Sec. 2-243. Referendum on improvements; procedure

In the case of the improvements provided in Section 2-237, the Council, for a period of two (2) years from June 1, 1957, may proceed only by contract and not by its own force. The effective date for the commencement of the improvements shall be no earlier than the fiftieth (50th) day after the hearing adopting the law. The law in the case of improvements adopted under Section 2-237 shall be ineffective if on or before the fortieth (40th) day after the adoption of the law there shall be presented to the Council or mailed by registered mail, a petition signed by the owners of at least twenty percent (20%) of the assessed valuation of the real property located in the area affected requesting a referendum on the question. In such event, the board shall notify the County Board of Supervisors of Elections immediately after receipt of the petition, giving to the Board a full and complete copy of the question to be determined.

The Board of Supervisors shall set a date for the referendum on the question within the area to be affected. The date for the referendum shall be set within sixty (60) days after receipt of the petition and shall permit the giving of at least fifteen (15) days notice thereof. Such notice shall be published by the Board of Supervisors on two (2) occasions at not less than weekly intervals, in three (3) newspapers of general circulation within the area to be affected. They shall specify the time and date of the referendum and the place or places at which it will be held. The County Board of Supervisors of Elections shall conduct and be responsible for the referendum. The Board of Supervisors shall determine from the County registration records of persons within the area proposed to be annexed who are qualified as voters in County elections. From such list, the Board shall conduct the referendum as herein provided.

On the date and at the places specified, the question to be determined shall be submitted to a referendum election of the persons who reside in the area to be affected and who are registered as voters in County elections. The ballots or the voting machines, as the case may be, shall contain a summary of the question with suitable provision for the voter to indicate a choice for or against it. If a majority of the persons voting on the question shall vote in favor of the proposal, it shall become authorized as proposed on the fourteenth (14th) day following the referendum. If not, the proposal shall be void and of no further effect whatsoever.

The County Board of Supervisors of Elections shall promptly notify the Council of the results of the referendum. All expenses incidental to the holding of the referendum shall be charged to and paid by the Council.