reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-896. Approval of bonds by Supreme Court.

That the board is authorized in its discretion to file an application with the Supreme Court of Oklahoma for the approval of any bonds or series of bonds to be issued hereunder, and exclusive original jurisdiction is hereby conferred upon the Supreme Court to hear and determine each such application. It shall be the duty of the Court to give such applications precedence over the other business of the court and to consider and pass upon the applications and any protests which may be filed thereto as speedily as possible. Notice of the hearing on each application shall be given by a notice published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county that on a day named the board will ask the court to hear its application and approve the bonds. Such notice shall inform all persons interested that they may file protests against the issuance of the bonds and be present at the hearing and contest the legality thereof. Such notice shall be published one (1) time not less than ten (10) days prior to the date named for the hearing and the hearing may be adjourned from time to time in the discretion of the court. If the court shall be satisfied that the bonds have been properly authorized in accordance with this act and that when issued they will constitute valid obligations in accordance with their terms, the court shall render its written opinion approving the bonds and shall fix the time within which a petition for rehearing may be filed. The decision of the court shall be a judicial determination of the validity of the bonds, shall be conclusive as to the board, its officers and agents, and thereafter the bonds so approved and the revenues pledged to their payment shall be incontestable in any court in the State of Oklahoma.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 186, § 11, emerg. eff. May 12, 1949.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-898.1. Consolidation with adjacent city or town.

A county sewer improvement district lying adjacent to a city or town may consolidate and become one municipal corporation with such city or town, with all the powers, obligations and duties of the adjacent city or town whose name shall be assumed and adopted in the proceedings herein provided.
Added by Laws 1955, p. 181, § 1, emerg. eff. June 6, 1955.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-898.2. Request for consolidation - Election - Terms - Ordinance.

The board of directors of any county sewer improvement district, or the resident citizens liable to pay a majority of the taxes assessed, as shown by the last preceding tax roll of the county, on real property situated within the boundaries of such county sewer improvement district, may ask of the city council or other governing board of any adjacent city, or the board of trustees of any adjacent town, for a consolidation, setting forth the terms of such consolidation which shall include assumption by the district property of the legal bonded indebtedness of the city or town and the assumption by the city or town of the legal public sewer bonded debt of the district. It shall be lawful for the said city council or other governing board of the city or board of trustees of the town so addressed (after first requesting the board of directors of the county sewer improvement district and it does submit the question of such consolidation and the terms and conditions thereof including assumption of each other's legal bonded debt, to a vote of the qualified voters of the county sewer improvement district affected and a majority thereof having voted in favor of such consolidation) by ordinance to consolidate such adjacent county sewer improvement district upon the terms and conditions so submitted.
Added by Laws 1955, p. 181, § 2, emerg. eff. June 6, 1955.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-898.3. Property of city or town upon consolidation - Former district offices vacated.

Whenever an entire county sewer improvement district shall be consolidated with an adjacent city or town, the property, both real and personal and effects of every nature and description of such county sewer improvement district shall be the property of and belong to such city or town; and the offices of the county sewer improvement district shall become vacated and the duties now vested by law to be performed by the officers of the county sewer improvement district shall be vested in the governing board of said adjacent city or town.
Added by Laws 1955, p. 181, § 3, emerg. eff. June 6, 1955.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-898.4. Assumption of legal bonded indebtedness.

The property within the county sewer improvement district consolidated under the provisions of this act shall assume its full proportion of all legal bonded indebtedness of the city or town to which it is consolidated, and the city or town to which it is consolidated shall assume all legal bonded indebtedness of the county sewer improvement district so consolidated.
Added by Laws 1955, p. 182, § 4, emerg. eff. June 6, 1955.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-898.5. Compliance with former district bond resolutions.

In the event of such consolidation, the city or town shall comply with provisions of bond resolutions pertaining to outstanding county sewer improvement district bonds and shall remit the sum due for debt requirements as set out therein.
Added by Laws 1955, p. 182, § 5, emerg. eff. June 6, 1955.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-898.6. Bonds affected.

The bonds of the county sewer improvement district referred to in this act pertain only to bonds issued under authority of Title 19, Oklahoma Statutes 1951, Section 884, which consist of bonds issued for public main lines and sewage disposal or treatment plant, including the other property necessary to operate such system, which are paid for by the district as a whole.
Added by Laws 1955, p. 182, § 6, emerg. eff. June 6, 1955.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-898.7. Mineral rights not affected.

The consolidation of a county sewer improvement district with an adjoining city or town under the provisions of this act, shall not affect or qualify the rights of any owner or owners of mineral interests or mineral estates, or interests therein, in and to the land covered in any such county sewer improvement district to develop, operate and further develop their property for oil and gas purposes, and any consolidation effected hereunder shall not diminish the rights of any such owner or owners.
Added by Laws 1955, p. 182, § 7, emerg. eff. June 6, 1955.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.1. Organization authorized.

Whenever twenty-five percent (25%) of the holders of title to lands outside of the corporate limits of any incorporated city or town shall petition the board of county commissioners of the county in which such area owned by them is located for the formation of a fire protection district, and compliance had with the provisions of this act, the said board of county commissioners shall enter its order organizing such district, and when so organized such district shall have the powers conferred herein or such as hereafter may be conferred by law upon such fire protection districts.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 153, § 1.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.2. Petition - Map - Notice, hearing and order - Name - Calling election.

The petition shall set forth and particularly describe the proposed boundaries of such district and shall be accompanied by a map of such proposed district, drawn to a scale of not less than one (1) inch to the mile. The petitioners shall accompany such petition with a good and sufficient bond, the amount and sureties of which shall be approved by the board of county commissioners, the sum of which is sufficient to cover the costs of the publications and of the election for the organization of the district will be paid in the event that such organization shall not be authorized or effected.
Such petition shall be filed with the county clerk of such county who shall present it to the board of county commissioners at their next regular or special meeting. Upon the presentation of such petition, the board of county commissioners shall set the same for hearing at a time not less than twenty (20) days nor more than forty (40) days from the date of presentation and shall direct the county clerk to give notice of such hearing by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which such proposed district is located. Such notice shall be published for two (2) consecutive weeks next preceding the date of such hearing. Such notice shall describe the boundaries of the proposed district, shall state the time and place of the hearing, and shall state that any person may appear and protest the organization of the district or the proposed boundaries thereof.
The board of county commissioners shall hold the hearing described in said notice, and it shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine all protests to the creation of such district and all matters pertaining to the same. It may amend the plan of such district by excluding from within its boundaries any lands which it may deem will not be benefited by the formation of such district, or by including other lands as a part thereof upon application of the owners of such land; provided, however, it shall not exclude from such district any lands which are completely surrounded by lands which are included in the proposed district.
At the conclusion of such hearing, the board of county commissioners shall make an order determining the boundaries of the proposed district, particularly describing them, and shall determine whether the formation of such district will be conducive to the public safety of the area incorporated therein. If said board determines that such district will be conducive to the public safety of the area incorporated therein, then said board shall give such proposed district a name and shall call an election of the qualified electors in the territory comprising such proposed district on the question of whether said district shall be organized.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 153, § 2. Amended by Laws 1992, c. 397, § 1, eff. July 1, 1992.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.3. Notice of election - Qualifications of voters.

The county clerk shall cause notice of the election to be given by publication once a week for two (2) successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the territory comprising the proposed district. Such notice shall state the time and place of holding the election and set forth the description of the boundaries of the proposed district and its general purpose and intention. Such notice shall require the electors to cast ballots which contain the words: "Fire Protection District - Yes", and "Fire Protection District - No", or words equivalent thereto. All persons resident of such proposed district, who are qualified electors in their respective precincts, shall be qualified to vote on such proposition.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 154, § 3. Amended by Laws 1992, c. 397, § 2, eff. July 1, 1992.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.4. Conduct of election - Returns and canvass of votes - Order.

Such elections shall be conducted in accordance with the general election laws of the state and the regular election officials shall be in charge at the usual polling place of each regular precinct, or part of a precinct, which shall include lands within the boundaries of such proposed district. The returns of such election shall be made direct to the board of county commissioners who shall meet on the second Monday next following such election and proceed to canvass the vote cast thereat.
If, upon such canvass, it appears that at least three-fifths (3/5) of all the votes cast are "Fire Protection District - Yes", the board shall, by order declare such territory duly organized as a fire protection district under the name theretofore designated. Such order shall be filed for record in the office of the county clerk by the board of county commissioners and from that date such district shall be complete.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 154, § 4. Amended by Laws 1992, c. 397, § 3, eff. July 1, 1992.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.6. Chairman, clerk and treasurer.

The board of directors of the district shall select one (1) of its members for chairman and shall appoint a clerk and a treasurer. The board of directors shall fix the term and duties of the chairman, clerk and treasurer. The chairman and members of the board shall serve without compensation. The treasurer shall give an official bond, in an amount fixed and with sureties approved by the board of directors, conditioned upon the faithful accounting for all money pertaining to the district and coming into his hands.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 154, § 6.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.8. Meetings - Regulation and prevention of fire hazards.

The board of directors shall establish a time and place for regular meetings, and in addition thereto, shall hold such special meetings as may be required for the proper transaction of business. Two members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and upon all questions requiring a vote there shall be a concurrence of at least two members of such board. All records of said board must be open to the inspection of any elector during business hours.
The board shall have the power by general regulation, published in the manner provided for the publication of ordinances in incorporated towns, to regulate the construction of and order the suspension, discontinuance, removal, repair or cleaning of fire places, chimneys, stoves, stove pipes, flues, ovens, boilers or any other apparatus used in any building, factory, or business which might be dangerous in causing or promoting fires, and prescribe limits within which no business dangerous in causing or promoting fires may be carried on. In similar manner it may order the clearing of litter or removal of dry brush and rubbish or other inflammable material endangering the public safety by creating a fire hazard within the district, and provide for action on the part of the State Fire Marshal or the sheriff, or by civil action, for the prevention of hazards as provided by law. The board shall have the power by general regulation, published in the manner provided for the publication of ordinances in incorporated towns, to regulate outdoor burning with rules submitted for approval by the eligible voters at the same time as a board election or other regularly scheduled election with the cost borne by the district, and provide for action on the part of the State Fire Marshal or the sheriff, or by civil action, for the enforcement of such regulations.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 155, § 8. Amended by Laws 2019, c. 110, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2019.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.9. Suits and actions.

The board of directors is hereby authorized and empowered to institute and maintain, or appear and defend, any and all actions and proceedings, suits at law or in equity, necessary or proper to fully carry out the provisions of this act, or to enforce, maintain, protect or preserve any and all rights or privileges conferred hereby, or acquired in pursuance hereof. Actions and proceedings shall be prosecuted and defended in the corporate name of the district, and the board is empowered to employ attorneys to represent the district in any such actions or proceedings, or to advise the board in respect of its duties under this act.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 155, § 9.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.11. Fire protection district appraisal record.

To permit an apportionment of the cost of the benefits accruing by reason of the maintenance of fire protection, it shall be the duty of the clerk of the board to prepare and keep a record which shall be known as the fire protection district appraisal record. Such record shall contain the names of the owners of the lands and improvements on lands in the district as they appear on the tax rolls of the county or upon the deed records, the description of all property subject to ad valorem taxation, and the assessed value of such property as shown by the records of the county assessor. No error in the names of owners or in the description thereof shall invalidate the levy of assessments if sufficient description is given to identify such property.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 156, § 11. Amended by Laws 1951, p. 46, § 1; Laws 1981, c. 55, § 1.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.14. Formulation of plan.

As soon as practicable after organization of such district, the board of directors shall, by resolution entered on its record, formulate a general plan of proposed operation for the district in which shall be stated the cost of operation and maintenance of the district, what property, real or personal, is proposed to be purchased and the cost of purchasing the same, and what amount of construction is proposed to be done and the cost of doing the same.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 156, § 14.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.15. Bond election.

When the board of directors shall have estimated the cost of such purchases and construction work, it shall call an election at which shall be submitted to the electors of the district the question of whether or not the bonds of the district shall be issued in the amount so determined; provided, such bonds shall not be issued for more than the actual estimated cost of such purchase and construction.
The resolution of the board calling such election shall divide the district into voting precincts of convenient size and a map thereof shall be filed with the district clerk. Such precincts so formed may be changed by the board any time thereafter, except that no change shall be made within thirty (30) days next preceding any election. The said resolution shall appoint for each precinct, from the electors of the district, one (1) clerk and two (2) judges, who shall constitute a board of election for such precinct. If the members appointed do not attend at the opening of the polls on the morning of the election, the board may appoint other electors of the district to supply the place or places of those absent. Said resolution shall designate the date, hour and place in the precincts where the election will be held.
Notice of such election shall be given by publication in some newspaper of general circulation in the county in which such district is located once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks next preceding the date of such election, and by posting such notice in three (3) public places in each election precinct, as established by said board of directors, for at least twenty (20) days prior to the date of such election.
Such notice shall specify:
1. The date of the election.
2. The location of the polling places.
3. The time that the polls will open and close.
4. The amount of bonds proposed to be issued.
One (1) of the judges of each precinct shall be chairman of the election board of the precinct and may: first, administer all oaths required in the progress of the election; second, appoint another judge or clerk, if during the progress of the election any judge or clerk ceases to act.
At such election, the ballots shall contain the words: "Bonds - Yes", and "Bonds - No", or words equivalent thereto.
The said election shall be held as nearly as may be in conformity with the provisions governing the election for the formation of the district; provided, no informalities in conducting such election shall invalidate the same if the election shall have been otherwise fairly conducted.
The board of directors shall meet as soon as practicable after the election and canvass the returns. If a majority of the ballots cast are "Bonds - Yes", the board shall cause negotiable bonds in said amount to be issued.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 157, § 15.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.16. Requisites of bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness.

Such bonds shall be payable in lawful money of the United States and shall run for a period of not more than forty (40) years, the amount, maturity dates, redemption provisions and interest rates to be determined by the board of directors. The principal and interest shall be payable at the office of the treasurer of the county in which said district shall be organized, or at any bank or paying agency designated by the board of directors. Such bonds shall each be of a denomination of not less than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) nor more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), shall be negotiable in form, executed in the name of the district, and signed by the president of the board of directors and the clerk of the district. In addition and without limiting the generality of the foregoing provisions, the district shall be authorized to issue notes or other evidences of indebtedness for the corporate purposes enumerated in Sections 901.1 through 901.26 of this title in the same manner and subject to the same procedures as bonds issued by the district. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 901.17 of this title, bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness may be sold by the board of directors to the federal government or any agency thereof at negotiated or private sale. Bonds shall be numbered consecutively as issued and shall be dated as of the date of issuance, and shall be payable in their numerical order with interest to date of payment.
The bonds shall express upon their face that they are issued pursuant to a duly adopted resolution of the board of directors for the district and under the provisions of Sections 901.1 through 901.26 of this title. The clerk or agent shall keep a record of the bonds sold, their number, date of sale, the prices received and the name of the purchaser. These bonds shall bear interest at the rate of not exceeding sixteen percent (16%) per annum.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 157, § 16. Amended by Laws 1979, c. 168, § 1, emerg. eff. May 15, 1979; Laws 1982, c. 98, § 2, operative July 1, 1982; Laws 1983, c. 170, § 33, eff. July 1, 1983.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.17. Sale of bonds.

The board shall sell such bonds from time to time in such quantities as may be necessary and most advantageous to raise the money for the construction of the proposed work, the acquisition of property and rights and otherwise to fully carry out the objects and purposes of this act. Before making any sale of bonds the board shall, at a meeting, by resolution, declare its intention to sell a specified amount of the bonds and the day and hour and place of such sale and shall cause such resolution to be entered in the minutes and notice of the sale to be given by publication thereof at least ten (10) days in some newspaper of said county if published in a daily newspaper or two (2) weeks if published in a weekly newspaper, or said notice may be published in two (2) issues of a daily newspaper provided they are published a week apart. Said bonds may be sold either at public auction for cash to the highest bidder or upon sealed bids as determined by the board of directors. At the time appointed, the board shall award the purchase of the bonds to the highest responsible bidder, but shall reserve and always have the right to reject any and all bids, but said board shall in no event sell any of said bonds for less than par with accrued interest.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 158, § 17.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.18. Payment of bonds and other evidences of indebtedness and interest.

Such bonds and other evidences of indebtedness and the interest thereon shall be paid by revenue derived from an annual assessment upon the ad valorem taxed property of the district, and all the ad valorem taxed property of the district, including the ad valorem taxed property of public service corporations, shall be and remain liable to be assessed for such payments as herein provided.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 158, § 18. Amended by Laws 1979, c. 168, § 2, emerg. eff. May 15, 1979; Laws 1982, c. 98, § 3, operative July 1, 1982; Laws 1984, c. 265, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1984.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.19. Levy of assessments.

A. Each year the board shall levy an assessment sufficient to raise the annual interest on the outstanding bonds or other evidences of indebtedness, and, in addition thereto, an amount equal to the amount of the bonds to be retired in said year or the installment of principal to be amortized during said year.
B. 1. Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, the board shall also levy an annual assessment sufficient to care for the cost of operation of the district and the maintenance of the fire department and its equipment, and for payment of salaries of the officers and employees of the district, provided, that no such annual assessment for operation, maintenance, and salaries shall exceed seven (7) mills on the dollar of assessed value of the property in the district.
2. The board may levy an assessment over seven (7) mills but not to exceed ten (10) mills upon approval for such at an election held at such time and in such manner as provided by Section 901.5 of this title for election of board members.
3. If a county approves an exemption of household goods of the heads of families and livestock employed in support of the family pursuant to the provisions of subsection (b) of Section 6 of Article X of the Oklahoma Constitution, the millage rate of any levy authorized by this section for the property located in a fire protection district which is in such county shall be adjusted by the millage adjustment factor set forth in subsection (b) of Section 8A of Article X of the Oklahoma Constitution.
C. All assessments levied under the authority of Sections 901.1 through 901.50 of this title, shall be a lien against the tract of land on which they have been levied, until paid, and said lien shall be coequal with the lien of ad valorem and other taxes, including special assessments, and prior and superior to all other liens.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 158, § 19. Amended by Laws 1951, p. 47, § 2; Laws 1979, c. 168, § 3, emerg. eff. May 15, 1979; Laws 1988, c. 162, § 157, eff. Nov. 1, 1988; Laws 1989, c. 222, § 1, operative July 1, 1989; Laws 1997, c. 221, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1997; Laws 1998, c. 358, § 1, emerg. eff. June 8, 1998.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.20. Collection of assessments.

Upon direction of the board, the clerk must compute and enter in respective columns of the assessment book the respective sums in dollars and cents in each fund to be paid on each piece of property therein enumerated and the clerk shall, no later than twenty (20) days after the valuations of the county have been certified by the State Board of Equalization, certify to the county treasurer in which such district is located the amount of assessment in each fund levied upon each tract by said board and the said county treasurer shall enter the amount of each in separate columns of the tax list of his county and the said assessments shall be collected by the county treasurer at the same time and in the same manner as all other taxes are collected in this state. If any such assessment becomes delinquent, then it shall draw interest as a penalty after delinquency at the rate of eighteen percent (18%) per annum. All such assessments and penalties collected or received by the county treasurer shall be paid by him to the treasurer of the district.
If any assessment shall remain unpaid for six (6) months after the same is due, the board of directors of the district may institute an action in the district court to foreclose the lien of such assessment and penalty and for a reasonable attorney's fees. All or any portion of the delinquent properties may be joined in one action. The summons shall be issued upon such petition as in other civil action and the cause tried by the district court. Judgment shall be entered for the amount of such unpaid assessment and penalty, and reasonable attorney fees, which judgment shall bear interest at the rate of six percent (6%) per annum. In the event that said judgment together with interest and costs and attorney fees is not paid within thirty (30) days from its date an order of sale shall issue by the clerk of said court directing the sheriff of said county to sell said real estate in manner and form as in case of the foreclosure of mortgages on real estate, without appraisement. Such sale shall be subject to existing taxes and special assessments. In the event that the board of directors of the district does not institute action to foreclose such delinquent assessment within one (1) year from the date the same is due, the holder of any bond or coupon issued under the provisions of this act may institute an action for and on the behalf of the district to foreclose the lien of such assessment and penalty. All such actions to foreclose shall be commenced within three (3) years from the maturity of the said assessment.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 158, § 20. Amended by Laws 1978, c. 196, § 7, eff. July 1, 1978; Laws 1979, c. 168, § 4, emerg. eff. May 15, 1979; Laws 1989, c. 222, § 2, operative July 1, 1989.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.21. Claims against district.

No claims shall be paid by the treasurer of said district until the same shall have been presented and allowed by the board of directors and only warrants signed by the president and countersigned by the clerk, and if the district treasurer has not sufficient money on hand to pay such warrants when presented, he shall endorse thereon "not paid for want of funds" and endorse thereon the date presented, over his signature, and from the time of such presentation until paid such warrant shall draw interest at the rate of eleven percent (11%) per annum. All claims against the district shall be verified the same as is required in the case of claims filed against the counties in this state, and the clerk of the district is hereby authorized and empowered to administer oaths to the parties verifying such claims the same as a county clerk or a notary public might do. The district treasurer shall keep a register in which he shall enter each warrant presented for payment, showing the date and amount of such warrant, to whom payable, the date of the presentation for payment, the date of payment, and the amount paid in redemption thereof, and all warrants shall be paid in the order of their presentation for payment to the district treasurer. All warrants shall be drawn and payable to the claimant or his assignee only.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 159, § 21. Amended by Laws 1992, c. 397, § 6, eff. July 1, 1992.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.23. Withdrawal of territory from district.

Any portion of the district which will not be benefited by remaining therein may be withdrawn from the district by the filing of a petition containing the names of more than fifty-one percent (51%) of the homeowners with three (3) acres or less, homeowners within a planned unit development, or property owners who are not developers of a planned unit development or other real estate development within the portion sought to be withdrawn, requesting the withdrawal of such portion from the district on the grounds that it will not be benefited by remaining therein. Such petition shall be filed with the board of county commissioners and notice thereof shall be given to the board of directors of the district. The time for hearing said petition shall not be less than thirty (30) days after the receipt of the petition. Any person interested may appear at the hearing and object to the withdrawal or may object to the continuance of the remaining territory as a district. The board of county commissioners shall consider and pass upon all objections and if it finds that the portion of the district sought to be withdrawn will not be benefited by remaining within the district and will not serve as a fire hazard to the remaining portion of the district, and that the territory remaining in the district will be benefited by continuing as a district then it shall grant the petition. In determining the benefits to the territory to be withdrawn and determining what constitutes a fire hazard, the board shall consider the location of the nearest fire protection facility. If the nearest facility is considered by the board to be an unsafe distance which would create a fire hazard to the territory to be withdrawn or the remaining territory, the board shall deny the petition. The board shall also consider the benefit to the territory sought to be withdrawn of any newly constructed fire protection facilities or newly purchased fire protection equipment for the district and if such facilities and equipment are determined to be of substantial benefit to the territory to be withdrawn, then the board may deny the petition. If in the judgment of the board of county commissioners existence of the territory sought to be withdrawn will make further existence of the district impracticable, the board shall proceed to order a dissolution of the district. In the case of withdrawal of any property from the district as herein provided, such property shall remain subject to the payment of its proportionate part of any bonds theretofore authorized by the district and shall remain subject to annual assessment for the payment of the principal and interest thereof in the same manner and to the same extent as if such property had not been withdrawn. Such annual assessments, however, shall be computed upon the appraisal shown on the district appraisal record at the time of the withdrawal of such property.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 159, § 23. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 6, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Laws 2018, c. 74, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2018.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.24. Dissolution of district.

In the event of the dissolution of a district, the board of directors of the district shall be trustees for the disposition of the property and the proceeds of the disposition of such property and all funds remaining on hand shall be deposited with the county treasurer who shall thereupon succeed to the powers and duties of the district treasurer and who shall annually collect from all of the property which shall have been in the district at the time of the authorization of any bond, an annual assessment sufficient to pay the interest and amount necessary to retire such outstanding bonds as the same may become due. Such annual assessment shall be based upon the district appraisal record at the time of dissolution. When all of the property of the district has been disposed of and the funds of the district deposited with the county treasurer, the powers and functions of the district board, as trustees for dissolution, shall cease and the board of county commissioners of the county in which such district is located shall succeed to all of the powers and duties of the district insofar as it shall be necessary for them to wind up and conclude the affairs of the district.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 160, § 24.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.25. Contracts for fire protection service.

A. Any city or town located in the same county as any fire protection district may contract, for one (1) year or more, for fire protection service by the district throughout or within part of the area of the city or town. During the term of the contract, without curtailing the rights, powers and duties of the city, the area covered by the contract may in accordance with express terms of the contract be construed as part of the district territory for all fire protection purposes under this act.
B. Owners or occupants of property in the vicinity of the district not included within the territory of any city or town or other fire protection district, and such district may contract, for one (1) year or more, for fire protection service by the district for the property described in the contract, which such contract shall provide for a fixed annual payment of an agreed amount by the owner or occupant of the property to the district to be paid annually in advance at the date of the making of such contract, and on the even date thereof for each subsequent year covered by the contract.
C. The contract shall be in writing and shall be set forth in full in the minutes of the respective governing bodies of the contracting parties and a duplicate original shall be filed with the records of the district in the office of the county clerk.
D. Upon the filing of the contract, the district shall be an independent contractor.
Added by Laws 1949, p. 160, § 25. Amended by Laws 1987, c. 150, § 3, emerg. eff. June 24, 1987; Laws 1997, c. 221, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.25a. Inclusion of contiguous districts.

When the respective territories of any city or town and any district are contiguous they may be included in the limits of the district in the same manner as provided for the organization of fire protection districts. Such territory shall not be included or added to the territory of the district without the consent of the board of directors, certified to the board of county commissioners. In case any such territory is added to the district the property therein shall immediately become subject to the lien for the payment of bonds theretofore authorized by the district in the same manner as property within the district at the time of authorization of such bonds.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 202, § 24, eff. June 1, 1987.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.27. Audits - Order - Petition - Cost.

A. The board of directors of each fire protection district with revenues of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) or more to its general fund during a fiscal year shall cause an audit to be made of, including but not limited to, the funds, accounts and fiscal affairs of such district. The audit shall be ordered within thirty (30) days of the close of each fiscal year of the district which shall commence July 1 and end on June 30. The board of directors may choose to have a fiscal year which shall commence on January 1 and end on December 31.
B. Provided, any fire protection district may have its books audited and examined by the State Auditor and Inspector, upon petition signed by a number of registered voters, each registered at an address within the geographical boundaries of the fire protection district, equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the number of persons voting for the office or question receiving the highest number of votes in the last annual election of the district according to certification from the county election board of the county wherein supervision of the district is located. The petition must be submitted to the office of the State Auditor and Inspector prior to the audit and examination. The cost of the audit or examination, which shall be borne by the district, shall be ascertained prior to the petitioning for the audit and shall be stated in the petition prior to the collection of any signatures.
Added by Laws 1986, c. 70, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1986. Amended by Laws 1987, c. 202, § 22, eff. June 1, 1987; Laws 1990, c. 76, § 1, operative July 1, 1990; Laws 1992, c. 397, § 8, eff. July 1, 1992; Laws 2008, c. 88, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2008; Laws 2019, c. 206, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 2019.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.28. Certification of audit - Standards - Filing - Certification of creation - Filing of creating document.

A. The audits required by Section 901.27 of this title shall be prepared by a certified public accountant or a licensed public accountant. The required audit shall adhere to standards set by the State Auditor and Inspector. One copy of the annual audit shall be filed with the State Auditor and Inspector, and one copy shall be filed with the appropriate county clerk not more than one hundred twenty (120) days following the close of each fiscal year of the district.
B. In the event that a copy of the audit as required by this section is not filed with the State Auditor and Inspector within the time herein provided or for any other reason deemed expedient by him, the State Auditor and Inspector is authorized to either commence an audit or employ a certified public accountant or licensed public accountant to make the audit herein required at the cost and expense of the fire protection district.
C. Within one hundred eighty (180) days after the effective date of this act or within one hundred eighty (180) days after creation, whichever is first, each fire protection district organized pursuant to the provisions of Section 901.1 et seq. of this title shall certify to the State Auditor and Inspector the date it was created.
D. Prior to the levying of any special assessment by a fire protection district, there shall be filed with the Secretary of State an executed original or certified copy of a written instrument or election return declaring creation of such district and a notice of said filing with the Secretary of State shall be delivered to the State Auditor and Inspector.
Added by Laws 1986, c. 70, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1986. Amended by Laws 1987, c. 202, § 23, eff. June 1, 1987; Laws 1992, c. 397, § 9, eff. July 1, 1992.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.30-2.1. Subpoena of witnesses and documents - Notice and service - Rules - Hearings.

A. To accomplish the objectives and to perform the duties prescribed by this act, the Public Employees Relations Board may subpoena witnesses, issue subpoenas to require the production of books, papers, records, and documents which may be needed as evidence of any matter under inquiry, and administer oaths and affirmations. In cases of neglect or refusal to obey a subpoena issued to any person, the district court of the county in which the investigations or the public hearings are taking place, upon application by the Board, may issue an order requiring such person to appear before the Board and produce evidence about the matter under investigation. Failure to obey such order may be punished by the court as contempt.
B. Any subpoena, notice of hearing, or other process or notice of the Board issued under the provisions of this act may be served personally, by registered mail, or by leaving a copy at the principal office of the person required to be served. A return made and verified by the individual making such service and setting forth the manner of such service shall be proof of service, and a returned post office receipt, when registered or certified mail is used, shall be proof of service.
C. The Board shall adopt, promulgate, amend, or rescind such rules as it deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this act. Public hearings shall be held by the Board on any proposed rule of general applicability designed to implement, interpret, or prescribe policy, procedure or practice requirements under the provisions of this act and on any proposed change to such existing rule. Reasonable notice shall be given prior to such hearings, which shall include the time, place, and nature of such hearing and the terms or substance of the proposed rule or the changes to such rule.
Added by Laws 2004, c. 104, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 19. Counties and County Officers › §19-901.30-2.2. Unfair labor practices - Complaint - Order to cease and desist - Restraining order.

A. The Public Employees Relations Board is empowered, as hereinafter provided, to prevent any person, including a bargaining agent and corporate authorities, from engaging in any unfair labor practice as defined herein.
B. Whenever it is charged that any person has engaged in or is engaging in any such unfair labor practice, the Board shall have the power to issue and cause to be served upon such person a complaint stating the charges in that respect and containing a notice of hearing before the Board, at a place therein fixed, not less than five (5) days after the serving of the complaint. The respondent shall have the right to file an answer and to appear and give testimony at the time and place fixed in the complaint. At the discretion of the Board, any other person may be allowed to intervene in such proceeding.
C. If, upon the preponderance of the testimony taken, the Board shall be of the opinion that the person named in the complaint has engaged in or is engaging in any such unfair labor practice, then the Board shall state its findings of fact and shall issue and cause to be served on such person an order requiring such person to cease and desist from such unfair labor practice. Such order may further require such person to make reports from time to time showing the extent to which it has complied with the order. If, upon the preponderance of the testimony taken, the Board shall not be of the opinion that the respondent has engaged in or is engaging in any such unfair labor practice, then the Board shall state its findings of fact and shall issue an order dismissing the complaint.
D. The Board, or any interested party, shall have the power to petition the district court, wherein the unfair labor practice in question occurred, for the enforcement of such order and for appropriate temporary relief from restraining order.
Added by Laws 2004, c. 104, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2004.