A. Factors to be considered in the review of a proposal for creation, consolidation, merger or dissolution of a special district shall include but not be limited to:

(1) population; population density; land area; land use; per capita assessed valuation; topography, natural boundaries and drainage basins; proximity to other populated areas; the likelihood of significant growth in the area, and in adjacent incorporated and unincorporated areas during the next ten years;

(2) need for organized community services; the present cost and adequacy of governmental services and controls in the area; probable future needs for such services and controls; probable effect of the proposed formation and of alternative courses of action on the cost and adequacy of services and controls in the area and adjacent areas; and the probable effect of the proposed action on the total tax and indebtedness burden upon the taxpayers of the area;

(3) the effect of the proposed action, and of alternative actions, on adjacent areas, on mutual social and economic interests and on the local government structure of the county.

B. Any municipality, county or special district receiving notification of hearing to be held by the commission may:

(1) in the case of a petition for creation of a new special district indicate to the commission its willingness and ability to provide the service to be undertaken by the proposed district. The notification shall include references to appropriate statutory authority empowering the municipality, county or special district to assume responsibility for providing the service within the territory of the proposed district and shall include appropriate evidence of its financial ability to provide the services. It may also include reasons why it, rather than the proposed district, should provide the service.

(2) in the case of petition for the dissolution, consolidation or merger of a special district, submit to the commission its recommendations concerning such proposals. If the petition for dissolution, consolidation or merger is based upon a municipality, county or special district assuming the function undertaken by the subject special district, the notification shall include references to appropriate statutory authority empowering the municipality, county or special district to assume responsibility for providing the services with [within] the territory of the subject district and shall include appropriate evidence of its financial ability to provide the services. It may also include reasons why it, rather than the subject district, should provide the services.

History: 1953 Comp., § 15-53-8, enacted by Laws 1965, ch. 291, § 8.

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