Article IX, § 4 — Local initiatives to provide for cooperation and organization of local government units

On or after January 1, 2001, the voters of any unit of local government shall have the right to initiate proposals for cooperation within or between local governmental units, either within or without the state, except as the Legislature shall provide otherwise by law. Such proposals may include combining, eliminating, and joint financing of offices, functions, and governmental units. Such proposals shall be adopted if approved at an election by a majority of the votes cast thereon in each affected unit. A number not less than fifteen percent of those voting in the last preceding gubernatorial election in each affected jurisdiction may by petition initiate the question of whether to adopt the proposal at the next general election.