The governing body of the subdistrict or the trustees of the subdistrict, when acting with the approval of the governing body as provided in section 278.240, shall have, in addition to other authority granted in other sections of this law, the following authority in governing subdistricts:

1. (1) To acquire, by purchase, exchange, lease, gift, grant, bequest, devise, or otherwise, or through condemnation proceedings in the manner provided in chapter 523, RSMo, such lands, easements, or rights-of-way as are needed to carry out any authorized purpose of the subdistrict; provided that notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the power of eminent domain shall not be exercised over the protest of any landowner until it is established that acquisition of the land proposed to be condemned is necessary for the purposes of the subdistrict; and to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any of its property or interest therein in furtherance of the purposes and provisions of sections 278.160 to 278.300;
2. (2) To construct, repair, enlarge, improve, operate, and maintain such works of improvement as may be necessary for the performance of any of the operations authorized by sections 278.160 to 278.300;
3. (3) To borrow money and to execute promissory notes and other evidences of debt in connection therewith for payment of the costs and expenses or for carrying out any authorized purpose of such subdistrict, and if promissory notes are issued, to execute such mortgages on any property owned by such district, or assign or pledge such revenues or assessments of such subdistrict as may be required by the lender as security for the repayment of the loan; and to issue, negotiate, and sell its bonds as provided in section 278.280;
4. (4) To levy an annual tax and organization tax on the real property within the subdistrict subject to the limitations provided in section 278.250 for payment of the costs for carrying out any authorized purpose of such subdistrict;
5. (5) To make assessments on the real property within the subdistrict for special benefits to such real property accruing as a result of the construction of any works of improvement by the subdistrict.

(L. 1967 p. 376, A.L. 1977 H.B. 457)