§ 160A-870.  Citizen petition for referendum on dissolution.

(a) The people may initiate a referendum on the resolution to dissolve the city by submitting a petition bearing the signatures and resident addresses of a number of qualified voters of the city equal to at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the whole number of voters who are registered to vote in city elections according to the most recent figures certified by the State Board of Elections. This petition must be submitted to the city clerk no later than 45 days after adoption of the resolution to dissolve the city. Upon receipt of a valid initiative petition, the council shall cease any action in furtherance of implementing the plan of action, call a special election on the question of dissolving the city, and shall give public notice in accordance with G.S. 163-287. The date of the special election shall be fixed on a date permitted by G.S. 163-287.

(b) A referendum to dissolve the city shall be printed on the ballot in substantially the following form:

"Shall (name of city) be dissolved?

( ) YES

( ) NO"

(c) If a majority of the votes cast on the ballot question shall be in the affirmative, the resolution to dissolve shall be sustained and put into effect as provided in this Part. If a majority of the votes cast shall be against the ballot question, the resolution to dissolve shall be void and of no effect. (2021-124, s. 6.)