§ 2-110. Powers and duties.

The authority may exercise any of the following powers and duties as authorized in the division:

(1)

To prescribe fair and reasonable rates and charges, classifications, standards of quality, and measurements.

(2)

To prescribe by rule a uniform system and classification of accounts for all utility services provided by the authority.

(3)

To employ and compensate technical, legal, and clerical employees deemed necessary to carry out the duties and powers of the authority.

(4)

To own and operate utility services.

(5)

To acquire in the name of the authority, real property, including riparian rights, by purchase, gift or exercise of right of eminent domain.

(6)

To issue general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, special assessment bonds, or combinations thereof to finance the cost of capital improvement projects; the procedure for issuing bonds shall be the same as provided by general law.

(7)

To make use of any public easements, dedications to public use, or plat reservations.

(8)

To maintain offices and purchase insurance and other personal property necessary or convenient to provide utility services.

(9)

To make and prescribe such rules as are reasonably necessary and appropriate for the proper administration and enforcement of the provisions of this division. Said rules shall not become effective until a public hearing before the board has been approved by the board and filed with the clerk of the board. A notice stating the time and place of the hearing and the general nature of the proposed rule shall be served by regular mail on the affected utilities two (2) weeks before the date of the hearing and shall be published by the board in a newspaper of general circulation in Marion County once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks before the date of the hearing. Upon approval by the board, such rules shall have the full force and effect of law within Marion County.

(10)

Subject to the limits and procedures specified in section 768.28, Florida Statutes, to sue and be sued.

(11)

To adopt rules of procedure necessary for the conduct of their affairs.

(Ord. No. 95-22, § 5, 6-6-95)