7-3-156. Effective date of alternative form or amendment -- officers. (1) A change in form of government or plan of government approved by the electors takes effect when the new officers take office pursuant to 7-3-161, except as otherwise provided in any charter or transition plan. A consolidation or merger plan adopted by the electors takes effect in the same manner.

(2) Provisions creating offices and establishing qualifications for office under any apportionment plan become effective immediately for the purpose of electing officials.

(3) An amendment to the plan of an existing form of government becomes effective at the beginning of the local government's fiscal year commencing after the election results are officially declared unless the plan provides for an increase in the number or type of elective officers, in which case the amendment takes effect when the new officers take office.