(a) Except as provided in this section, appropriations for economic development projects by a governing body under this chapter shall not exceed in a fiscal year five percent (5%) of the total of the municipality's or county's unobligated general revenue and reserves of the previous fiscal year, without regard to the number of economic development projects.
(b)
(1) If a governing body chooses to participate in an economic development project that exceeds the five percent (5%) level under subsection (a) of this section in a fiscal year, the governing body shall secure a financial forecast and then determine whether the municipality or county will participate in the economic development project or projects.
(2) A financial forecast under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall be undertaken each time the five percent (5%) level under subsection (a) of this section is exceeded.
(c) The use of the whole or partial amount of revenue specifically dedicated by law, ordinance, or resolution and public vote for economic development for the purposes in this chapter are excluded from the restrictions and limitations of this section.