The board of directors of any such district shall have full power and authority in the name and for the benefit of such district to make such purchases, to receive and hold title to such lands and water rights, to prosecute suits to quiet title thereto and to sell and convey the same. The costs and expenses of any purchases and sales authorized by this act N.M. Stat. Ann. § 73-13-19 to 73-13-23 and amounts required to pay the taxes assessed against such lands while title thereto is held by the district shall be deemed operating and current expense of such district and may be assessed as such.