VERNON'S TEXAS CIVIL STATUTES

CHAPTER 4. THE CITY COUNCIL




Art. 1015g-6. Laredo Port of Entry Authority                                  

Definitions

Sec. 1. In this Act:                                                          

(1) "Authority" means the port of entry authority created under 
this Act.   

(2) "Board" means the governing board of the authority.                       

(3) "City" means the city of Laredo.                                          

(4) "Governing body" means the governing body of the city.                    

Creation of authority

Sec. 2. (a) The city by ordinance may create the authority, which 
shall be called the "City of Laredo Port of Entry Authority," for 
the purposes provided by this Act.

(b) The area of jurisdiction of the authority includes the area 
within the boundaries and extraterritorial jurisdiction of the 
city.

Board

Sec. 3. (a) The authority is governed by a board composed of nine 
voting members who must reside within the authority and two 
nonvoting members who must reside in Mexico.  The governing body 
shall appoint the members.

(b) Of the voting members:                                                    

(1) one must be a representative of United States customs brokers;            

(2) one must be a representative of freight forwarders;                       

(3) one must be a representative of the transportation industry;              

(4) one must be an international banker;  and                                 

(5) one must be a representative of a maquiladora project.                    

(c) Members of the board serve staggered two-year terms, with the 
terms of five members expiring February 1 of each odd-numbered year 
and the terms of six members expiring February 1 of each 
even-numbered year.

(d) The board shall select from among its voting members a chairman, 
vice-chairman, treasurer, and other officers that the board 
considers appropriate.

(e) A vacancy that occurs more than 60 days before the expiration 
date of a term promptly shall be filled for the unexpired term by 
appointment of a member having the qualifications of the member 
creating the vacancy.

(f) A board member may be removed for cause, after a hearing, by a 
two-thirds vote of the membership of the governing body.

Compensation

Sec. 4. A board member may not receive compensation for services as 
a member but is entitled to reimbursement for the necessary 
expenses incurred in the discharge of duties as a member.

Purposes

Sec. 5. (a) The authority shall establish and collect rental, 
tolls, and other appropriate fees from operators of commercial 
vehicles entering the authority by an international bridge and for 
the use of any other facility designated by the city.  The authority 
may not levy an ad valorem tax and may not issue bonds.

(b) The authority shall use the money collected under this Act, as 
the board determines appropriate, only for the development and 
promotion of international trade.  The authority must obtain the 
approval of the governing body before any expenditure of money.

(c) Not later than the 15th day after the date on which the 
authority or the board acts, the city may approve or disapprove any 
action by the authority or board.  If the city disapproves the act, 
the act is ineffective.  Otherwise, the act becomes effective on the 
date that the city approves the act or on the 15th day after the date 
on which the authority or board acted, whichever is first.

Management of money

Sec. 6. The authority's treasurer shall deposit money collected by 
the authority in a separate account in a bank or trust company.  The 
money may be paid out on the warrant or other order of the chairman 
of the board or another person designated by the authority.

Examinations of accounts

Sec. 7. (a) At least once a year the authority shall have a 
certified public accountant conduct an audit of its books, 
accounts, and records.  A copy of the audit shall be delivered to 
the city.

(b) If the authority fails to make the required audit, an auditor or 
accountant designated by the city may examine, at the expense of the 
authority, the accounts and books of the authority, including its 
receipts, disbursements, contracts, leases, investments, and other 
matters relating to its finances, operation, and affairs.

Initial board

Sec. 8. In appointing the initial board, the governing body shall 
designate five members to serve terms expiring February 1, 1991, 
and six members to serve terms expiring February 1, 1992.

Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 535, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.