NOTICE; PETITION FOR ELECTION

(a) Before the directors authorize the issuance of bonds other than refunding bonds, the directors shall prepare and publish a notice of: (1) its intention to adopt a resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds; (2) the date it intends to adopt the resolution; and (3) the maximum amount and maximum maturity of the bonds. (b) The notice must be published once a week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county and the municipality. The first notice must be published not later than the 15th day before the date set for adopting the bond resolution. (c) A petition requesting an election on the proposition for the issuance of the bonds may be presented to the hospital board secretary before the date set for adoption of the bond resolution. The petition must be signed by at least 10 percent of the qualified voters residing in the county and in any part of the municipality that is not in the county. (d) The directors shall order an election requested under Subsection (c) in the county and any part of the municipality that is not in the county. The election shall be held substantially as provided by Chapter 1251, Government Code. The board may issue the bonds if the issuance is approved at the election. (e) The bond resolution may be adopted on the date set for the adoption, or not later than the 30th day after that date, if no petition is filed, and the bonds may be issued and delivered without an election or the creation of an encumbrance. (f) The directors may order an election on the issuance of the bonds on their own motion if they consider it advisable.