior to presentation in some newspaper printed and published in the county in which the petition is presented,  together with a notice stating the date of the meeting of the board at which the petition will be presented.
E. If any portion of the proposed district lies within another county or counties,  the petition and notice shall be likewise published in a newspaper printed and published in each of the counties.
F. Proof that the petition was signed by the persons whose names appear thereon and that notice of hearing was given by publication and posting may be made by the affidavits of persons having knowledge of the facts,  which shall be filed with the board,  and when so made and filed,  shall be prima facie evidence that the petitioners are entitled to the hearing prayed for in the petition and of the truth of all matters set forth in the petition.
G. The county equalized assessment roll adopted next preceding presentation of the petition for organization of the district shall be sufficient evidence of title for the purposes of this chapter,  but no person who has received or acquired title to land within the proposed district for the purpose of enabling such person to join in the petition,  or to become an elector of the district,  shall be allowed to sign the petition or to vote at any election to be held in the district.
H. The illegal signing of a petition shall not invalidate the petition when a sufficient number of other legal petitioners join in signing the petition.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1503 - Hearings on petition; determination of boundaries

48-1503.
Hearings on petition;  determination of boundaries
A. The board of supervisors shall hear the petition when it is presented,  but may adjourn the hearing from time to time not exceeding a total of four weeks. On the final hearing the board shall make such changes in the proposed boundaries as deemed advisable and shall define and establish boundaries by an order made and entered upon its minutes. The board shall not modify boundaries so as to exclude from the proposed district any territory which is susceptible of being furnished power for cultivation or manufacturing by the same system of works applicable to the other lands in the proposed district,  nor shall any lands which will not,  in the judgment of the board,  be benefited by acquiring power by means of the same system of works be included within the proposed district.
B. Any person whose lands are susceptible of cultivation by the same system of works may upon application,  and in the discretion of the board,  have his lands included within the proposed district.
C. Upon hearing the petition,  the board of supervisors shall by order determine whether or not the petition complies with the requirements of sections 48-1501 and 48-1502,  and for that purpose shall receive and hear all competent and relevant evidence and testimony offered in support thereof or in opposition thereto. The order shall be entered upon the minutes of the board of supervisors.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1504 - Appeal from order establishing boundaries of district

48-1504.
Appeal from order establishing boundaries of district
A. Any person interested who is a party to the record may appeal to the superior court of the county in which the petition is heard from the order of the board of supervisors setting the boundaries of the proposed power district,  but if more than one appeal is taken,  they shall be consolidated and tried together. The appeal shall be taken within ten days after entry of the order upon the minutes of the board of supervisors.
B. Appeals shall be taken and heard in the same manner as appeals from justice courts to the superior court in civil actions,  except as otherwise provided by this section.
C. Upon the appeal the superior court shall make and enter its judgment affirming,  modifying or reversing the order appealed from. Within ten days thereafter the superior court shall transmit a certified copy of the judgment to the board of supervisors,  and if the order of the board has been modified or reversed,  the judgment of the superior court shall direct what order the board shall enter. The judgment shall be filed by the clerk of the board of supervisors and at the first regular meeting of the board thereafter it shall cause to be entered in its minutes the judgment and order as directed by the superior court.
D. The appeal shall be heard and determined within thirty days from the date of filing the notice of appeal.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1505 - Division of district; number of directors

48-1505.
Division of district;  number of directors
A. When the boundaries of the district are defined and established,  the board shall,  if so requested in the petition,  make an order dividing the district into three divisions as nearly equal in size as practicable. The divisions shall be numbered consecutively and known as " first division, "  " second division"  and " third division."  The board of supervisors shall not divide the district into divisions unless specifically requested in the petition. If the district is divided there shall be one director who is an elector and a resident freeholder of the division elected in each division as provided by this article. In addition to the three directors elected from the divisions,  two directors who are resident electors and freeholders of the district shall be elected at large by the qualified electors of the district.
B. If the district is not divided into divisions at the time of organization,  the board of directors shall consist of five members to be elected at large,  who are resident electors and freeholders of the district.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1506 - Election upon question of organization; polling places; election officials

48-1506.
Election upon question of organization;  polling places;  election officials
A. If upon the hearing as provided by section 48-1503 the prayer of the petition is granted,  the board of supervisors shall by further order,  duly entered upon its minutes,  call an election of the qualified electors of the proposed district for the purpose of determining whether the proposed district shall be organized under the provisions of this chapter.
B. If division is made as provided in section 48-1505,  the board of supervisors shall designate at least one polling place in each division and shall name one or more persons qualified as electors in each of the three divisions of the proposed district to be voted for as directors therein.
C. The board of supervisors shall also name three judges of the election to be so held for each of the divisions,  one of whom shall act as clerk of the election. Persons so named by the board as candidates or directors shall be nominated by petition as provided by this chapter.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1507 - Notice of election

48-1507.
Notice of election
A. The board of supervisors shall cause a notice embodying in substance the order provided by section 48-1506,  signed by the chairman and clerk of the board,  to be issued and published,  giving public notice of the election,  the time and polling places,  and specifying the matters to be submitted to the vote of the electors of the proposed district. The notice shall be published once a week for at least three weeks prior to the election in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
B. If any portion of the proposed district lies within any other county or counties,  the order and notice shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation published in each of the counties. A copy of the notice shall be posted in at least one conspicuous place in each of the divisions of the proposed district for at least two weeks prior to the election.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1508 - Qualifications of electors

48-1508.
Qualifications of electors
A. No person shall be entitled to vote at any election held under the provisions of this chapter unless he possesses all the qualifications required of electors for state offices under the general election laws,  and is the owner of real property located within the boundaries of the district on which he has paid taxes as shown by the county tax roll next preceding the date of the election.
B. A bona fide claimant to an incompleted title under the public land laws of the United States,  or of the state,  shall be construed to be a bona fide owner of lands within the meaning of this chapter.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1509 - Ballots; manner of voting

48-1509.
Ballots;  manner of voting
A. The ballots to be used at the election for the formation of the district shall be supplied by the board of supervisors and shall be substantially as follows: " Power district,  yes" . " Power district,  no."  The ballots shall contain the names of the general electors to be voted for as directors from each division of the proposed district,  and also the names of two electors to be elected as directors at large,  with one blank space where the elector may write the name of any other general elector of the division for whom he desires to cast a vote as a director.
B. One director shall be elected from each division of the proposed district,  together with two elected at large from the entire district.
C. The elector shall vote for one person only as division director and the two to be elected at large,  and shall indicate his choice by placing the mark X opposite the name,  question or proposal for which or against which he may wish to vote. If the board of supervisors has not divided the district into divisions for election purposes but has left the whole district as one,  then each elector shall vote for five persons as directors.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1510 - Opening and closing polls; determining and certifying result; powers of election judges

48-1510.
Opening and closing polls;  determining and certifying result;  powers of election judges
A. The polls shall be open on the day of election at eight o'clock a.m. and remain open until six o'clock p.m. After closing the polls,  the judges of the election shall ascertain the result of the vote and certify it in writing to the board of supervisors of the county which ordered the election within two days after the day of the election,  and shall accompany the certificate with all the ballots used in the election and all records made thereof.
B. If at the election any judge for any reason fails to act,  the qualified electors present at the opening of the polls shall choose another judge who shall in all respects be qualified after selection to perform the duties prescribed by this article.
C. The judges of the election may administer oaths for any purpose pertaining to the election,  may decide upon the qualifications of electors,  and shall make certificates respecting any matter concerning the election.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1511 - Canvass of votes; order based on results; completion of district formation; qualification of directors

48-1511.
Canvass of votes;  order based on results;  completion of district formation;  qualification of directors
A. The board of supervisors shall meet on the second Monday next succeeding the election and canvass the votes cast. If it appears that at least a majority of the votes cast at the election in the proposed district have voted " power district,  yes, "  the board shall,  by an order entered on its minutes,  declare the district organized under the name and style previously designated,  and shall declare the persons receiving the highest number of votes in each division of the district to be duly elected as division directors,  and the two persons receiving the highest number of votes for candidates at large to be duly elected to represent the district at large. The order shall describe the boundaries of the whole district and particularly describe the lands finally included therein for district purposes.
B. The board shall cause a copy of the order,  including a map of the district showing the boundaries of the district and lands ordered to be included therein,  duly certified by the clerk of the board of supervisors,  to be immediately filed for record in the office of the county recorder of each county in which any portion of the lands is located.
C. Upon recording such order,  the organization of the district shall be complete,  and the directors shall within fifteen days thereafter qualify in the same manner as in this chapter required of directors elected at any subsequent elections. The directors shall thereafter immediately enter upon the duties of their respective offices,  and shall hold their offices for one year from January 1 next preceding the election,  or until their successors are elected and qualified.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1512 - Tie votes

48-1512.
Tie votes
If two or more persons at an election receive the same number of votes for director from any division of the district,  or from the entire district when elected at large,  the choice of director shall be decided by lot between them,  under supervision of the chairman of the board of supervisors.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1513 - Contest of elections; appeal to supreme court

48-1513.
Contest of elections;  appeal to supreme court
A. The organization or election provided by this article may be contested by any person owning property within the district liable to assessment for purposes of the district within twenty days after canvass of the votes and declaration of the result by the board of supervisors. The directors elected at the election shall be made parties defendant.
B. The contest shall be brought in the superior court of the county where the petition for organization is filed,  but if more than one contest is pending,  they shall be consolidated and tried together. The court shall try the contest without delay,  and shall determine whether the election was fairly conducted in substantial compliance with the requirements of this article and enter judgment accordingly.
C. Either party to the record may appeal to the supreme court within thirty days from entry of judgment. The appeal shall be heard and determined by the supreme court within sixty days from the time of filing the notice of appeal.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1514 - Division of district subsequent to organization

48-1514.
Division of district subsequent to organization
A. At any time a majority of the owners in fee of all the lands constituting the district may file with the board of directors of the district a petition praying that the district be divided into divisions. The board of directors shall at least thirty days prior to the next succeeding regular election of directors,  make an order dividing the district into three divisions as nearly equal in size as practicable and the divisions shall be numbered consecutively.
B. One director who is an elector and a resident freeholder of the division shall be elected by each division as provided by article 3 of this chapter. In addition to the three directors,  two directors who are resident electors and freeholders of the district shall be elected at large by the qualified electors of the district.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1515 - Limitation on subsequent formation of new district

48-1515.
Limitation on subsequent formation of new district
A. The board of supervisors of a county in which any portion of a proposed district is located shall not permit the organization of said district if it includes any portion of the lands of another district organized under this chapter,  or of a territory served by a public service corporation,  electric cooperative,  agricultural improvement district or municipal corporation or allocated to a public service corporation,  electric cooperative,  agricultural improvement district or municipal corporation,  either by a certificate of convenience and necessity or a territorial agreement which has been approved by the Arizona corporation commission,  if said other district,  public service corporation,  electric cooperative,  agricultural improvement district or municipal corporation is providing,  or capable of providing,  power to said lands or territory susceptible of use for cultivation or manufacturing.
B. A district may nevertheless be organized if the other district,  public service corporation,  electric cooperative,  agricultural improvement district or municipal corporation consents thereto by action duly taken by its governing body,  or if said other district,  public service corporation,  electric cooperative,  agricultural improvement district or municipal corporation is not capable of adequately providing power to said lands susceptible of use for cultivation or manufacturing.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1516 - Districts organized under prior law

48-1516.
Districts organized under prior law
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to any district organized prior to March 26,  1919 which elects to come under the provisions of this chapter by a majority vote of the electors of the district at an election held under the provisions of the law under which the district was incorporated.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 48 - Special Taxing Districts › § 48-1517 - Inclusion or exclusion of lands; procedure; costs

48-1517.
Inclusion or exclusion of lands;  procedure;  costs
A. For the purpose of determining the permanent inclusion of additional lands within the district or excluding lands from the district,  petitions by the owners of lands may be filed with the board of directors.
B. The petitions shall give a description of the lands to be affected,  stating the action desired and the reason for the action,  and they shall be sworn to by petitioners. At the time of filing the petitions there shall be paid to the secretary an amount sufficient to cover the estimated expenses of publishing the notice and the hearing.
C. When petitions are presented requesting the inclusion of lands,  the board of directors shall require as a condition precedent to granting the petitions that petitioners severally pay to the district the respective sums,  as nearly as estimated by the board,  as the petitioners or their grantors would have been required to pay to the district as taxes for the payment of their pro rata share of the gross amount of all taxes thereon which may have been previously levied for district purposes,  except for maintenance and upkeep.