(1) This section establishes the procedure that a district having fewer than five commissioners shall use to decide whether the number of commissioners should be increased to five. The proposition to increase the number shall be decided by election. The proposition shall be submitted at the next regular district election if a petition requesting an election on the proposition is filed as provided in this section. The requirement for preparing, circulating and filing a petition under this section shall be as provided for an initiative petition in ORS § 255.135 to 255.205.

(2) If a petition is filed under subsection (1) of this section, electors in the district may be nominated for the proposed additional position or positions under ORS § 255.235. The electors of the district voting at the regular district election at which the proposition is submitted shall vote for candidates to fill the proposed additional position or positions.

(3) If the proposition is approved by the electors of the district, the additional commissioner or commissioners, after first taking and subscribing the oath of office, shall be elected to the following terms:

(a) If one additional commissioner is elected under this section, the term of that commissioner shall expire June 30 next following the next regular district election at which less than one-half of the commissioners, including the additional commissioner, are elected.

(b) If more than one additional commissioner is elected, at the first regular meeting of the board after the newly elected commissioners take office, the newly elected commissioners shall determine by lot the length of term each shall hold office in a manner so as to comply with ORS § 558.400 (2). [1969 c.698 § 32; 1973 c.796 § 73; 1975 c.647 § 49; 1983 c.83 § 104; 1983 c.350 § 315; 1987 c.158 § 118]

[1969 c.698 § 34; repealed by 1971 c.23 § 12]