(a) As a means to restore financial stability to financially distressed emergency communications districts and to ensure continued 911 service for the benefit of the public, the board may study the possible consolidation or merger of two (2) or more adjacent emergency communications districts, if at least one (1) such emergency communications district is financially distressed. In the event that the board determines that such a consolidation or merger is in the best interest of the public, and after holding public hearings within the service areas of the affected emergency communications districts, the board may order the consolidation or merger. The board shall establish rules and policies concerning the composition and selection of the board of directors, and shall establish technical and operating standards and a rate structure for such multi-jurisdictional emergency communications district; provided, that such action shall not threaten the financial integrity or stability of the affected emergency communications districts, or the level and quality of 911 service.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) to the contrary, a merger or consolidation affecting a non-financially distressed emergency communications district shall not become effective without the prior approval of the board of directors of such non-financially distressed emergency communications district.

(c) For purposes of determining whether an emergency communications district is financially distressed, the board shall not consider an emergency communications district's depreciation costs as an operating expense.