To borrow money and, in evidence of its obligation to repay the borrowing, to issue bonds for the purpose of financing the cost of any project. The bonds shall be authorized pursuant to a resolution to be adopted by the board setting forth all details in connection with the bonds.
The principal amount of the outstanding bonds of the board shall not at any time exceed $20,000,000.
The bonds may be issued in one or more series, bear such date or dates, become due at such time or times within 40 years, bear interest payable at such intervals and at such rate or rates, which rates may be fixed or variable, be in such denominations, be in such form, either coupon, registered or book-entry, carry such conversion, registration and exchange privileges, be subject to defeasance upon such terms, have such rank or priority, be executed in such manner, be payable in such medium of payment at such place or places within or without the State of Illinois, make provision for a corporate trustee within or without the State of Illinois with respect to such bonds, prescribe the rights, powers and duties thereof to be exercised for the benefit of the board, the system and the protection of the bondholders, provide for the holding in trust, investment and use of moneys, funds and accounts held in connection therewith, be subject to such terms of redemption with or without premium, and be sold in such manner at private or public sale and at such price, all as the board shall determine. Whenever bonds are sold at a price less than par, they shall be sold at such price and bear interest at such rate or rates that either the true interest cost (yield) or the net interest rate, as may be selected by the board, received upon the sale of such bonds does not exceed the maximum interest rate permitted by the Bond Authorization Act, as amended at the time of the making of the contract.
Any bonds may be refunded or advance refunded upon such terms as the board may determine for such term of years, not exceeding 40 years, and in such principal amount, as may be deemed necessary by the board. Any redemption premium payable upon the redemption of bonds may be payable from the proceeds of refunding bonds issued for the purpose of refunding such bonds, from any lawfully available source or from both refunding bond proceeds and such other sources.
The bonds or refunding bonds shall be obligations of the board payable from the income, interest and dividends derived from investments of the board, all as may be designated in the resolution of the board authorizing the issuance of the bonds. The bonds shall be secured as provided in the authorizing resolution, which may, notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, include a specific pledge or assignment of and lien on or security interest in the income, interest and dividends derived from investments of the board and a specific pledge or assignment of and lien on or security interest in any funds, reserves or accounts established or provided for by the resolution of the board authorizing the issuance of the bonds. The bonds or refunding bonds shall not be payable from any employer or employee contributions derived from State appropriations nor constitute obligations or indebtedness of the State of Illinois or of any municipal corporation or other body politic and corporate in the State.
The holder or holders of any bonds issued by the board may bring suits at law or proceedings in equity to compel the performance and observance by the board or any of its agents or employees of any contract or covenant made with the holders of the bonds, to compel the board or any of its agents or employees to perform any duties required to be performed for the benefit of the holders of the bonds by the provisions of the resolution authorizing their issuance, and to enjoin the board or any of its agents or employees from taking any action in conflict with any such contract or covenant.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 15-188 of this Code, if the board fails to pay the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any of the bonds as they become due, a civil action to compel payment may be instituted in the appropriate circuit court by the holder or holders of the bonds upon which such default exists or by a trustee acting on behalf of the holders.
No bonds may be issued under this Section until a copy of the resolution of the board authorizing such bonds, certified by the secretary of the board, has been filed with the Governor of the State of Illinois.
"Bonds" means any instrument evidencing the obligation to pay money, including without limitation bonds, notes, installment or financing contracts, leases, certificates, warrants, and any other evidences of indebtedness.
"Project" means the acquisition, construction, equipping, improving, expanding and furnishing of any office building for the use of the system, including any real estate or interest in real estate necessary or useful in connection therewith.
"Cost of any project" includes all capital costs of the project, an amount for expenses of issuing any bonds to finance such project, including underwriter's discount and costs of bond insurance or other credit enhancement, an amount necessary to provide for a reserve fund for the payment of the principal of and interest on such bonds and an amount to pay interest on such bonds for a period not to exceed the greater of 2 years or a period ending 6 months after the estimated date of completion of the project.
40 ILCS 5/15-167.2