(1) The determination whether there is a need for a housing authority to function in a city or county may be made either by election as provided in this section or by the governing body of a city or county on its own motion. The governing body of the city or county shall order the election when a petition is filed as provided in this section.

(2) A petition under this section must state that there is a need for a housing authority to function.

(3) Except as provided in subsections (4) and (5) of this section, the requirements for preparing, circulating and filing a petition under this section shall be as provided for an initiative petition:

(a) In the case of a county, in ORS § 250.165 to 250.235.

(b) In the case of a city, in ORS § 250.265 to 250.346.

(4) Notwithstanding ORS § 250.325, a city governing body shall submit the question to the electors without first considering its adoption or rejection.

(5) If ORS § 250.155 makes ORS § 250.165 to 250.235 inapplicable to a county or if ORS § 250.255 makes ORS § 250.265 to 250.346 inapplicable to a city, the requirements for preparing, circulating and filing a petition under this section shall be as provided for an initiative petition under the county or city charter or an ordinance adopted under the county or city charter.

(6) An election under this section shall be conducted under ORS chapters 246 to 260, and:

(a) In the case of a city, must be held on a date specified in ORS § 221.230.

(b) In the case of a county, must be held on a date specified in ORS § 203.085.

(7) If the electors voting at the election favor the functioning of the housing authority, the governing body shall declare that there is need for such housing authority to function.

(8) The question of need shall not again be submitted at any election within one year immediately following the election at which the question was voted upon. [Amended by 1983 c.350 § 275]