(a) The commissioners court may authorize and levy a tax not to exceed 50 cents on each $100 of the taxable value of property taxable by the county for construction of buildings or building additions, for other improvements or equipment, or for operation and maintenance of the hospital if the tax is approved by a majority vote at a county election. Additional taxes may be authorized at subsequent elections if the total tax does not exceed the limit imposed by this subsection.
(b) The voters may approve a part of the tax to be used for the interest and sinking fund for outstanding bonds of the municipality or county issued for construction or maintenance of the hospital, whether issued before or after the ownership and control of the hospital are designated under this chapter.