80-104. Buildings and sites; election; exceptions; issuance of bonds. (a) In addition to all other powers, the township board of each township shall have power to acquire land for the township, and to build thereon permanent buildings, or to purchase school building or grounds or both the building and grounds the same to be used for public purposes, such as meetings relating to township business, political gatherings, township fairs, entertainments, whether for free use or for hire and profit, at which an admission price may be charged, and such other meetings as may be authorized by the township board. The board may join with any corporation, association, society or lodge in the construction or purchase of such building, upon such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon by the board and corporation, association, society or lodge. If such building is so constructed or purchased it shall be for the joint use of the township and the corporation, association, society or lodge joining in the construction or purchase thereof upon such terms and conditions as are mutually agreed upon. Except as provided by subsection (b), the board shall not acquire any land or erect buildings thereon or purchase such schoolhouse or appropriate any of the moneys of the township or levy any tax therefor without first submitting the question to a vote of the electors of the township. Such election shall be governed by and the returns thereof made in accordance with the laws governing the election of township officers. Funds authorized by such election may be used in the joint construction or purchase of a building as herein provided.

(b) The township board may acquire, either by purchase or by lease, not to exceed 10 acres of land for the township. The cost of such land may be paid out of the general fund of the township or from the general road fund of the township, or from either or both of the funds.

The township board may accept land in the form of a gift, donation or devise without first submitting the question to a vote of the electors of the county.

(c) Whenever any township is authorized by virtue of an election to construct or purchase township buildings, general obligation bonds may be issued for such purpose in accordance with the provisions of the general bond law.

History: L. 1899, ch. 278, § 1; L. 1909, ch. 259, § 1; L. 1917, ch. 329, § 1; L. 1920, ch. 69, § 1; R.S. 1923, 80-104; L. 1929, ch. 296, § 1; L. 1945, ch. 377, § 1; L. 1947, ch. 477, § 1; L. 1979, ch. 330, § 1; L. 2001, ch. 147, § 1; L. 2004, ch. 166, § 2; July 1.