Section 540. City laboratories; continuation and establishment

1.   (a)
  Nothing contained in sections five hundred twenty-five to  five  hundred
  twenty-eight,  inclusive,  of this chapter, shall be construed to repeal
  or amend any provision  of  law  under  which  any  health  function  or
  activity  may  be  carried  on in any city, or to transfer or affect any
  authority in relation to health activities now being  exercised  in  any
  city by any public board or officer.
    (b)  Any  public  board  or  officer  of  a city now exercising health
  functions may, with the approval of the mayor, contract with  the  board
  of  managers  or  other  governing  authority  of any laboratory for the
  purpose of cooperation and to join and share facilities.
    2. If it is the intention of the common council or  similar  authority
  of  a  city  to apply for state aid for a proposed laboratory, under the
  provisions of section six hundred twenty to  six  hundred  twenty-three,
  inclusive, of this chapter, the common council or similar authority with
  the  approval  of  the board of estimate, if such exists, shall have the
  power to establish a laboratory in such city.