(a)        Resolution. – The board of commissioners of a county may direct the county board of elections to conduct an advisory referendum within the county on the question of whether a local sales and use tax at the rate of one-half percent (1/2%) may be levied in accordance with this Part. The election shall be held in accordance with the procedures of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 163-287 The board of commissioners shall hold a public hearing on the question at least 30 days before the date the election is to be held.

(b)        Ballot Question. – The form of the question to be presented on a ballot for a special election concerning the levy of a tax authorized by this Article shall be:

“[? ] FOR       [? ] AGAINST

One-half percent (1/2%) local sales and use taxes, in addition to the current local sales and use taxes, to be used only for public transportation systems.” ?(1997-417, s. 1; 2009-527, s. 2(a), (b); 2013-381, s. 10.10; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, ss. 3.1(a), (b), 6.1.)