Sec. 281.121.  TAXES TO PAY BONDS AND CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION;  TAX ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION.  (a)  When the district issues bonds or certificates of obligation payable from and secured by taxes under this chapter, the commissioners court shall impose a tax for the benefit of the district on all property subject to district taxation.  The commissioners court may impose the tax for the entire year in which the district is created in order to finance initial district operation and to pay bonds assumed by the district.
(b)  The tax amount:
(1)  must be sufficient to create an interest and sinking fund to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds as they mature;  and
(2)  may not exceed 75 cents on each $100 of the taxable value of property taxable by the district, or the rate authorized in the election to create the district.
(c)  The proceeds of the tax may be used:
(1)  to pay the interest on and create a sinking fund for bonds that may be assumed or issued by the district for hospital purposes in accordance with this chapter;
(2)  to provide for the operation and maintenance of the hospital or hospital system;
(3)  if requested by the board and approved by the commissioners court, to make further improvements and additions to the hospital system, including acquiring necessary sites by purchase, lease, or condemnation;  and
(4)  to pay for certificates of obligation issued under Section 281.106 that are payable from and secured by taxes.
(d)  The county tax assessor-collector shall collect the tax.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 47, Sec. 3, 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 198, Sec. 2.2216, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.