A. Upon conclusion of the hearing, the commission may take the matter under consideration and shall, within thirty days following conclusion of the hearing, present its decision. The commission may also adjourn a hearing from time to time, but not to exceed a total of thirty days.

B. If the commission approves the formation of the proposed special district, proceedings for its formation may be continued as otherwise provided by law. If the commission approves the proposed formation with modifications or conditions, further proceedings for the special district's formation may be continued only in compliance with such modifications or conditions. If the commission disapproves the formation of the proposed special district no further action shall be taken to create the special district and notice of intention to create such a district may not be presented to the commission for at least two years after the date of disapproval.

C. The commission may order the merger, dissolution or consolidation of a special district where the factors specified in Section 8 [4-53-8 NMSA 1978] indicate the action is appropriate and [it] finds:

(1) that a petitioning municipality, county or existing special district adjacent to the subject district can provide the service to the residents of the subject district more effectively and more economically; or

(2) where it finds that there is no longer a need for the service provided by a subject district.

D. Decisions approving proposals for the merger, consolidation or dissolution of a special district shall provide for the equitable disposition of the assets of the subject district, for the adequate protection of the legal rights of the employees of the special district and for adequate protection of the legal rights of creditors; provided that no provision of the Special District Procedures Act shall be construed as to relieve any bonded indebtedness of a merged, consolidated or dissolved special district which is subject to any tax levied upon property in the district.

History: 1953 Comp., § 15-53-10, enacted by Laws 1965, ch. 291, § 10.

Bracketed material. — The bracketed material was inserted by the compiler and it is not part of the law.