85-7-1974. Majority vote or petition necessary to contract with the state. (1) No contract may be made between an irrigation district and the state of Montana under 85-7-1971 through 85-7-1975 except on:

(a) approval by a majority vote of those voting on the question at an election conducted in accordance with Title 13, chapter 1, part 5, and 85-7-1710; or

(b) receipt of a petition signed by at least 60% in number and acreage of the holders of title or evidence of title to lands within the district. The petition must be addressed to the board of commissioners and must set forth the aggregate amount of money to be borrowed from various sources, including the coal severance tax bonding program provided for in Title 17, chapter 5, part 7, and the purpose for which the money will be used. The petition must include an affidavit certifying the signatures to the petition and must be filed with the secretary of the board of commissioners.

(2) In an election held for approval of a district contract under this section, the voting majority must own at least 50% of the acreage included in the district.