§ 3. Powers
The Authority shall have all of the power and authority listed in 24 V.S.A. § 4866 (union municipal authorities) as the same presently exist, together with any additional
powers that may be added thereto by amendment in the future, all of which powers are
incorporated herein by reference. The Authority shall also have the power:
(1) To operate, cause to be operated, contract, or any of those, for the operation of
any and all facilities for police, dispatch, fire, and ambulance services, as voted
by the Board.
(2) To purchase, sell, own, lease, convey, mortgage, improve, and use real and personal
property.
(3) To sue.
(4) To enter into contracts for any term or duration.
(5) To adopt a capital budget and program.
(6) To adopt rules implementing the purposes of the Authority, subject to the requirements
of 24 V.S.A. chapter 59 (adoption and enforcement of ordinances and rules), relating
to the functions of the Authority.
(7) To provide public safety services for the members and others.
(8) To exercise the authority of eminent domain, using the procedures and definition of
“necessity” set forth in 19 V.S.A. chapter 5 (condemnation), to the extent they are
applicable. The exercise of eminent domain shall be approved in advance by the legislative
body of the member towns affected by the proceeding.
(9) To borrow money and issue evidence of indebtedness as provided by 24 V.S.A. chapter
53 (indebtedness) or other provisions of law authorizing general obligations or revenue
debt, including 10 V.S.A. chapter 12 (Vermont Economic Development Authority) and
24 V.S.A. chapter 119 (Municipal Bond Bank).
(10) To establish a budget and assess members in accordance with this chapter and provisions
of State law.
(11) To appropriate and expend monies.
(12) To establish sinking funds for the retirement of bonded or other indebtedness.
(13) To charge members for the cost of providing public safety services.
(14) To exercise any other powers that are necessary or desirable for dealing with public
safety measures, as any member may exercise by general State law or charter.
(15) To establish capital reserve funds.
(16) To accept and administer gifts, grants, and bequests in trust.
(17) To exercise all powers incident to public corporations.
(18) To make payments in lieu of taxes to members hosting Authority facilities.
(19) To appoint a Public Safety Director.
(20) To enter into contracts with banks, insurance companies, or other financial institutions
so as to obtain a letter of credit, bond insurance, or other forms of financial guarantees
or credit enhancement in connection with Authority bonds, notes, or other evidence
of indebtedness.
(21) To provide host communities of Authority facilities with incentive payments, services,
and benefits.
(22) To contract with private businesses, nonprofit corporations, and other governments
for the provision of services associated with the Authority’s functions.
(23) To do all things set forth in or necessary to this chapter. (Added 2013, No. M-17 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. May 20, 2014.)