\nWhenever a referendum or election is held on the question of incorporation of a new municipality or the formation of a special district, the cost of the election shall be paid by the new municipality or special district in the event the voters approve of incorporation or creation and the new municipality or special district is established. If the voters disapprove and the new municipality or special district is not established, the cost of the election shall be paid by the county. The cost of the election shall be advanced by the county, which shall be reimbursed within 18 months of the date of election, by the municipality or special district if it is established. (1981, c. 786, s. 1; 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).)
North Carolina Legal Code