Private Acts of 1981 Chapter 141

SECTION 1. There is hereby created the Shelby County Agri-Center Commission, the purpose of which shall be to create, plan and supervise the construction and use of the Shelby County Agri-Center, which shall serve as a regional resource and technological center for all aspects of agriculture.

SECTION 2. The Commission shall be composed of seven (7) members, five (5) of whom shall be appointed by the County Mayor of Shelby County with the concurrence of the Board of County Commissioners of Shelby County, one (1) of whom shall be the County Mayor of Shelby County or his designee, and one (1) of whom shall be the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners of Shelby County or his designee.

SECTION 3. The County Mayor or his designee, and the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners or his designee, will be ex officio voting members. The five (5) appointed members shall be appointed to one (1), two (2), three (3), four (4) and five (5) year terms respectively, commencing July 1, 1981. At the expiration of this initial term, each term of office shall be for five (5) years. Members may be reappointed, and shall serve without compensation.

SECTION 4. The Commission shall have the authority to create, plan and supervise the construction, maintenance, repair and upkeep of the Shelby County Agri-Center consistent with the purposes of this act.

SECTION 5. The Commission shall have the authority to contract with any nonprofit company or organization for the purpose of leasing the Shelby County Agri-Center and using it as an agri-center for purposes which include the promotion, support and advancement of agriculture and agri-businesses. The terms and conditions of all such leases shall be satisfactory to the Commission. The budget and all pertinent records of any lessee shall be made known to the Commission.

SECTION 6. The Commission shall have the authority to accept any gifts, grants, or loans of funds or financial or any other forms of assistance from the state, federal, or local government, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, or from any other source.

SECTION 7. The Commission shall have the authority to engage the services of attorneys, experts, or other consultants for the rendering of professional and technical assistance and advice.

SECTION 8. The Commission shall have the authority to do any and all things necessary or convenient to carry out its purposes and exercise the powers expressly granted it under this act.

SECTION 9. The Commission's budget shall be approved by the Board of Commissioners of Shelby County. Any money raised by the Commission shall be used for the Shelby County Agri-Center or in furtherance of the activities of its lessee.

SECTION 10. The location of the Agri-Center shall be selected by the Board of County Commissioners, and shall be on property owned or to be acquired by Shelby County.

SECTION 11. This act shall have no effect unless it is approved by a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Board of County Commissioners of Shelby County before July 1, 1981. Its approval or nonapproval shall be proclaimed by the presiding officer of the Board of County Commissioners of Shelby County and certified by him to the Secretary of State.

SECTION 12. If they receive any money from the state, it shall be subject to audit by the state Comptroller of the Treasury.

SECTION 13. For the purpose of approving or rejecting the provisions of this act, it shall be effective upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it. For all other purposes, it shall become effective upon being approved as provided in Section 11.

Passed: May 25, 1981.