The bill amends several sections of the Watershed District Act to enhance the governance and financial operations of watershed districts within soil and water conservation districts. Key changes include the requirement for a soil and water conservation district to levy taxes upon the request of a watershed district within its boundaries. The definitions of "directors" and "supervisors" are clarified, and the procedure for appointing directors to a watershed district's board is specified, including the terms of service for initial and subsequent appointees. Additionally, the bill outlines the authority of the board of directors to request tax levies for funding improvements and operations, as well as the process for preparing and submitting budgets for approval.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the framework for the assessment of property taxes to fund watershed district activities, including the preparation of assessment lists by the board of directors and the computation of assessments by county assessors. It also details the management of collected funds, stipulating that they must be held by the watershed district's treasurer and used solely for their intended purposes. The bill aims to streamline the financial and administrative processes of watershed districts, ensuring they can effectively manage resources and fulfill their conservation objectives.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 73-20-2, 73-20-12, 73-20-13, 73-20-15, 73-20-17, 73-20-18, 73-20-20, 73-20-45
Final Version: 73-20-2, 73-20-12, 73-20-13, 73-20-15, 73-20-17, 73-20-18, 73-20-20, 73-20-45