The provisions of ORS § 543.010, 543.050, 543.210, 543.220, 543.250, 543.260 and 543.290 to 543.610 shall not apply to cities, towns or other municipal corporations of this state, including utility districts organized under section 12, Article XI, Oregon Constitution, and legislation enacted thereunder; saving, however, to such cities, towns and other municipal corporations the rights and preferences specified in ORS § 543.260, 543.270 and 543.610. The Water Resources Commission shall exercise the powers in relation to utility districts as may be conferred upon the commission by any legislation providing for the creation of such utility districts. [Amended by 1985 c.673 § 144; 1991 c.869 § 7]