If the legislative body determines that the public interest and convenience require the formation of a district, it may adopt an ordinance declaring its intention to form a district pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. The ordinance of intention, in addition to making the foregoing determination, shall also contain:

(a) A general description of the exterior boundaries of the proposed district, as specified in Section 50594.

(b) A general description of the maintenance proposed to be done and the open areas to be maintained or conserved thereby.

(c) A statement that an annual assessment may be levied to pay the costs and expenses of the maintenance on the open areas.

(d) A statement that amounts so assessed shall be billed for and collected as a part of the regular tax bills.

(e) The day, hour and place for the hearing by the legislative body of protests and objections to the formation of the proposed district or to the proposed maintenance, and a statement that any owner of property liable to be assessed for the maintenance may make written protest against the proposed maintenance or against the formation of the proposed district or both by filing a written protest with the clerk at any time not later than the hour so fixed for the hearing. The time for the hearing shall not be less than 15 or more than 60 days from the date of the adoption by the legislative body of the ordinance. If new or increased assessments are proposed, the legislative body shall comply with the notice, hearing, and protest procedures in Section 53753.

(Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 262, Sec. 18. Effective January 1, 2001.)