State Codes and Statutes

Statutes > Arkansas > Title-14 > Subtitle-17 > Chapter-282 > 14-282-104

14-282-104. Hearing and appeal -- Appointment of board of commissioners -- Purpose of petition.

(a) On the day named in the notice, it shall be the duty of the county court to meet and to hear the petition and to determine whether those signing the petition constitute the majority in value and area.

(b) (1) If the county court determines that a majority in value and area have petitioned for the establishment of the district, it shall enter its judgment laying off the district as defined in the petition and appointing the commissioners who are resident property holders in the district, all of whom shall be citizens of integrity and good business ability.

(2) If it finds that a majority has not signed the petition, it shall enter its order denying it.

(c) (1) The commissioners shall serve without compensation and shall be appointed to serve for terms of one (1), two (2), and three (3) years, respectively.

(2) The length of the term of each commissioner shall be stated in the order of the county court making the appointment.

(3) As the terms of the commissioners expire, the county court shall appoint successors to hold office for a term of three (3) years.

(4) The county court may reappoint a commissioner whose term is expiring.

(5) In case of vacancy on the board of commissioners after the commissioners have organized, the county court shall appoint some resident property holder as his successor, who shall qualify in like manner and within a like time.

(6) The commissioners shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified.

(d) Any petitioner or any opponents of the petition may appeal from the judgment of the county court creating or refusing to create the district, but the appeal must be taken and perfected within thirty (30) days. If no appeal is taken within that time, the judgment creating the district shall be final and conclusive upon all persons.

(e) The commissioners are authorized to acquire such vehicles, equipment, and other facilities and to employ such personnel as they deem necessary to provide adequate ambulance services to the residents of the district.

(f) The purpose for which the district is to be formed shall be stated in the petition, and the judgment establishing the district shall give it a name which shall be descriptive of the purpose. The district shall also receive a number to prevent its being confused with other districts for similar purposes.