(a) A county may create a retirement, disability, and death benefit system for its appointive officers and employees if a majority of the qualified voters of the county voting on the proposition approve the creation at an election called for that purpose and advertised in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the county once a week for four consecutive weeks before the election is held. Each member of a system shall contribute to the system an amount determined by the county, but not more than five percent of the member’s annual compensation paid by the county. The county shall contribute for each member an equal amount.
(b) The assets of a county system, after a sufficient portion is set aside each year to pay benefits as they accrue, shall be invested in bonds issued or guaranteed by the United States, this state, or counties or cities of this state.