Private Acts of 1949 Chapter 369

SECTION 1.  That in all counties of this State with a population of not less than 23,500, nor more than 23,600, by the Federal Census of 1940, or any subsequent Federal Census, that the Quarterly County Courts thereof at their discretion are hereby authorized to levy a tax not to exceed 25¢ upon the one hundred dollars' worth of property for the purpose of constructing, repairing and maintaining bridges in said counties.  Said tax when levied shall be collected by the county trustee as are other taxes and its proceeds disbursed as hereinbelow provided.  That if the County Courts of such counties determine to and levy such tax, then such Quarterly County Court is hereby authorized to employ some capable person, at a salary of not to exceed $2,400.00 per annum, as foreman of bridges.  He shall have and possess full power and jurisdiction over the erection, maintenance and construction of all bridges of more than three feet in length in said county but all bridge lumber used by him in connection therewith shall be purchased through the Purchasing Agent of such counties.  He shall have further power to employ such labor as may be necessary in the maintenance and construction of bridges under his jurisdiction and to purchase through the Purchasing Department such machinery and equipment as may be deemed necessary for the efficient operation of his Department.  No contract with such bridge foreman shall be made for a period of longer than two years.

All disbursements from such bridge fund shall be made upon the warrant of the superintendent thereof but the same shall be countersigned by the County Judge before presentation to the County Trustee.  Such bridge foreman shall annually make and file with the Quarterly County Court a report of receipts and disbursements, which report shall constitute a public record and be available for the inspection of any interested person within reasonable hours.

SECTION 2.  That this Act shall take effect from and after the passage of this Act, the public welfare requiring it.

Passed:  March 23, 1949.