(1) Notwithstanding ORS § 311.716 and 311.718, when one of the circumstances listed in ORS § 311.716 occurs, the spouse of the taxpayer who claimed the deferral may elect to continue the homestead in its deferred status if:

(a) The spouse of the taxpayer is or will be 60 years of age or older not later than six months from the day the circumstances listed in ORS § 311.716 occur; and

(b) The homestead is the homestead of the spouse of the taxpayer and meets the requirements of ORS § 311.706.

(2) The election under subsection (1) of this section to continue the property in its deferred status by the spouse shall be filed in the same manner as a claim for deferral is filed under ORS § 311.704, not later than August 15 of the year following the calendar year in which the circumstances listed in ORS § 311.716 occur. Thereupon, the homestead with respect to which the deferral is claimed shall continue to be subject to special assessment deferral and the appropriate local officials shall cancel all actions taken under ORS § 311.718 and make any necessary correcting entries in their records. Subject to ORS § 311.729, the deferral shall continue until the special assessment for local improvement becomes delinquent under ORS § 311.718. [1977 c.859 § 8; 1985 c.167 § 12]