Sec. 51.045.  CONVERSION OF A DISTRICT OPERATING UNDER THIS CHAPTER TO A FRESH WATER SUPPLY DISTRICT.  (a)  Any district operating under this chapter may be converted into a district operating as a fresh water supply district under Chapter 53 of this code in the manner provided in this section.
(b)  The governing body of a district desiring to convert under this section shall adopt a resolution declaring that, in its judgment, conversion of the district into one operating under Chapter 53 of this code and under the provisions of Article XVI, Section 59, of the Texas Constitution, would be in the best interest of the district and would be a benefit to the land and property in the district.
(c)  The resolution shall provide for a public hearing on the proposition at a date to be fixed by the governing body not less than 15 days nor more than 30 days from the date of the resolution.
(d)  Notice of the hearing shall be published once a week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper with general circulation in the area in which the district is located.  The first publication shall be not less than 14 days before the time set for the hearing.  The notice shall contain a copy of the resolution or a substantial statement of the matters contained in the resolution.
(e)  At the hearing, any person may appear and offer testimony and other evidence.
(f)  If, on hearing, the board finds that the conversion of the district operating under this chapter into one operating under Chapter 53 of this code would be in the best interest of the district and would be a benefit to the land and property in the district, it shall enter an order declaring the district to be one operating under Chapter 53 of this code, and thereafter, the district shall operate under the provisions of Chapter 53.
(g)  If the board finds that conversion would not be in the best interest of the district and would not be a benefit to the land and property in the district, it shall enter its order to that effect and the district shall continue to operate under this chapter.
(h)  The findings of the governing body shall be final and not subject to review or appeal.
(i)  Nothing in this section may be construed to authorize the impairment of any existing contract.
Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 110, ch. 58, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1971.