69-6-122 - Board of directors of district.
69-6-122. Board of directors of district.
(a) All powers granted to watershed districts incorporated under the provisions of this chapter shall be exercised by a board of directors, which shall be composed of not less than five (5) nor more than nine (9) members.
(b) Representation on the board shall be fairly spread among the counties included within the boundaries of the district. Each county with more than fifteen (15) landowners owning land within the boundaries of the district shall be entitled to at least one (1) director.
(c) The exact number of directors shall be specified in the petition filed with the state soil conservation committee for the creation of the district.
(d) (1) Membership on the board may be staggered in the manner as set forth in such petition. Each director shall serve for a period of six (6) years and until such director's successor is duly elected and qualified.
(2) (A) The bylaws of the board of directors shall establish the manner in which the directors shall be appointed or reappointed following such initial six-year term. The bylaws, at a minimum, shall:
(i) Provide for representation on the board to be fairly spread among the counties included within the boundaries of the district; and
(ii) Designate which county or municipal officials shall be the appointing authorities.
A public hearing shall be held on the proposed bylaws or any amendments to the bylaws. Prior to the public hearing, publication shall be made for two (2) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation published in each county within the boundaries of the district as to the date, time and purpose of the hearing.
(B) The bylaws, and any amendments to the bylaws, shall be filed with the county clerk of each county within the boundaries of the watershed district.
(e) Directors shall serve without compensation, but shall be allowed actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their actual duties.
(f) Vacancies shall be filled by the remaining members, or by petition of five percent (5%) of the landowners. The county legislative body or chancery court may fill such vacancies if the remaining members fail to act within ninety (90) days after such vacancy occurs.
[Acts 1955, ch. 112, § 15; T.C.A., § 70-1822; impl. am. Acts 1984, ch. 687, § 3; Acts 1997, ch. 103, § 1; T.C.A. § 69-7-122.]