(55 ILCS 5/5-31012) (from Ch. 34, par. 5-31012)

Sec. 5-31012. Powers of district. To the extent necessary to carry out the purpose of this Division and in addition to any other powers, duties, and functions vested in museum districts by law, but subject to limitations and restrictions imposed elsewhere by this Division or other law, a museum district is authorized and empowered:

(a) To adopt bylaws, adopt and use a common seal, enter into contracts, acquire and hold real and personal property, and take such other actions as may be necessary for the proper conduct of its affairs.

(b) To make and publish all ordinances, rules, and regulations necessary for the management and protection of its property and the conduct of its affairs.

(c) To study and ascertain the museum district artifacts and other materials, the need for preserving such resources and providing such facilities and the extent to which such needs are currently being met, and to prepare and adopt coordinated plans to meet such needs.

(d) To acquire by gift, devise, purchase, lease, agreement, or otherwise the fee or any lessor right or interest in real and personal property, and to hold the same with public access for those who wish to examine or study it. The museum district may accept the transfer of any real or personal property owned or controlled by the State of Illinois, the county board, or the governing body of any municipality, district, or public corporation and not devoted or dedicated to any other inconsistent public use. In acquiring or accepting land or rights thereto, the museum district shall give due consideration to its historical value or county significance, and no real property shall be acquired or accepted which in the opinion of the museum district and the Illinois State Museum is of low value as to its proposed use.

(e) To acquire any or all interest in real or personal property by a contract for purchase providing for payment in installments over a period not to exceed 10 years with interest on the unpaid balance owing not to exceed an amount calculated pursuant to the provisions of the Bond Authorization Act. The indebtedness incurred under this subsection when aggregated with existing indebtedness may not exceed the debt limits provided in Section 5-31016.

(f) To classify, designate, plan, develop, preserve, administer, and maintain all areas and facilities in which it has an interest and to construct, reconstruct, alter, renew, equip, and maintain buildings and other structures. Any work performed on any building, appurtenance, structure, or area listed on the National Register of Historic Places or deemed eligible for such listing shall be performed within such guidelines as are established by the Department of Natural Resources.

(g) To accept gifts, grants, bequests, contributions, and appropriations of money and personal property for museum district purposes.

(h) To employ and fix the compensation of an executive officer who shall be responsible to the board for the implementation of its policies. The executive officer shall have the power, subject to the approval of the board, to employ and fix the compensation of such assistants and employees as the board may consider necessary for the implementation of this Division.

(i) To charge and collect reasonable fees for the use of such facilities, privileges, and conveniences as may be provided.

(j) To police its property and to exercise police powers in respect thereto or in respect to the enforcement of any rule or regulation provided by its ordinances.

(k) To lease land for a period not longer than 50 years to a responsible person, firm, or corporation for construction, reconstruction, alteration, development, operation, and maintenance of buildings, roads, and parking areas. Any work performed on any leased building, structure, appurtenances, or area which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places or deemed eligible for such listing shall be performed within such guidelines as are established by the Department of Natural Resources. Upon expiration of any lease of land under this subsection, title to all structures on the leased land shall be vested in the museum district.

(l) To lease any building or facility constructed, reconstructed, altered, renewed, equipped, furnished, extended, developed, and maintained by the museum district to a responsible person, firm, or corporation for operation or development or both, and maintenance for a period not longer than 20 years. Development, maintenance, or both of any building, structures, appurtenances, or area which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places or deemed eligible for such listing shall be performed within such guidelines as are established by the Department of Natural Resources.

(m) To make grants to not-for-profit historical clubs, organizations, or groups within the county.

(Source: P.A. 104-417, eff. 8-15-25.)