(1) The governing body of the most populous city in a metropolitan statistical area may by resolution propose creation of a mass transit district if the governing body finds that area-wide mass transit needs cannot be met by local transit operation.
(2) The resolution of the governing body shall:
(a) Be considered at a public hearing only after notice as required for regular consideration of other resolutions by city charter or ordinance;
(b) Include findings of the need for creation of a mass transit district in the affected area;
(c) Describe the boundaries of the proposed district, which may be limited to a proposed service area but which may not extend beyond the limits of the city’s urban growth boundary; and
(d) If approved, be addressed to and filed with the governing body of the county in which the proposed district is principally situated.
(3) Upon receipt of the resolution under subsection (2) of this section, the county governing body shall commence district formation proceedings as provided in ORS 198.705 to 198.955.
(4) The county governing body shall order an election within the proposed district for approval or disapproval by the electors voting on the question of formation of a district under this section, notwithstanding the provisions of ORS 198.810 (3).
(5) A certified copy of an order forming a mass transit district shall be filed with the Governor. [1977 c.347 §2; 1979 c.585 §1; 1999 c.454 §3; 2009 c.11 §30; 2018 c.4 §1]