reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 13 - Health and Social Services. › § 153A-247 - Provision for public health and mental health.

§ 153A-247. Provision for public health and mental health.
A county may provide for and regulate the public health pursuant to Chapter 130A of the General Statutes and any other law authorizing local public health activities and may provide mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse programs pursuant to Chapter 122C of the General Statutes. (1973, c. 822, s. 1; 1985, c. 589, s. 58; 2018-47, s. 6(d).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 13 - Health and Social Services. › § 153A-248 - Health-related appropriations.

§ 153A-248. Health-related appropriations.
(a) A county may appropriate revenues not otherwise limited as to use by law to any of the following:
(1) A licensed facility for individuals with intellectual or other developmental disabilities, whether publicly or privately owned, to assist in maintaining and developing facilities and treatment, if the board of commissioners determines that the care offered by the facility is available to residents of the county. The facility need not be located within the county.
(2) A sheltered workshop or other private, nonprofit, charitable organization offering work or training activities to individuals with physical disabilities or intellectual or other developmental disabilities, and may otherwise assist the organization.
(3) An orthopedic hospital, whether publicly or privately owned, to assist in maintaining and developing facilities and treatment, if the board of commissioners determines that the care offered by the hospital is available to residents of the county. The hospital need not be located within the county.
(4) A training center or other private, nonprofit, charitable organization offering education, treatment, rehabilitation, or developmental programs to individuals with physical disabilities or intellectual or other developmental disabilities, and may otherwise assist the organizations. Such action, however, shall be with the concurrence of the county board of education. Within 30 days after receipt of the request for concurrence, the county board of education shall notify the board of county commissioners whether it concurs, and should it fail to so notify the board of county commissioners within this period, it shall be deemed to have concurred.
(b) The ordinance making the appropriation shall state specifically what the appropriation is to be used for, and the board of commissioners shall require that the recipient account for the appropriation at the close of the fiscal year. (1967, cc. 464, 1074; 1969, c. 802; 1973, c. 822, s. 1; 1977, c. 474; 1979, c. 1074, s. 2; 2019-76, s. 31.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 13 - Health and Social Services. › § 153A-249 - Hospital services.

§ 153A-249. Hospital services.
A county may provide and support hospital services pursuant to Chapters 122C, 131 and 131E of the General Statutes. (1868, c. 20, s. 8; Code, s. 707; Rev., s. 1318; C.S., s. 1297; 1923, c. 81; 1973, c. 822, s. 1; 1985, c. 589, s. 59.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 13 - Health and Social Services. › § 153A-255 - Authority to provide social service programs.

§ 153A-255. Authority to provide social service programs.
Each county shall provide social service programs pursuant to Chapter 108A and Chapter 111 and may otherwise undertake, sponsor, organize, engage in, and support other social service programs intended to further the health, welfare, education, employment, safety, comfort, and convenience of its citizens. (1868, c. 20, s. 8; Code, s. 707; Rev., s. 1318; C.S., s. 1297; 1973, c. 822, s. 1; 1981, c. 562, s. 12; 1997-443, s. 12.13.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 13 - Health and Social Services. › § 153A-256 - County home.

§ 153A-256. County home.
A county may establish, erect, acquire, lease as lessor or lessee, equip, support, operate, and maintain a county home for aged and infirm persons and may appropriate funds for these purposes.
The superintendent of each county home shall make an annual report on its operation to the board of commissioners of the county operating the home and to the Department of Health and Human Services. The report shall contain any information that the board of commissioners and the Department of Health and Human Services, respectively, require, and the Department may provide forms for this report. (1876-7, c. 277, s. 3; Code, ss. 3541, 3543; 1891, c. 138; Rev., ss. 1328, 1329; 1919, c. 72; C.S., ss. 1336, 1337, 1338; 1961, c. 139, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 138; c. 822, s. 1; 1997-443, s. 11A.118(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 13 - Health and Social Services. › § 153A-257 - Legal residence for social service purposes.

§ 153A-257. Legal residence for social service purposes.
(a) Legal residence in a county determines which county is responsible (i) for financial support of a needy person who meets the eligibility requirements for a public assistance or medical care program offered by the county or (ii) for other social services required by the person.
Legal residence in a county is determined as follows:
(1) Except as modified below, a person has legal residence in the county in which he resides.
(2) If a person is in a hospital, mental institution, nursing home, boarding home, confinement facility, or similar institution or facility, he does not, solely because of that fact, have legal residence in the county in which the institution or facility is located.
(3) A minor has the legal residence of the parent or other relative with whom he resides. If the minor does not reside with a parent or relative and is not in a foster home, hospital, mental institution, nursing home, boarding home, educational institution, confinement facility, or similar institution or facility, he has the legal residence of the person with whom he resides. Any other minor has the legal residence of his mother, or if her residence is not known then the legal residence of his father; if his mother's or father's residence is not known, the minor is a legal resident of the county in which he is found.
(b) A legal residence continues until a new one is acquired, either within or outside this State. When a new legal residence is acquired, all former legal residences terminate.
(c) This section is intended to replace the law defining "legal settlement." Therefore any general law or local act that refers to "legal settlement" is deemed to refer to this section and the rules contained herein.
(d) If two or more county departments of social services disagree regarding the legal residence of a minor in a child abuse, neglect, or dependency case, any one of the county departments of social services may refer the issue to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services, for resolution. The Director of the Division of Social Services or the Director's designee shall review the pertinent background facts of the case and shall determine which county department of social services shall be responsible for providing protective services and financial support for the minor in question. (1777, c. 117, s. 16, P.R.; R.C., c. 86, s. 12; Code, s. 3544; Rev., s. 1333; C.S., s. 1342; 1931, c. 120; 1943, c. 753, s. 2; 1959, c. 272; 1973, c. 822, s. 1; 2003-304, s. 7.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 13 - Health and Social Services. › § 153A-259 - Counties authorized to contract with other entities for health and social services.

§ 153A-259. Counties authorized to contract with other entities for health and social services.
A county is authorized to contract with any governmental agency, person, association, or corporation for the provision of health or social services provided that the expenditure of funds pursuant to such contracts shall be for the purpose for which the funds were appropriated and is not otherwise prohibited by law. (1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1094, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 14 - Libraries. › § 153A-261 - Declaration of State policy.

§ 153A-261. Declaration of State policy.
The General Assembly recognizes that the availability of adequate, modern library services and facilities is in the general interest of the people of North Carolina and a proper concern of the State and of local governments. Therefore it is the policy of the State of North Carolina to promote the establishment and development of public library services throughout the State. (1973, c. 822, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 14 - Libraries. › § 153A-262 - Library materials defined.

§ 153A-262. Library materials defined.
For purposes of this Article, the phrase "library materials" includes, without limitation, books, plates, pictures, engravings, maps, magazines, pamphlets, newspapers, manuscripts, films, transparencies, microforms, recordings, or other specimens, works of literature, or objects of art, historical significance, or curiosity. (1953, c. 721; 1963, c. 945; 1971, c. 698, s. 3; 1973, c. 822, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 14 - Libraries. › § 153A-263 - Public library systems authorized.

§ 153A-263. Public library systems authorized.
A county or city may:
(1) Establish, operate, and support public library systems;
(2) Set apart lands and buildings for a public library system;
(3) Acquire real property for a public library system by gift, grant, purchase, lease, exercise of the power of eminent domain, or any other lawful method. If a library board of trustees is appointed, a county or city shall, before acquiring real property by purchase, lease, or exercise of the power of eminent domain, seek the recommendations of the board of trustees regarding the proposed acquisition;
(4) Provide, acquire, construct, equip, operate, and maintain buildings and other structures for a public library system;
(5) Acquire library materials by purchase, exchange, devise, gift, or any other lawful method;
(6) Appropriate funds to carry out the provisions of this Article;
(7) Accept any gift, grant, lease, loan, exchange, or devise of real or personal property for a public library system. Devises, grants, and gifts may be accepted and held subject to any term or condition that may be imposed by the grantor or trustor, except that no county or city may accept or administer any term or condition that requires it to discriminate among its citizens on the basis of race, sex, or religion. (1953, c. 721; 1963, c. 945; 1971, c. 698, s. 3; 1973, c. 822, s. 1; 2011-284, s. 107.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 14 - Libraries. › § 153A-264 - Free library services.

§ 153A-264. Free library services.
If a county or city, pursuant to this Article, operates or makes contributions to the support of a library, any resident of the county or city, as the case may be, is entitled to the free use of the library. (1953, c. 721; 1963, c. 945; 1971, c. 698, s. 3; 1973, c. 822, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 14 - Libraries. › § 153A-265 - Library board of trustees.

§ 153A-265. Library board of trustees.
The governing body of a county or city may appoint a library board of trustees. The governing body shall determine the number of members of the board of trustees (which may not be more than 12), the length of their terms, the manner of filling vacancies, and the amount, if any, of their compensation and allowances. The governing body may remove a trustee at any time for incapacity, unfitness, misconduct, or neglect of duty. (1953, c. 721; 1963, c. 945; 1971, c. 698, s. 1; 1973, c. 822, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 14 - Libraries. › § 153A-266 - Powers and duties of trustees.

§ 153A-266. Powers and duties of trustees.
If a board of trustees is appointed, it shall elect a chairman and may elect other officers. The governing body may delegate to the board of trustees any of the following powers:
(1) To formulate and adopt programs, policies, and regulations for the government of the library;
(2) To make recommendations to the governing body concerning the construction and improvement of buildings and other structures for the library system;
(3) To supervise and care for the facilities of the library system;
(4) To appoint a chief librarian or director of library services and, with his advice, to appoint other employees of the library system. If some other body or official is to appoint the chief librarian or director of library services, to advise that body or official concerning that appointment;
(5) To establish, a schedule of fines and charges for late return of, failure to return, damage to, and loss of library materials, and to take other measures to protect and regulate the use of such materials;
(6) To participate in preparing the annual budget of the library system;
(7) To extend the privileges and use of the library system to nonresidents of the county or city establishing or supporting the system, on any terms or conditions the board may prescribe.
(8) To otherwise advise the board of commissioners on library matters.
The board of trustees shall make an annual report on the operations of the library to the governing body of the county or city and shall make an annual report to the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources as required by G.S. 125-5. If no board of trustees is established, the governing body shall make the annual report to the Department. (1953, c. 721; 1963, c. 945; 1969, c. 488; 1971, c. 698, s. 3; 1973, c. 476, s. 84; c. 822, s. 1; 2015-241, s. 14.30(s).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 14 - Libraries. › § 153A-267 - Qualifications of chief librarian; library employees.

§ 153A-267. Qualifications of chief librarian; library employees.
(a) To be eligible for appointment and service as chief administrative officer of a library system (whether designated chief librarian, director of library services, or some other title), a person must have a professional librarian certificate issued by the Secretary of Natural and Cultural Resources, pursuant to G.S. 125-9, under regulations for certification of public librarian as established by the North Carolina Public Librarian Certification Commission pursuant to the provisions of G.S. 143B-67.
(b) The employees of a county or city library system are, for all purposes, employees of the county or city, as the case may be. (1953, c. 721; 1963, c. 945; 1969, c. 488; 1971, c. 698, s. 3; 1973, c. 476, s. 53; c. 822, s. 1; 1975, c. 516; 2015-241, s. 14.30(t).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 14 - Libraries. › § 153A-269 - Title to library property.

§ 153A-269. Title to library property.
The title to all property acquired by a county or city for library purposes shall be in the name of the county or city. If property is given, granted, devised, or otherwise conveyed to the board of trustees of a county or city library system, it shall be deemed to have been conveyed to the county or city and shall be held in the name of the county or city. (1953, c. 721; 1963, c. 945; 1971, c. 698, s. 3; 1973, c. 822, s. 1; 2011-284, s. 108.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 14 - Libraries. › § 153A-270 - Joint libraries; contracts for library services.

§ 153A-270. Joint libraries; contracts for library services.
Two or more counties or cities or counties and cities may establish a joint library system or contract for library services, according to the procedures and provisions of Chapter 160A, Article 20, Part 1. (1953, c. 721; 1963, c. 945; 1971, c. 698, s. 3; 1973, c. 822, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 14 - Libraries. › § 153A-271 - Library systems operated under local acts brought under this Article.

§ 153A-271. Library systems operated under local acts brought under this Article.
If a county or city operates a library system pursuant to a local act, the governing body of the county or city may by ordinance provide that the library system is to be operated pursuant to this Article. (1973, c. 822, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 14 - Libraries. › § 153A-272 - Designation of library employees to register voters.

§ 153A-272. Designation of library employees to register voters.
The governing body of each public library with four or more employees shall designate at least one employee of the library to be appointed by the county board of elections to register voters pursuant to G.S. 163-80(a)(6). With the approval of the board of elections, additional employees may also be designated for this purpose by the governing body. (1983, c. 588, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 15 - Public Enterprises. › § 153A-274 - Public enterprise defined.

§ 153A-274. Public enterprise defined.
As used in this Article, "public enterprise" includes:
(1) Water supply and distribution systems.
(2) Wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal systems of all types, including septic tank systems or other on-site collection or disposal facilities or systems.
(3) Solid waste collection and disposal systems and facilities.
(4) Airports.
(5) Off-street parking facilities.
(6) Public transportation systems.
(7) Stormwater management programs designed to protect water quality by controlling the level of pollutants in, and the quantity and flow of, stormwater and structural and natural stormwater and drainage systems of all types. (1965, c. 370; 1957, c. 266, s. 3; 1961, c. 514, s. 1; c. 1001, s. 1; 1971, c. 568; 1973, c. 822, s. 1; c. 1214; 1977, c. 514, s. 1; 1979, c. 619, s. 1; 1989, c. 643, s. 2; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 944, s. 13; 2000-70, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 15 - Public Enterprises. › § 153A-275 - Authority to operate public enterprises.

§ 153A-275. Authority to operate public enterprises.
(a) A county may acquire, lease as lessor or lessee, construct, establish, enlarge, improve, extend, maintain, own, operate, and contract for the operation of public enterprises in order to furnish services to the county and its citizens. A county may acquire, construct, establish, enlarge, improve, maintain, own, and operate outside its borders any public enterprise.
(b) A county may adopt adequate and reasonable rules to protect and regulate a public enterprise belonging to or operated by it. The rules shall be adopted by ordinance, shall apply to the public enterprise system both within and outside the county, and may be enforced with the remedies available under any provision of law. (1955, c. 370; 1957, c. 266, s. 3; 1961, c. 514, s. 1; c. 1001, s. 1; 1967, c. 462; 1971, c. 568; 1973, c. 822, s. 1; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 836, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 15 - Public Enterprises. › § 153A-276 - Financing public enterprises.

§ 153A-276. Financing public enterprises.
Subject to the restrictions, limitations, procedures, and regulations otherwise provided by law, a county may finance the cost of a public enterprise by levying taxes, borrowing money, and appropriating any other revenues, and by accepting and administering gifts and grants from any source. (1973, c. 822, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 15 - Public Enterprises. › § 153A-278 - Joint provision of enterprisory services.

§ 153A-278. Joint provision of enterprisory services.
Two or more counties, cities, or other units of local government may cooperate in the exercise of any power granted by this Article according to the procedures and provisions of Chapter 160A, Article 20, Part 1. (1961, c. 1001, s. 1; 1973, c. 822, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 15 - Public Enterprises. › § 153A-280 - Public enterprise improvements.

§ 153A-280. Public enterprise improvements.
(a) Authorization. – A county may contract with a developer or property owner, or with a private party who is under contract with the developer or property owner, for public enterprise improvements that are adjacent or ancillary to a private land development project. Such a contract shall allow the county to reimburse the private party for costs associated with the design and construction of improvements that are in addition to those required by the county's land development regulations. Such a contract is not subject to Article 8 of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes if the public cost will not exceed two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) and the county determines that: (i) the public cost will not exceed the estimated cost of providing for those improvements through either eligible force account qualified labor or through a public contract let pursuant to Article 8 of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes; or (ii) the coordination of separately constructed improvements would be impracticable. A county may enact ordinances and policies setting forth the procedures, requirements, and terms for agreements authorized by this section.
(b) Property Acquisition. – The improvements may be constructed on property owned or acquired by the private party or on property owned or acquired by the county. The private party may assist the county in obtaining easements in favor of the county from private property owners on those properties that will be involved in or affected by the project. The contract between the county and the private party may be entered into before the acquisition of any real property necessary to the project. (2005-426, s. 8(e).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 15 - Public Enterprises. › § 153A-283 - Nonliability for failure to furnish water or sewer services.

§ 153A-283. Nonliability for failure to furnish water or sewer services.
In no case may a county be held liable for damages for failure to furnish water or sewer services. (1961, c. 1001, s. 1; 1973, c. 822, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 15 - Public Enterprises. › § 153A-284 - Power to require connections.

§ 153A-284. Power to require connections.
(a) A county may require the owner of developed property on which there are situated one or more residential dwelling units or commercial establishments located so as to be served by a water line or sewer collection line owned, leased as lessee, or operated by the county or on behalf of the county to connect the owner's premises with the water or sewer line and may fix charges for these connections. A county may only require connection of an owner's premises to a sewer line, however, if the county has adequate capacity to transport and treat the proposed new wastewater from the premises at the time of connection.
(b) In the case of improved property that would qualify for the issuance of a building permit for the construction of one or more residential dwelling units or commercial establishments and where the county has installed water or sewer lines or a combination thereof directly available to the property, the county may require payment of a periodic availability charge, not to exceed the minimum periodic service charge for properties that are connected.
(c) In accordance with G.S. 87-97.1, when developed property is located so as to be served by a county water line and the property owner has connected to that water line, the property owner may continue to use any private water well located on the property for nonpotable purposes as long as the water well is not interconnected to the county water line and the county shall not require the owner of any such water well to abandon, cap, or otherwise compromise the integrity of the water well.
(d) The owner of real property subject to an agreement under Article 20 of Chapter 160A of the General Statutes that is denied connection to water or sewer by a county may, notwithstanding the agreement, seek to obtain water or sewer from any other unit of local government. If a court order impacts the provision of water or sewer to real property, the owner of real property denied the provision of water or sewer shall have standing to petition the court for an order for appropriate relief and the court shall, as promptly as possible, set any such petition for hearing. For purposes of this subsection, "impacts" shall include any effect or ramification that prevents the owner of real property from seeking voluntary annexation by a city capable of providing water or sewer to that real property. (1963, c. 985, s. 1; 1965, c. 969, s. 2; 1973, c. 822, s. 1; 1979, c. 619, s. 13; 1995, c. 511, s. 3; 2015-246, s. 3.5(e); 2022-49, s. 5(b); 2023-90, s. 10(b); 2023-108, s. 12(b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 15 - Public Enterprises. › § 153A-284.1 - Notes or deeds of trust to reserve wastewater treatment capacity unenforceable if capacity unused.

§ 153A-284.1. Notes or deeds of trust to reserve wastewater treatment capacity unenforceable if capacity unused.
No note or deed of trust granted to a county for the purpose of securing or reserving wastewater treatment capacity is valid or enforceable if that capacity is not utilized by the maker or grantor. (2013-386, s. 6.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 15 - Public Enterprises. › § 153A-286 - Law with respect to riparian rights not changed.

§ 153A-286. Law with respect to riparian rights not changed.
Nothing in this Article changes or modifies existing common or statute law with respect to the relative rights of riparian owners or others concerning the use of or disposal of water in the streams of North Carolina. (1961, c. 1001, s. 1; 1973, c. 822, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 15 - Public Enterprises. › § 153A-288 - Venue for actions by riparian owners.

§ 153A-288. Venue for actions by riparian owners.
Any riparian owner alleging injury as a result of an act taken pursuant to this Article by a county or city acting jointly or by a joint agency may maintain an action for relief against the act (i) in the county where the land of the riparian owner lies, (ii) in the county taking the action, or (iii) in any county in which the city or joint agency is located or operates. (1961, c. 1001, s. 1; 1973, c. 822, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 15 - Public Enterprises. › § 153A-291 - Cooperation between the Department of Transportation and any county in establishing or operating solid waste disposal facilities.

§ 153A-291. Cooperation between the Department of Transportation and any county in establishing or operating solid waste disposal facilities.
A county and the Department of Transportation may enter into an agreement under which the Department of Transportation will make available to the county the use of equipment and prison and other labor in order to establish or operate solid waste disposal facilities within the county. The county shall reimburse the Department of Transportation for the cost of providing the equipment and labor. The agreement shall specify the work to be done thereunder and shall set forth the basis for reimbursement. (1967, c. 707; 1973, c. 507, s. 5; c. 822, s. 1; 1977, c. 464, s. 34.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 15 - Public Enterprises. › § 153A-293 - (See editor's note) Collection of fees for solid waste disposal facilities and solid waste collection services.

§ 153A-293. (See editor's note) Collection of fees for solid waste disposal facilities and solid waste collection services.
A county may adopt an ordinance providing that any fee imposed under G.S. 153A-292 may be billed with property taxes, may be payable in the same manner as property taxes, and, in the case of nonpayment, may be collected in any manner by which delinquent personal or real property taxes can be collected. If an ordinance states that delinquent fees can be collected in the same manner as delinquent real property taxes, the fees are a lien on the real property described on the bill that includes the fee. (1989, c. 591; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 905, c. 938, c. 940, c. 974, c. 1017; 1991, c. 652, s. 2; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 1007, s. 26.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 15 - Public Enterprises. › § 153A-294 - Solid waste defined.

§ 153A-294. Solid waste defined.
As used in this Article, "solid waste" means nonhazardous solid waste, that is, solid waste as defined in G.S. 130A-290 but not including hazardous waste. (1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 1013, s. 4.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 16 - County Service Districts; County Research and Production Service Districts; County Economic Development and Training Districts. › § 153A-300 - Title; effective date.

§ 153A-300. Title; effective date.
This Article may be cited as "The County Service District Act of 1973," and is enacted pursuant to Article V, Sec. 2(4) of the Constitution of North Carolina, effective July 1, 1973. (1973, c. 489, s. 1; c. 822, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 16 - County Service Districts; County Research and Production Service Districts; County Economic Development and Training Districts. › § 153A-303 - Extension of service districts.

§ 153A-303. Extension of service districts.
(a) Standards. – The board of commissioners may by resolution annex territory to any service district upon finding that:
(1) The area to be annexed is contiguous to the district, with at least one eighth of the area's aggregate external boundary coincident with the existing boundary of the district; and
(2) That the area to be annexed requires the services of the district.
(b) Annexation by Petition. – The board of commissioners may also by resolution extend by annexation the boundaries of any service district when one hundred percent (100%) of the real property owners of the area to be annexed have petitioned the board for annexation to the service district.
(c) Territory lying within the corporate limits of a city or sanitary district may not be annexed to a service district unless the governing body of the city or sanitary district agrees by resolution to such annexation.
(d) Report. – Before the public hearing required by subsection (e), the board shall cause to be prepared a report containing:
(1) A map of the service district and the adjacent territory, showing the present and proposed boundaries of the district;
(2) A statement showing that the area to be annexed meets the standards and requirements of subsections (a), (b), and (c); and
(3) A plan for extending services to the area to be annexed.
The report shall be available for public inspection in the office of the clerk to the board for at least two weeks before the date of the public hearing.
(e) Hearing and Notice. – The board shall hold a public hearing before adopting any resolution extending the boundaries of a service district. Notice of the hearing shall state the date, hour and place of the hearing and its subject, and shall include a statement that the report required by subsection (d) is available for inspection in the office of the clerk to the board. The notice shall be published at least once not less than one week before the date of the hearing. In addition, the notice shall be mailed at least four weeks before the date of the hearing to the owners as shown by the county tax records as of the preceding January 1 of all property located within the area to be annexed. The notice may be mailed by any class of U.S. mail which is fully prepaid. The person designated by the board to mail the notice shall certify to the board that the mailing has been completed, and his certificate shall be conclusive in the absence of fraud.
(f) Effective Date. – The resolution extending the boundaries of the district shall take effect at the beginning of a fiscal year commencing after its passage, as determined by the board. (1973, c. 489, s. 1; c. 822, s. 2; 1981, c. 53, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 16 - County Service Districts; County Research and Production Service Districts; County Economic Development and Training Districts. › § 153A-303.1 - Removal of territory from service districts.

§ 153A-303.1. Removal of territory from service districts.
(a) Standards. – A board of commissioners may by resolution remove territory from a service district upon finding that:
(1) One hundred percent (100%) of the owners of real property in the territory to be removed have petitioned for removal.
(2) The territory to be removed no longer requires the services, facilities, or functions financed, provided, or maintained for the district.
(3) The service district was created only to provide the services listed in G.S. 153A-301(a)(4) or G.S. 153A-301(a)(6) or both.
(4) The service district does not have any obligation or expense related to the issuance of bonds.
(b) Report. – Before the public hearing required by subsection (c) of this section, the board shall cause to be prepared a report containing:
(1) A map of the district highlighting the territory proposed to be removed, showing the present and proposed boundaries of the district; and
(2) A statement showing that the territory to be removed meets the standards and requirements of subsection (a) of this section.
The report shall be available for public inspection in the office of the clerk to the board for at least 10 days before the date of the public hearing.
(c) Hearing and Notice. – The board shall hold a public hearing before adopting any resolution reducing the boundaries of a district. Notice of the hearing shall state the date, hour, and place of the hearing and its subject and shall include a statement that the report required by subsection (b) of this section is available for inspection in the office of the clerk to the board. The notice shall be published at least once not less than seven days before the hearing. In addition, the notice shall be mailed at least two weeks before the date of the hearing by any class of U.S. mail which is fully prepaid to the owners as shown by the county tax records as of the preceding January 1 (and at the address shown thereon) of all property located within the territory to be removed. The person designated by the board to mail the notice shall certify to the board that the mailing has been completed, and the certificate shall be conclusive in the absence of fraud.
(d) Effective Date. – The resolution reducing the boundaries of the district shall take effect at the beginning of a fiscal year commencing after its passage, as determined by the board. (2013-402, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 16 - County Service Districts; County Research and Production Service Districts; County Economic Development and Training Districts. › § 153A-304 - Consolidation of service districts.

§ 153A-304. Consolidation of service districts.
(a) The board of commissioners may by resolution consolidate two or more service districts upon finding that:
(1) The districts are contiguous or are in a continuous boundary;
(2) The services provided in each of the districts are substantially the same; or
(3) If the services provided are lower for one of the districts, there is a need to increase those services for that district to the level of that enjoyed by the other districts.
(b) Report. – Before the public hearing required by subsection (c), the board of commissioners shall cause to be prepared a report containing:
(1) A map of the districts to be consolidated;
(2) A statement showing the proposed consolidation meets the standards of subsection (a); and
(3) If necessary, a plan for increasing the services for one of the districts so that they are substantially the same throughout the consolidated district.
The report shall be available in the office of the clerk to the board for at least two weeks before the public hearing.
(c) Hearing and Notice. – The board of commissioners shall hold a public hearing before adopting any resolution consolidating service districts. Notice of the hearing shall state the date, hour, and place of the hearing and its subject, and shall include a statement that the report required by subsection (b) is available for inspection in the office of the clerk to the board. The notice shall be published at least once not less than one week before the date of the hearing. In addition, the notice shall be mailed at least four weeks before the hearing to the owners as shown by the county tax records as of the preceding January 1 of all property located within the consolidated district. The notice may be mailed by any class of U.S. mail which is fully prepaid. The person designated by the board to mail the notice shall certify to the board that the mailing has been completed, and his certificate shall be conclusive in the absence of fraud.
(d) Effective Date. – The consolidation of service districts shall take effect at the beginning of a fiscal year commencing after passage of the resolution of consolidation, as determined by the board. (1973, c. 489, s. 1; c. 822, s. 2; 1981, c. 53, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 16 - County Service Districts; County Research and Production Service Districts; County Economic Development and Training Districts. › § 153A-304.2 - Reduction in district after annexation to Chapter 69 fire district.

§ 153A-304.2. Reduction in district after annexation to Chapter 69 fire district.
(a) When the whole or any portion of a county service district organized for fire protection purposes under G.S. 153A-301(2) has been annexed into a fire protection district created under Chapter 69 of the General Statutes, then such county service district or the portion thereof so annexed shall immediately thereupon cease to be a county service district or a portion of a county service district; and such district or portion thereof so annexed shall no longer be subject to G.S. 153A-307 authorizing the board of county commissioners to levy and collect a tax in such district for the purpose of furnishing fire protection therein.
(b) Nothing in this section prevents the board of county commissioners from levying and collecting taxes for fire protection in the remaining portion of a county service district not annexed into a fire protection district. This section does not affect the rights or liabilities of the county, a taxpayer, or other person concerning taxes previously levied. (1989, c. 622.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 16 - County Service Districts; County Research and Production Service Districts; County Economic Development and Training Districts. › § 153A-304.3 - Changes in adjoining service districts.

§ 153A-304.3. Changes in adjoining service districts.
(a) Changes. – The board of county commissioners may by resolution relocate the boundary lines between adjoining county service districts if the districts were established for substantially similar purposes. The boundary lines may be changed in accordance with a petition from landowners or may be changed in any manner the board deems appropriate. Upon receipt of a request to change service district boundaries, the board of county commissioners shall set a date and time for a public hearing on the request prior to taking action on the request.
(b) Report. – Before the public hearing required by subsection (a) of this section, the board of county commissioners shall cause to be prepared a report containing all of the following:
(1) A map of the service district and the adjacent territory showing the current and proposed boundaries of the district.
(2) A statement indicating that the proposed boundary relocation meets the requirements of subsection (a) of this section.
(3) A plan for providing service to the area affected by the relocation of district boundaries.
(4) The effect that the changes in the amount of taxable property will have on the ability of the district to provide services or to service any debt.
The report shall be available for public inspection in the office of the clerk of the board for at least two weeks before the date of the public hearing.
(c) Notice and Hearing. – The board shall hold a public hearing before adopting any resolution relocating the boundaries of a service district. Notice of the hearing shall state the date, hour, and place of the hearing and its subject, and shall include a statement that the report required by subsection (b) of this section is available for inspection in the office of the clerk to the board. The notice shall be published at least once not less than one week before the date of the hearing.
(d) Effective Date. – The resolution changing the boundaries of the districts shall take effect at the beginning of a fiscal year commencing after its passage, as determined by the board. (2005-136, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 16 - County Service Districts; County Research and Production Service Districts; County Economic Development and Training Districts. › § 153A-304.4 - Reduction in law enforcement service district after annexation.

§ 153A-304.4. Reduction in law enforcement service district after annexation.
When any portion of a county law enforcement service district organized under G.S. 153A-301(10) is annexed by a municipality, and the effective date of the annexation is a date other than a date in the month of June, the amount of the county law enforcement service district tax levied on each parcel of real property in the district for the fiscal year in which municipal taxes are prorated under G.S. 160A-58.10 shall be multiplied by the following fraction: the denominator shall be 12 and the numerator shall be the number of full calendar months remaining in the fiscal year following the day on which the annexation becomes effective. For each parcel of real property in the portion of the district that is annexed, the product of the multiplication is the amount of the law enforcement service district tax to be refunded if the taxes have been paid, or released if the taxes have not been paid. The finance officer of the county shall obtain from the assessor or tax collector of the county a list of the owners of the real property on which law enforcement service district taxes were levied in the territory annexed, and the county shall pay the refund amount, if applicable, to the owner as shown on the records of the tax assessor of the real property as of the January 1 immediately preceding the date of the refund. Refund payments shall come from any funds not otherwise restricted by law. (2008-134, s. 76(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 16 - County Service Districts; County Research and Production Service Districts; County Economic Development and Training Districts. › § 153A-305 - Required provision or maintenance of services.

§ 153A-305. Required provision or maintenance of services.
(a) New District. – When a county defines a new service district, it shall provide, maintain, or let contracts for the services for which the residents of the district are being taxed within a reasonable time, not to exceed one year, after the effective date of the definition of the district.
(b) Extended District. – When a county annexes territory to a service district, it shall provide, maintain, or let contracts for the services provided or maintained throughout the district to the residents of the area annexed to the district within a reasonable time, not to exceed one year, after the effective date of the annexation.
(c) Consolidated District. – When a county consolidates two or more service districts, one of which has had provided or maintained a lower level of services, it shall increase the services within that district (or let contracts therefor) to a level comparable to those provided or maintained elsewhere in the consolidated district within a reasonable time, not to exceed one year, after the effective date of the consolidation. (1973, c. 489, s. 1; c. 822, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 16 - County Service Districts; County Research and Production Service Districts; County Economic Development and Training Districts. › § 153A-306 - Abolition of service districts.

§ 153A-306. Abolition of service districts.
Upon finding that there is no longer a need for a particular service district and that there are no outstanding bonds or notes issued to finance projects in the district, the board of commissioners may by resolution abolish that district. The board shall hold a public hearing before adopting a resolution abolishing a district. Notice of the hearing shall state the date, hour and place of the hearing, and its subject, and shall be published at least once not less than one week before the date of the hearing. The abolition of any service district shall take effect at the end of a fiscal year following passage of the resolution, as determined by the board. (1973, c. 489, s. 1; c. 822, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 16 - County Service Districts; County Research and Production Service Districts; County Economic Development and Training Districts. › § 153A-307 - Taxes authorized; rate limitation.

§ 153A-307. Taxes authorized; rate limitation.
A county may levy property taxes within defined service districts in addition to those levied throughout the county, in order to finance, provide or maintain for the districts services provided therein in addition to or to a greater extent than those financed, provided or maintained for the entire county. In addition, a county may allocate to a service district any other revenues whose use is not otherwise restricted by law.
Property subject to taxation in a newly established district or in an area annexed to an existing district is that subject to taxation by the county as of the preceding January 1.
Property taxes may not be levied within any district established pursuant to this Article in excess of a rate on each one hundred dollars ($100.00) value of property subject to taxation which, when added to the rate levied countywide for purposes subject to the rate limitation, would exceed the rate limitation established in G.S. 153A-149(c), unless the portion of the rate in excess of this limitation is submitted to and approved by a majority of the qualified voters residing within the district. Any referendum held pursuant to this paragraph shall be held and conducted as provided in G.S. 153A-149. (1973, c. 489, s. 1; c. 822, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 153A - Counties › Article 16 - County Service Districts; County Research and Production Service Districts; County Economic Development and Training Districts. › § 153A-308 - Bonds authorized.

§ 153A-308. Bonds authorized.
A county may issue its general obligation bonds under the Local Government Bond Act to finance services, facilities, or functions provided within a service district. If a proposed bond issue is required by law to be submitted to and approved by the voters of the county, and if the proceeds of the proposed bond issue are to be used in connection with a service that is or, if the bond issue is approved, will be provided only for one or more service districts or at a higher level in service districts than countywide, the proposed bond issue must be approved concurrently by a majority of those voting throughout the entire county and by a majority of the total of those voting in all of the affected or to-be-affected service districts. (1973, c. 489, s. 1; c. 822, s. 2.)