§ 901-3. Powers

The Authority shall have all of the power and authority listed in 24 V.S.A. § 4866 (union municipal authorities) as the same presently exist, together with any additional powers which may be added thereto by amendment in the future, all of which powers are incorporated herein by reference. The Authority shall also have the power:

(1) To operate, cause to be operated, contract, or any of those, for the operation of any and all facilities for police, dispatch, fire, and ambulance services, as voted by the Board.

(2) To purchase, sell, own, lease, convey, mortgage, improve, and use real and personal property.

(3) To sue.

(4) To enter into contracts for any term or duration.

(5) To adopt a capital budget and program.

(6) To adopt rules implementing the purposes of the Authority, subject to the requirements of 24 V.S.A. chapter 59 (adoption and enforcement of ordinances and rules), relating to the functions of the Authority.

(7) To provide public safety services for the members and others.

(8) To exercise the authority of eminent domain, using the procedures and definition of "necessity" set forth in 19 V.S.A. chapter 5 (condemnation), to the extent they are applicable. The exercise of eminent domain shall be approved in advance by the legislative body of the member towns affected by the proceeding.

(9) To borrow money and issue evidence of indebtedness as provided by 24 V.S.A. chapter 53 (indebtedness) or other provisions of law authorizing general obligations or revenue debt, including 10 V.S.A. chapter 12 (Vermont Economic Development Authority) and 24 V.S.A. chapter 119 (Municipal Bond Bank).

(10) To establish a budget and assess members in accordance with this chapter and provisions of State law.

(11) To appropriate and expend monies.

(12) To establish sinking funds for the retirement of bonded or other indebtedness.

(13) To charge members for the cost of providing public safety services.

(14) To exercise any other powers which are necessary or desirable for dealing with public safety measures, as any member may exercise by general State law or charter.

(15) To establish capital reserve funds.

(16) To accept and administer gifts, grants, and bequests in trust.

(17) To exercise all powers incident to public corporations.

(18) To make payments in lieu of taxes to members hosting Authority facilities.

(19) To appoint a Public Safety Director.

(20) To enter into contracts with banks, insurance companies, or other financial institutions so as to obtain a letter of credit, bond insurance, or other forms of financial guarantees or credit enhancement in connection with Authority bonds, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness.

(21) To provide host communities of Authority facilities with incentive payments, services, and benefits.

(22) To contract with private businesses, nonprofit corporations, and other governments for the provision of services associated with the Authority's functions.

(23) To do all things set forth in or necessary to this chapter. (Added 2013, No. M-17 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. May 20, 2014.)