State California HNC Sec 7000-7340 Small Craft Harbor Districts (HARBOR AND PORT DISTRICTS) HARBORS AND NAVIGATION CODE SECTION 7000-7340 7000. This part shall be known and may be cited as the Small Craft Harbor District Law. 7001. This part and all of its provisions shall be liberally construed to the end that its purpose may be effective. This part does not affect any other law covering the same subject, nor apply to any proceedings had thereunder, nor does it in any manner interfere with existing harbors or prevent the formation, operation or government of harbors within the State under any other law. 7002. "Harbor" means a portion of the Pacific Ocean or inland waters, including rivers, streams, lakes, bays, estuaries, inlets, straits and other waters within the jurisdiction of the State, naturally or artificially protected or capable of being artificially protected so as to be a place of safety for vessels, including the artificially protective works, the public lands underlying, washed by, ashore of, or abutting any of said waters and the structures and facilities provided within, beneath, abutting or ashore of any enclosed body of any of said waters for any of the uses or purposes set forth in Section 7149, including the moving and servicing of vessels and the servicing of their crews and passengers. 7003. "District" means any small craft harbor district formed pursuant to this part. 7004. "Board" means the board of directors of a district. 7005. "Develop" and "development" includes without limitation the acquisition, construction, repair, leasing improvement or any combination thereof necessary to create or develop a harbor. 7010. A district may be formed consisting of any portion or portions of a county, whether contiguous or not, lying entirely within a city or entirely within unincorporated territory of the county or wholly or partially including territory of all or part of one or more cities within the county, including within its boundaries the whole or some part of the harbor proposed to be developed. 7011. Fifty or more registered, qualified electors in a county residing within the proposed district may sign and present to the board of supervisors of the county a petition in writing for the formation of a district. 7012. The petition shall: (a) Set forth the exterior boundaries of the proposed district. (b) Generally describe the proposed harbor development. (c) A request that the territory included within the described boundaries be formed into a district pursuant to this part. 7013. Within 10 days from the filing thereof the county registrar of voters, or if there be none, the county clerk, shall examine the petition and report in writing to the board of supervisors as to the sufficiency thereof. If the report shows the petition to be insufficient a supplemental petition may be filed within one month from the date of the report. 7014. If the report shows the petition to be sufficient the petition shall be published as provided in Section 6066 of the Government Code in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the proposed district is located together with a notice setting forth the day, hour and place at which the petition will be heard by the board of supervisors and stating that at the designated time and place all persons interested may appear and be heard. The notice shall also state that any interested person, including any owner of taxable real property within the proposed district, may file with the clerk of the body conducting the hearing at any time prior to the time fixed for the hearing a written protest or objection to the formation of the district. The names of only three signers of the petition need be published. The time fixed for the hearing shall not be less than 30 nor more than 60 days after the first publication of the petition and notice of hearing. 7020. At the time and place specified in the notice the board of supervisors shall hold the hearing, consider the petition and may continue the hearing from time to time. 7021. At the hearing the board of supervisors, without further notice, may change the exterior boundaries of the proposed district, as set forth in the petition, by excluding lands which would not be benefited by the proposed harbor development. The board of supervisors may also change the exterior boundaries of the proposed district by adding to the district and including therein other lands which will be benefited by the proposed harbor development. Land may not be added to the proposed district unless notice is given by the board of supervisors of the proposed addition or additions to the district by publication of its intention to do so. The notice shall contain a description of the additional lands to be included in the proposed district, and it shall state the day, hour and place for the owners of land within the proposed addition to appear before the board of supervisors and state their objections, if any, to the inclusion. The notice shall be published as provided in Section 6066 of the Government Code in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the proposed district is located, the first publication to be at least 15 days before the day so fixed. 7022. If the territory included within the proposed district lies entirely within one city, the petition shall be filed with the city clerk and the clerk and the legislative body of the city shall conduct all the formation proceedings in the same manner as herein provided for the board of supervisors. 7023. Except for proceedings to which Section 7022 applies, no territory lying within a city may be included in a district formed pursuant to this part without the consent of the city given by its legislative body, and filed with the board of supervisors prior to the adoption by the board of supervisors of the resolution provided for in Section 7024. 7023.5. If, prior to the time fixed for the hearing, the owners of taxable real property in the proposed district having an assessed valuation of more than one-half of the assessed valuation of all taxable real property in the proposed district have filed with the clerk of the body conducting the hearing written protest or objection to the formation of the district, the body conducting the hearing shall so find and the proceeding shall be terminated and no further proceedings shall be had or taken pursuant to the petition. If the proceeding is so terminated by the filing of a written majority protest or objection, a new petition for the same or substantially the same district may not be filed until the expiration of two years from the date of the finding that such protest or objection has been filed. 7024. If, after concluding the hearing, the board of supervisors determines that the proposed harbor development will benefit the property within the proposed district, as originally proposed or as changed by the board of supervisors, and that the proceedings have been regularly had and taken it shall so find by resolution. The resolution shall also contain: (a) The name of the proposed district, as determined by the board of supervisors. (b) The official name by which the harbor will be known, as determined by the board of supervisors. (c) A description of the exterior boundaries of the proposed district, as finally determined by the board of supervisors. 7025. A finding of the board of supervisors of the genuineness and sufficiency of the petition and that notice shall be conclusive against all persons. 7030. After adoption of the resolution provided for in Section 7024 the board of supervisors shall call and give notice of an election to be held in the proposed district for the purpose of determining whether or not it shall be formed and for the election of five persons who shall serve as the first directors of the district if the district is formed. 7031. The resolution calling the election shall contain: (a) The date of the election. (b) The name of the proposed district. (c) The official name by which the harbor will be known. (d) A description of the exterior boundaries of the proposed district. (e) The hours that the polls will be open, the election precincts, the polling place or places and the election board or boards appointed to conduct the election. (f) The statement of the proposition to be voted upon. 7032. The election shall be called and conducted and candidates nominated in the manner provided for general district elections, except that the board of supervisors shall establish election precincts, designate the polling place or places, appoint the election board or boards and canvass the returns. 7033. The resolution calling the election shall be published pursuant to Section 6066 of the Government Code in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the proposed district is located, the first publication to be at least 30 days prior to the date of election. 7033.1. Within five days after the district formation election has been called, the legislative body which has called the election shall transmit, by registered mail, a written notification of the election call to the executive officer of the local agency formation commission of the county or principal county in which the territory or major portion of the territory of the proposed district is located. Such written notice shall include the name and a description of the proposed district, and may be in the form of a certified copy of the resolution adopted by the legislative body calling the district formation election. The executive officer, within five days after being notified that a district formation election has been called, shall submit to the commission, for its approval or modification, an impartial analysis of the proposed district formation. The impartial analysis shall not exceed 500 words in length and shall include a specific description of the boundaries of the district proposed to be formed. The local agency formation commission, within five days after the receipt of the executive officer's analysis, shall approve or modify the analysis and submit it to the officials in charge of conducting the district formation election. 7033.2. The board of supervisors or any member or members of the board authorized by the board, or any individual voter or bona fide association of citizens entitled to vote on the district formation proposition, or any combination of such voters and associations of citizens, may file a written argument for or a written argument against the proposed district formation. Arguments shall not exceed 300 words in length and shall be filed with the officials in charge of conducting the election not less than 54 days prior to the date of the district formation election. 7033.3. If more than one argument for or more than one argument against the proposed district formation is filed with the election officials within the time prescribed, such election officials shall select one of the arguments for printing and distribution to the voters. In selecting the arguments, the election officials shall give preference and priority in the order named to the arguments of the following: (a) The board of supervisors or any member or members of the board authorized by the board. (b) Individual voters or bona fide associations of citizens or a combination of such voters and associations. 7033.4. The elections officials in charge of conducting the election shall cause a ballot pamphlet concerning the district formation proposition to be voted on to be printed and mailed to each voter entitled to vote on the district formation question. The ballot pamphlet shall contain the following, in the order prescribed: (a) The complete text of the proposition. (b) The impartial analysis of the proposition, prepared by the local agency formation commission. (c) The argument for the proposed district formation. (d) The argument against the proposed district formation. The elections officials shall mail a ballot pamphlet to each voter entitled to vote in the district formation election at least 10 days prior to the date of the election. The ballot pamphlet is "official matter" within the meaning of Section 13303 of the Elections Code. 7034. The vote shall be canvassed by the board of supervisors not more than 10 days after the election. 7035. If less than a majority of the votes cast upon the proposition are in favor of forming the district the board of supervisors shall declare the proceedings terminated. 7036. If a majority of the votes cast upon the proposition are in favor of forming the district the board of supervisors shall by resolution declare the district duly organized under this part. Said resolution shall state: (a) The name of the district. (b) The official name by which the harbor will be known. (c) The exterior boundaries of the district. A certified copy of the resolution declaring the district formed shall be filed with the Secretary of State. The organization of the district shall then be complete. 7037. No informality in any proceeding, including informality in the conduct of the election not substantially affecting adversely the legal rights of any person, shall invalidate the formation of the district. Any proceedings wherein the validity of the formation of a district is denied shall be commenced within six months from the date of filing of the certified copy of the resolution declaring the district formed with the Secretary of State; otherwise the formation and legal existence of the district and all proceedings in respect thereto shall be incontestable. 7040. Each district shall have a board of five directors all of whom shall be registered electors residing within the boundaries of the district and all of whom shall be elected at large. The directors first elected upon the formation of the district shall classify themselves by lot so that two of them shall hold office until the election and qualification of their successors at the first succeeding general district election, and three of them shall hold office until the election and qualification of their successors in the second general district election. 7041. The term of office of each director, other than directors first elected or directors appointed to fill an unexpired term, shall be four years. 7042. If a person elected fails to qualify, the office shall be filled as if there were a vacancy in the office. 7043. All vacancies occurring in the office of director shall be filled by appointment by the remaining directors. 7044. An appointment to fill a vacancy in the office of director shall be for the unexpired term of the office in which the vacancy exists. 7045. Each director elected or appointed shall hold office until his successor qualifies. 7046. If and when the territory included within the district lies entirely within a single city, the legislative body of such city shall be ex officio the board of directors of the district. In such a case, the presiding officer of such legislative body shall be ex officio the president of the district. 7047. Each director shall receive a sum as may be fixed by the board, not exceeding fifty dollars ($50) for each meeting of the board attended by him or her, for not exceeding four meetings in any calendar month. A director may also receive traveling and other expenses incurred by him or her when performing duties for the district other than attending board meetings. For purposes of this section, the determination of whether a director's activities on any specific day are compensable shall be made pursuant to Article 2.3 (commencing with Section 53232) of Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code. Reimbursement for these expenses is subject to Sections 53232.2 and 53232.3 of the Government Code. 7048. Before entering upon the duties of his office each director shall take and subscribe the official oath and file it with the secretary. The oath of office may be taken before the secretary, any member of the board of directors, or any officers authorized by law to administer oaths. 7050. The board is the governing body of the district. 7051. The powers of the district shall, except as otherwise provided in this part, be exercised by the board. 7052. Within 30 days after the formation of the district the directors shall meet and organize as a board. The board shall: (a) Elect one of its members president except in a case where Section 7046 applies. (b) Provide for the time and place of holding its regular meetings. 7053. At its organization meeting the board may transact any business of the district. 7053.5. A district may destroy a record pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 60200) of Division 1 of Title 6 of the Government Code. 7054. A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. 7055. The board may act either by ordinance, resolution, order or motion. No ordinance or resolution shall be passed or become effective without at least the affirmative votes of a majority of the then members of the board. 7056. Separate books may be maintained for the filing of ordinances and resolutions but the ayes and noes shall be taken upon the passage of all ordinances and resolutions and entered upon the minutes of the board. 7057. The enacting clause of all ordinances passed by the board shall be in substantially the following form: "Be it Ordained by the Board of Directors of (____ naming the district) as follows:". 7058. The board may pass all ordinances necessary for the regulation of the district. All ordinances shall be signed by the president and attested by the secretary. 7059. The board shall establish rules for its proceedings. 7060. The board may adopt a seal for the district and alter it at pleasure. 7061. By resolution the board may change the name of the district. A change of name shall be effective upon the filing of a certified copy of the resolution with the Secretary of State and recording a certified copy in the office of the county recorder of the county in which the district is situated. 7070. The board shall at its first meeting, or as soon thereafter as practical, appoint a secretary and treasurer. The board shall also appoint other officers that are necessary or convenient for the business of the district. 7071. A director shall not be treasurer. The secretary and treasurer shall receive the compensation determined by the board and shall serve at its pleasure. 7072. The board may, at any time, appoint or employ, fix the compensation of and prescribe the authority and duties of other officers, employees, attorneys, engineers and consultants necessary or convenient for the business of the district, each of whom shall serve at the pleasure of the board. When, pursuant to Section 7046, the legislative body of a city is the board of directors of a district, and appoints the administrative officer of the district, he shall have the authority to appoint, employ, and to fix the compensation of and prescribe the authority and duties of, the employees of the district, excluding attorneys, auditors or consultants. The employees employed or appointed by the administrative officer shall serve at his pleasure. 7073. The board may require the secretary, treasurer or other officers, employees or assistants of the district to give a bond to the district conditioned upon the faithful performance of his duties in an amount as the board may provide. 7074. The treasurer shall receive and safely keep all moneys of the district. He shall comply with all provisions of law governing the deposit and securing of public funds. 7080. (a) Except for the first election, directors shall be elected at general district elections. All other elections are special district elections. The first general district election shall be held on the same day as and shall be fully consolidated with the next statewide direct primary which is held more than six months subsequent to the formation of the district and succeeding general district elections shall be held on the same day and shall be fully consolidated with the succeeding statewide direct primaries. (b) No notice of a general district election need be given. The precincts, polling places and election officers shall, within the district, be the same as those provided for the statewide direct primary and the elections shall be held in all respects as if there were only one election and only one form of ballot shall be used unless some precincts are not entirely the same for both elections, in which case separate ballots may be provided as necessary. (c) The district shall pay to the county the actual cost of the services rendered in conducting the election upon presentation to the board of a properly approved bill from the county. The returns shall be canvassed by the county officer or officers required to canvass the returns of the statewide direct primary and a certificate stating the result of the canvass shall be filed with the board who shall declare the result and declare elected the persons having the highest number of votes given for each office. (d) The certificate shall be retained in the district records and the results and declaration shall be entered on the minutes of the board. The secretary shall deliver to each person elected a certificate of election signed by the secretary and authenticated with the seal of the district. 7081. Nomination papers for the office of director shall be signed by 25 or more registered electors in the district and filed with the secretary not more than 65 nor less than 40 days before the day of election. Otherwise the directors shall be nominated in accordance with the provisions for independent nominations set forth in Part 2 (commencing at Section 8300) of Division 8 of the Elections Code so far as they may be applicable. 7082. The provisions of the Elections Code relating to the qualifications of electors, the manner of voting, the duties of election officers, the canvassing of returns, and all other particulars in respect to the management of general elections so far as they may be applicable shall govern all district elections, except: (a) To the extent that the provisions of the Elections Code pertaining to the conduct of local elections are inconsistent with the provisions of that code pertaining to general elections the provisions of the Elections Code pertaining to local elections shall control. (b) Inconsistent provisions of this part shall control over any provisions of the Elections Code. 7083. If there is but one person to be elected to an office, the candidate receiving the highest number of votes cast for the candidates for that office shall be declared elected. 7084. If there are two or more persons to be elected to an office, those candidates equal in number to the number to be elected who receive the highest number of votes for the office shall be declared elected. 7085. If a proposition has been submitted at the election it shall be declared carried if a majority of those voting thereon, or a higher number as may be required by law, vote in favor thereof. Otherwise it shall be declared defeated. 7086. Special district elections held under this part or under any other law shall be called, held and conducted as provided in this part or in said other law if it so provides, but if no provision is made therein the election shall be called by resolution which shall state: (a) The date of the election. (b) The hours during which the polls shall remain open. (c) The election precinct or precincts, the polling place or places and the names of the officers selected to conduct the election, who shall consist of one inspector, one judge and two clerks in each precinct. (d) The measure or measures to be submitted to the voters. 7087. Notice of the holding of the election shall be given by publishing the resolution calling the election pursuant to Section 6066 of the Government Code in at least one newspaper published in the district, the first publication to be at least two weeks prior to the date of the election. If there is no newspaper published in the district the resolution shall be posted in three public places in the district not less than two weeks prior to the date of the election. No other notice of the election need be given. 7088. The returns of the election shall be made, the votes canvassed at least seven days following the election, and the results thereof ascertained and declared in accordance with the provisions of the Elections Code, so far as they may be applicable, except as otherwise provided in this part. The secretary, as soon as the result is declared, shall enter in the district records a statement of the result. 7089. No irregularities or informalities in conducting any district election shall invalidate the same, if the election shall have been otherwise fairly conducted. 7090. All the expenses of district elections shall be borne by the district. 7100. If, on the tenth day after the time for nominating directors has expired, only one person has been nominated for each of the positions of director to be filled at that election and a petition signed by 5 percent of the voters of the district requesting that the election be held has not been presented to the board of supervisors, an election shall not be held. 7101. In such case the board of supervisors of the county in which the district is situated shall, at its next regular meeting, appoint to the positions of directors those persons nominated, and the person shall qualify, take office, and serve exactly as if elected at the general district election. 7120. Ordinances may be enacted by and for any district by initiative in the same manner and with the same effect as ordinances of counties under Article 1 (commencing at Section 9100) of Chapter 2 of Division 9 of the Elections Code and the terms used therein shall have the following meanings: (a) "County" shall mean district. (b) "Board of supervisors" shall mean board. (c) "Elections official" shall mean secretary. 7121. (a) No ordinance shall become effective until 30 days from and after the date of its passage, except the following: (1) An ordinance calling or otherwise relating to an election. (2) An ordinance for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, that contains a declaration of, and the facts constituting, its urgency, and is passed by a four-fifths vote of the board. (b) Prior to the effective date thereof ordinances shall be subject to referendum in the same manner and with the same effect as ordinances of counties under Article 2 (commencing with Section 9140) of Chapter 2 of Division 9 of the Elections Code and terms used therein shall have the meanings set forth in Section 7120. 7140. The district may exercise the powers expressly granted in this part or in any other law or necessarily implied therefrom. The district has the power generally to perform all acts necessary to carry out fully the provisions, powers and purposes of this part. 7141. The district has perpetual succession. 7142. The district may sue and be sued in all actions and proceedings, in all courts and tribunals of competent jurisdiction. 7143. The district may levy and cause to be collected taxes for the purpose of paying the principal of and interest on any indebtedness, whether evidenced by bonds, notes, or other similar evidences of indebtedness, or to pay amounts required by contracts or leases, or to pay any other expenses or claims incurred in carrying out fully the provisions, powers and purposes of this part. 7144. The district may make contracts for any and all purposes necessary or convenient for the full exercise of its powers. 7145. The district may employ labor, professional services, agents, servants and employees necessary to manage, maintain, and control the harbor and to enable the district to exercise its powers. 7146. The district may take by grant, purchase, gift, devise or lease or other acquisition, hold, use, enjoy, lease or dispose of real and personal property of every kind, within or without the district necessary to the full or convenient exercise of its powers. 7147. The district may acquire by eminent domain any property necessary, convenient or useful to the exercise of its powers, but may exercise the power to acquire property outside the district by eminent domain only with the consent of the governing body of the county, or city if any, in which the property is located. 7148. Any county, city and county, city, or other political subdivision or agency of the State, in this section referred to as "public agency," which has been invested by grant from the State with the ownership, possession, control or management of tide and submerged lands or any other lands lying under, washed by or abutting the Pacific Ocean, or inland waters of the State, including the beds of navigable rivers, streams, lakes, bays, estuaries, inlets and straits, may, with the prior written consent of the State Lands Commission, agree in writing that any district formed pursuant to this part shall for the term stated in the writing have all or any right, title and interests of any such public agency and exercise all or any jurisdiction of any such public agency in the lands over the lands or any portion thereof. 7149. The district may acquire, construct, reconstruct, improve, repair, develop, maintain, and operate a harbor and all facilities appurtenant thereto, connected therewith, or incidental thereto, including, but not limited to, all of the following: (a) The dredging of channels, shipways, berths, anchorage places, and turning basins. (b) The acquisition, reconstruction, repair, and maintenance of jetties, breakwaters, bulkheads, seawalls, wharves, docks, ways, ferry slips, warehouses, streets, roads, drives, parkways, avenues, approaches, marinas, aquatic playgrounds, beach parks, bathing beaches, and other recreation facilities, together with structures and facilities incidental thereto. (c) The acquisition, construction, reconstruction, repair, maintenance, operation, development, and regulation of fueling, loading and unloading, towing, repair, warehousing, shipping and reshipping, and other facilities, aids, equipment, or property necessary for, or incidental to, the development and operation of the harbor. (d) The acquisition, construction, reconstruction, repair, maintenance, and operation of fireboats, sanitary, and other facilities necessary for the proper protection of the harbor. 7150. The district may lease any property, whether real or personal, and any interest therein to, of and from any person, firm or public or private corporation, or public agency with the privilege of purchasing or otherwise. 7151. The district may join with the United States or any department or agency thereof, the State or any department or agency thereof, any county, city and county, city, district or other public or private corporation, or one or more or any other combination of the foregoing, for the purpose of carrying out any of the powers of the district, including, without limitation, provisions for the financing of acquisitions, constructions, developments and operations. 7152. The board may, by ordinance, establish general rules for the government of the harbor, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing: (a) The regulation of anchoring, mooring, towing, wharfage and dockage of vessels and the establishment and collection of rates, fees and charges therefor. (b) The establishment and collection of rates, fees and charges for service from or use of any of the facilities owned, controlled, furnished or operated by the district. (c) The supervision of pilots and the pilotage of all vessels within the harbor and the establishment and collection of fees and charges therefor. (d) The regulation of the construction of wharves, docks, buildings and improvements of all types on property owned or controlled by the district. (e) The issuance of licenses and permits for privileges to be exercised in and about the harbor upon equal terms and the establishment and collection of rates, fees and charges therefor. 7153. The district may construct any works along, under, or across any street, road, or watercourse upon payment of compensation therefor, if required, in a manner that will afford security for life and property. 7154. The district may use any lands acquired or owned by the district for street or highway purposes. If it is necessary or expedient to convey any of the lands owned by the district for street or highway purposes, the board, by resolution, may authorize the president and secretary to execute the deed to the public entity entitled thereto and deliver it to the proper authority representing the grantee. 7155. The district may sell and issue franchises relating to the harbor and its works, appurtenances, properties, and rights in accordance with procedure as may be prescribed by ordinance. 7156. The district may advertise its advantages and solicit business within or without the district, within other states or any foreign countries through such employees or agents as are expedient. 7158. The district may accept aid from the United States or any department or agency thereof or from the State or any department or agency thereof and from any county, city and county, city, district or other public or private corporation or person. Any county, or city and county, or city, any portion of which is within the district may provide such money as in the opinion of its legislative body may be required, necessary or expedient to be provided in aid of any of the uses or purposes set forth in Section 7149. 7170. A district may borrow money, incur indebtedness, and issue bonds or other evidences of indebtedness as provided in this part. 7171. A district may issue warrants payable in not to exceed two years from their date, to pay the formation expenses of the district, which warrants may bear interest at a rate of not exceeding 6 percent per annum from date of issue until paid, which formation expenses may include fees of attorneys and others employed to conduct formation proceedings. 7172. All claims for money or damages against the district are governed by Part 3 (commencing with Section 900) and Part 4 (commencing with Section 940) of Division 3.6 of Title 1 of the Government Code except as provided therein, or by other statutes or regulations expressly applicable thereto. Except for bonds and interest coupons which shall be paid when due, all claims shall be approved in writing by the president or a member of the board designated for such purpose, or approved by the board in open meeting. 7173. Warrants shall be drawn by the treasurer and signed by the president, or a member of the board designated for the purpose and by the secretary. 7174. The treasurer shall install and maintain a system of auditing and accounting that shall completely and at all times show the financial condition of the district. 7175. The treasurer shall make annual, or oftener if the board so orders, written reports to the board as to the receipts and disbursements and balances in the several accounts under his control. The report shall be signed by him and filed with the secretary. At least yearly the books and accounts of the district shall be audited by an independent certified public accountant or public accountant or firm of certified public accountants or public accountants employed by the district. 7176. A bank may act as depositary, paying agent or fiscal agent for the holding or handling of district funds, notwithstanding the fact that a member of the board is an officer, employee or stockholder of the bank, or of a holding company that owns any of the stock of the bank. 7190. As an alternative to the procedures of Article 1 (commencing at Section 7170) the board may by resolution designate the county treasurer of the county in which the district is situated to be the depositary and have the custody of all the district's money. The resolution shall be filed with the county treasurer. 7191. The county treasurer shall: (a) Receive and receipt for all the district's money and place it in the county treasury to the credit of the district. (b) Be responsible upon his official bond for the safekeeping and disbursing of all district money so held by him. 7192. The county treasurer shall pay, when due, out of district money, all sums payable on outstanding bonds and coupons of the district; and the county treasurer shall pay any other sums out of district money, or any portion thereof, only upon warrants of the county auditor. 7193. The county auditor shall draw warrants to pay claims made against the district when the claims have been approved in writing by the president or a member of the board designated for the purpose or approved by the board in open meeting. 7194. The county treasurer shall report in writing on the first day of July, October, January and March of each year to the board with respect to each of the following: (a) The amount of money he then holds for the district. (b) The amount of receipts since his last report. (c) The amount paid out since his last report. The report shall be verified and filed with the secretary. 7195. The board of supervisors of the county shall determine the charge to be made against the district for any services of either or both of: (a) The county treasurer as custodian of the district's money. (b) The county auditor in drawing warrants to pay demands, made and approved, against the district. 7200. A district may incur indebtedness for any purpose for which the district is authorized to expend funds by the issuance of negotiable promissory notes pursuant to this article without an election. 7201. Said notes shall be payable in not to exceed five years from their date and shall bear interest at not exceeding 6 percent per annum, payable as provided therein. 7202. The total aggregate amount of said notes outstanding at any one time shall not exceed a limit of 2 percent of the assessed valuation of the taxable property in the district or, if the assessed valution is not obtainable, 2 percent of the county auditor's estimate of the taxable property in the district evidenced by his certificate, provided: (a) A district which has been formed for less than 18 months may exceed said limit and in the event may borrow an aggregate amount of not to exceed thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000). (b) No district shall borrow more than an aggregate amount of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). 7210. Whenever the board deems if necessary for the district to incur a general obligation bonded indebtedness for (a) the acquisition, construction, completion or repair of any or all improvements, works or property mentioned in this part, or (b) the funding or refunding of any outstanding indebtedness of the district, including premiums, if any be payable, the board shall, by resolution, so declare and call an election to be held in the district for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters the proposition of incurring indebtedness by the issuance of bonds of the district. 7211. The resolution shall state: (a) The purpose for which the proposed debt is to be incurred, which may include expenses of all proceedings for the authorization, issuance and sale of the bonds. (b) The amount of debt to be incurred. (c) The maximum term the bonds proposed to be issued shall run before maturity, which shall not exceed 40 years. (d) The maximum rate of interest to be paid, which shall not exceed 6 percent per annum, payable semiannualy, except that interest for the first year may be payable at the end of the year. (e) The measure to be submitted to the voters. (f) The date upon which an election shall be held for the purpose of authorizing the bonded indebtedness to be incurred; and (g) The designation of the precincts, the location of the polling places and the names of the officers selected to conduct the election, who shall consist of one inspector, one judge, and two clerks in each precinct. 7212. Notice of the holding of the election shall be given by publishing the resolution calling the election pursuant to Section 6066 of the Government Code in at least one newspaper published in the district. The first publication to be at least two weeks prior to the date of the election. If there is no newspaper published in the district the resolutions shall be posted in three public places in the district for not less than two weeks prior to the date of the election. No other notice of the election need be given. 7213. The returns of the election shall be made, the votes canvassed at least seven days following the election, and the results thereof ascertained and declared in accordance with the provisions of the Elections Code, so far as they may be applicable, except as otherwise provided in this part. The secretary, as soon as the result is declared, shall enter in the district records a statement of the result of the election. 7214. No irregularities or informalities in conducting the election shall invalidate the same, if the election shall have been otherwise fairly conducted. 7215. Any action or proceeding wherein the validity of the election or of the proceedings in relation thereto is contested, questioned or denied, shall be commenced within three months from the date of the election; otherwise the election and all proceedings in relation thereto shall be held to be valid and in every respect legal and incontestable. 7216. If from the election returns it appears that more than two-thirds of the votes cast upon the measure were in favor of and assented to the incurring of the general obligation bonded indebtedness, then the board may, by resolution, at the time or times it deems proper, issue bonds of the district for the whole or any part of the amount of the indebtedness so authorized, and may from time to time provide for the issuance of such amounts as the necessity thereof may appear, until the full amount of the bonds authorized shall have been issued. 7217. The full amount of bonds may be divided into two or more series and different dates fixed for the bonds of each series. The maximum term which the bonds of any series shall run before maturity shall not exceed 40 years from the date of each series respectively. 7218. The board shall, by resolution, prescribe the form of the bonds and the form of the coupons attached thereto and fix the time when the whole or any part of the principal shall become due and payable. The payment of the first installment of principal may be deferred for a period of not more than five years from the date of the bonds or the date of the bonds of each series respectively. 7219. The bonds shall bear interest at a rate or rates not to exceed 6 percent per annum payable semiannually, except that interest for the first year shall be payable at the end of the year. 7220. The board may also provide for the call and redemption of bonds prior to maturity at the time and prices and upon such other terms as it may specify. A bond shall not be subject to call or redemption prior to maturity unless it contains a recital to that effect, or unless a statement to that effect is printed thereon. 7221. The denomination of the bonds shall be stated in the resolution providing for their issuance, but shall not be less than one hundred dollars ($100). 7222. The principal and interest shall be payable in lawful money of the United States at the office of the treasurer of the district or at any other place or places as may be designated, or at either place or places at the option of the holder of the bond. 7223. The bonds shall be dated, numbered consecutively, and be signed by the president of the board and the treasurer of the district and countersigned by the secretary of the district and the official seal of the district affixed. The interest coupons of the bonds shall be signed by the treasurer of the district. All the signatures and countersignatures may be printed, lithographed or mechanically reproduced, except that one of said signatures or countersignatures to said bonds shall be manually affixed. If any officer whose signature or countersignature appears on any bonds or coupons ceases to be an officer before the delivery of the bonds to the purchaser, the signature or countersignature either on the bonds or the coupons, or on both, is nevertheless valid and sufficient for all purposes the same as if the officer had remained in office until the delivery of the bonds, and the signature upon the coupons of the person who is treasurer at the date of the bonds, is valid although the bonds themselves may be attested by a different person who is treasurer at the time of delivery of the bonds. 7224. Before selling the bonds, or any part thereof, the board shall give notice inviting sealed bids in such manner as it may prescribe. If satisfactory bids are received, the bonds offered for sale shall be awarded to the highest responsible bidder. If no bids are received or if the board determines that the bids received are not satisfactory as to price or responsibility of the bidders, it may reject all bids received, if any, and either readvertise or sell the bonds at private sale. 7225. The proceeds from the sale of the bonds shall be paid into the treasury of the district and placed to the credit of a special improvement fund and expended only for the purpose for which the indebtedness was created; however, when the purpose has been accomplished, any moneys remaining in the special improvement fund may be transferred to the fund to be used for the payment of the principal of and interest on the bonds. 7226. Any action or proceeding, wherein the validity of any such bonds or of proceedings in relation thereto is contested, questioned or denied, shall be commenced within three months from the date of the issuance thereof; otherwise said bonds and all proceedings in relation thereto shall be held to be valid and in every respect legal and incontestable. 7227. Any general obligation bonds issued by a district shall have the same force, value and use as bonds issued by any city and shall be exempt from all taxation within the State of California. 7240. The district may issue revenue bonds for any purpose mentioned in this part under the provisions of the Revenue Bond Law of 1941 (Chapter 6 (commencing at Section 54300) of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code). 7241. If revenue bonds are issued, the bonds shall be authorized by a majority of the qualified electors as provided in the Revenue Bond Law of 1941 (Chapter 6 (commencing at Section 54300) of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code). 7243. In any ordinance or resolution calling an election to authorize the issuance of revenue bonds of the district, the board may insert a provision that it intends to provide, as further security for the bonds, for a limited tax levy (stating the limit as to rate) which shall be levied from time to time to the extent to which revenues pledged to the payment of the principal of and interest on the bonds have been or are expected to be insufficient in any year to pay said principal and interest or to the extent to which any reserve fund established for said bonds has been or will be used to pay, or to provide for the payment of, such principal or interest. If such provision is so inserted and if the bonds are authorized by a fifty-one percent (51%) favorable vote, the board may insert in the ordinance or resolution providing for the issuance of such bonds a provision for such limited tax levy and such terms, conditions and covenants as may be necessary or convenient for the carrying out of such provision. The limited tax levies authorized by this section shall not in the aggregate exceed in any one year seventy-five cents ($0.75) on each one hundred dollars ($100) of assessed valuation. 7260. After the incurring of any general obligation indebtedness, evidenced by general obligation bonds, and annually thereafter until the indebtedness is paid or until there is a sum in the treasury of the district set apart for that purpose sufficient to meet all payments of principal of and interest on the indebtedness as it becomes due, the board shall cause a tax to be levied, as herein provided sufficient to pay the interest and principal as will become due before the proceeds of a tax levied at the next general tax levy will be available. 7261. To the extent to which moneys are in the treasury from a source other than the annual tax levy required by Section 7260 and are set apart for the payment of principal of and interest on indebtedness as provided in Section 7260, the tax therein required may be reduced. 7262. On or before the first day of August the board of directors of the district shall furnish to the board of supervisors and to the auditor, respectively, in writing: (a) An estimate of the minimum amount of money required by Section 7243 to be raised by taxation during the fiscal year. (b) An estimate of the minimum amount of money required to be raised by taxation to comply with, but subject to the limitations of, any provision inserted pursuant to Section 7243 in any ordinance or resolution providing for the issuance of revenue bonds. (c) An estimate of the minimum amount of money required to be raised by taxation during the fiscal year for all other purposes of the district. Taxes levied for purposes of the district other than pursuant to Section 7243 or Section 7260 shall not in the aggregate exceed in any one year seventy-five cents ($0.75) on each one hundred dollars ($100) of assessed valuation. 7263. After the board has furnished the estimate, the board of supervisors, annually, at the time and in the manner of levying other county taxes, shall levy upon the property within the district and cause to be collected a tax sufficient to pay the amounts set forth in Section 7262. 7264. All district taxes shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner and form as county taxes and shall be paid to the district for which they were levied and collected. 7265. All district taxes whether for the payment of indebtedness and the interest thereon or for other purposes are of the same force and effect as other liens for taxes, and their collection shall be enforced by the same means as provided for the enforcement of liens for state and county taxes. 7266. (a) The district may, in any year, levy assessments, reassessments, or special taxes and issue bonds to finance waterway construction projects and related operations and maintenance, or operations and maintenance projects independent of construction projects in accordance with, and pursuant to, the Improvement Act of 1911 (Division 7 (commencing with Section 5000) of the Streets and Highways Code), the Improvement Bond Act of 1915 (Division 10 (commencing with Section 8500) of the Streets and Highways Code), the Municipal Improvement Act of 1913 (Division 12 (commencing with Section 10000) of the Streets and Highways Code), the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982 (Chapter 6.4 (commencing with Section 54703) of the Government Code), the Integrated Financing District Act (Chapter 1.5 (commencing with Section 53175) of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code), the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982 (Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 53311) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code), and the Marks-Roos Local Bond Pooling Act of 1985 (Article 4 (commencing with Section 6584) of Chapter 5 of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code). (b) Sections 5116, 5117, 5118, 5119, 5190, 5191, 5192, 5193, 10104, and 10302 of the Streets and Highways Code shall not apply to assessment proceedings undertaken pursuant to this section. (c) Notwithstanding the related provisions of any assessment act which the district is authorized to use, any assessment diagram which any of those acts requires to be prepared prior to final approval of the assessment district may show only the exterior boundaries of the assessment district and the boundaries of any assessment zones or improvement areas within the district. The diagram may refer to the county assessor's maps and records for a detailed description of each lot or parcel. (d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the district may levy and collect assessments and reassessments in the same manner as provided in Article 3 (commencing with Section 51320) of Chapter 2 of Part 7 of Division 15 of the Water Code, to pay any or all of the following: (1) For the operation and maintenance of projects, including maintenance of lands, easements, rights-of-way, dredge material disposal areas, and remediation. (2) For the satisfaction of liabilities arising from projects. (3) To accumulate a fund which may be used to advance the cost of district projects, provided that the advances be repaid, with interest as determined by the commissioners, from assessments, reassessments, special taxes, or fees charged by the district pursuant to this section. (4) To acquire real property, easements, or rights-of-way for a navigation project or the maintenance of a navigation project. (5) To acquire real property within the district for disposal of dredged material. (e) For purposes of this section, functions designated by Article 3 (commencing with Section 51320) of Chapter 2 of Part 7 of Division 15 of the Water Code to be performed by the board of supervisors, the board of trustees, or valuation commissioners shall be performed by the district's board. (f) For purposes of this section, the board may order the creation of a separate assessment roll to pay the allowable expenses of any single project or any group or system of projects. (g) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all assessments, reassessments, and taxes levied by the district may be collected together with, and not separately from, taxes for county purposes. Any county in which the district is located may collect, at the request of the district, all assessments, reassessments, and special taxes levied by the district and shall cause those revenues to be deposited into the county treasury to the credit of the district. Each county may deduct its reasonable collection and administrative costs. (h) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any assessment or reassessment levied pursuant to this section may be apportioned on the basis of land use category, tonnage shipped on the waterway, size and type of vessel using the waterway, front footage, acreage, capital improvements, or other reasonable basis, separately or in combination, as determined by the district commissioners. (i) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, Division 4 (commencing with Section 2800) of the Streets and Highways Code shall not apply to any assessment levied by the district. (j) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no bond issued pursuant to this section shall be used to fund the routine maintenance dredging of channels. 7280. Land in the same county in which the district is located, whether contiguous or not or incorporated or not, which is not a part of the district may be annexed thereto. 7340. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this part, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is for any reason held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this part, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected thereby. The Legislature hereby declares that it would have passed this part, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, and phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, be held invalid.