(a) All questions on alternative county organization as proposed by ordinance of the county quorum court, or as proposed by initiated petitions filed by electors of the county pursuant to Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 7, shall be submitted to the electors of a county only at the general election following the adoption of the ordinance or filing of the petitions.
(b)
(1) Any ordinance or initiative petition submitting an alternative organization proposal to the voters shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the county no later than the first day of filing for the preferential primary immediately preceding the general election at which the alternative county government proposal shall be decided.
(2) If approved by a majority of those voting on the question, the proposed plan for alternative county organization shall become effective on January 1 following the general election at which the plan was approved by the electors, or two (2) years following the general election at which the plan was approved by the electors.