When a petition signed by not less than twenty percent of the qualified electors of the county, as determined by the vote cast for the office of governor at the last preceding gubernatorial election, requesting an election upon the establishment of a weather modification authority is presented to the board of county commissioners, not later than forty-five days prior to the next countywide election, the board of county commissioners shall submit the question to the qualified electors of the county at the next countywide election. Upon approval by a majority of the votes cast on the question, the board of county commissioners shall, by resolution, establish a weather modification authority as described in section 61-04.1-23 with all powers set out in this chapter, including the power to certify a tax levy as provided by section 61-04.1-26.