§ 14-219-101 - Lease.
               	 		
14-219-101.    Lease.
    (a)  The  board of commissioners of any improvement district, operating a system  of waterworks, gas plants, or electric plants belonging to and owned by  any improvement district, may lease the system of waterworks, gas  plants, or electric plants for such period of time and upon such terms  and conditions as the board of commissioners may deem for the best  interest of the district.
(b)  The  lessees shall be required to maintain, keep in repair, and return the  plant to the district in as good condition as when received, ordinary  wear and tear excepted, but the maintenance contemplated shall permit  more modern or suitable machinery or equipment, equally as efficient to  perform the service required, to be installed in place of machinery or  equipment then in use.
(c)  No lease  shall be made except to persons, firms, or corporations holding a  franchise to operate a system of waterworks, gas plants, or electric  plants in the city or town in which the plant or system to be leased is  situated.
(d)  No plant shall be  taken over for operation under the provisions hereof unless and until  the lessee files with the district an approved bond, in such sum as the  board of commissioners may require, for the faithful fulfillment of the  terms of the lease.